Fainting Goats

Fainting Goats

Fainting Goats

myotonic goat, otherwise known as the fainting goat, is a domestic goat whose muscles freeze for roughly 10 seconds when the goat feels panic. Though painless, this generally results in the animal collapsing on its side. The characteristic is caused by a hereditary genetic disorder called myotonia congenita. When startled, younger goats will stiffen and fall over. Older goats learn to spread their legs or lean against something when startled, and often they continue to run about in an awkward, stiff-legged shuffle. Slightly smaller than standard breeds of the goat, fainting goats are generally 43 to 64 cm (17 to 25 in) tall and can weigh anywhere from 27 to 79 kg (60 to 170 lb). Males, or bucks, as they are often referred to can be as heavy as 200 pounds.  They have large, prominent eyes in high sockets. Their hair can be short or long, with certain individuals producing a great deal of cashmere during colder months. There appears to be no angora strain of the fainting goat. Common coat colours are black and white; however, most possible coat colours are found in this breed.

Fainting goats have many other names, including Myotonic Goats, Tennessee (Meat) Goats, Nervous Goats, Stiff-leg Goats, Wooden-leg Goats, and Tennessee Fainting Goats. They are smaller and somewhat easier to care for and maintain than larger meat goat breeds, which makes the fainting goat desirable for smaller farms. They are also raised as pet or show animals as they can be friendly, intelligent, easy to keep, and amusing. The “Fainting Goat” myth was tested on the U.S. television show Mythbusters

Fainting goats have a muscle condition, which is called myotonia congenita. This is a condition which occurs in many species, including humans. The goats do not truly “faint” in any sense of the word, as they never lose consciousness because of their myotonia. They remain fully conscious.  Read More At wikipedia

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Paws For Thought

Paws for thought

Paws For Thought

Your pet is a beloved member of the family so it can be a tough call when it comes to food. Your four-legged friend gazes longingly at what you’re eating and, no doubt, you’re tempted to share with them. But the chances are that, if you do, you won’t be doing your pet any favours. In fact, food that may be find for humans can unfortunately be hazardous for our furry friends.

Foods that can harm dogs, cats and other pets:

  • Avocado contains persin, which causes respiratory distress and fluid build-up around the heart in birds. It also causes mastitis and heart problems in rabbits and other rodents. In dogs it can cause an upset stomach.
  • Caffeine found in tea, coffee, soft drinks and chocolate stimulate an animal’s nervous system and can damage the heart, lungs and kidneys.
  • Chocolate abounds around the Easter season. It contains both caffeine and theobromine, a chemical compound that makes humans feel good but which causes sickness in dogs and cats. Even small amounts cause dogs to vomit and have diarrhoea, in larger doses it can be fatal
  • .Cooked Bones splinter and are very sharp. They can puncture the digestive tract anywhere from the mouth onward, or get stuck and cause an intestinal blockage.
  • Grapes, Raisins and Sultanas can cause vomiting, lethargy and depression in dogs.
  • Macadamia Nuts contain a chemical that in some dogs causes muscle weakness, joint swelling and paralysis.
  • Onions and garlic damage red blood cells in dogs, producing a sort of anaemia that can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy.
  • Stonefruit, especially apricots have seeds that are just the right size to get stuck in a dog’s gut. Corn cobs are also notorious for getting stuck.
  • Sugar free products may contain xylitol which is an artificial sweetener that stimulates a dog’s pancreas to produce extra insulin. This can lead to seriously low blood sugar and liver damage in dogs within just 30 minutes. Ferrets are also susceptible to adverse reactions from xylitol.
  • Easter Lilies are deadly for cats. The leaves, flowers, stems and even the pollen of plants in the Liliaceae family lilies cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats. If you have a cat, the best idea is to ban lilies from your home and garden. If you think your cat has mouthed or eaten a lily, go straight to the vet as your cat will need intravenous fluids and other support.

So when you get the puppy dog eyes, offer your pet a toy or a liver treat while you indulge in “human” food.  Keep the whole family happy and healthy, fur-babies and human babies!

Source:   http://blog.coles.com.au/2013/04/01/paws-for-thought/

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Wogs visit Aussies on Australia Day

Wogs visit Aussies on Australia Day

THE Sydney creator of a YouTube comic phenomenon known as Superwog is fighting to stop his alter ego being stripped from him by the entertainment giant DC Comics, the owner of Superman.

Theodore Saidden, 22, applied for a trademark registration for Superwog and a stylised shield logo for his character, which has gained popularity among university and school students online.

DC Comics, a division of Time Warner, the largest entertainment company in the world, and owner of comic characters including Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern and The Flash, is far from amused. It has engaged the legal firm Baker & McKenzie and has filed its opposition to the registration application with IP Australia.

Mr Saidden, a final-year business law student at the University of Technology, Sydney, said he had received a letter two months ago ordering him to close his website and stop producing T-shirts and stickers with the Superwog logo.

”I have been accused of stealing the identity of Superman and misleading people with my character,” said Mr Saidden, who is of Egyptian and Greek background. ”They told me the public would think that Superman is endorsing Superwog.”

Inspired by the comedians Chris Lilley and Sacha Baron Cohen, Mr Saidden and his friends created the character two years ago. Since then, satirical instructional videos have appeared on YouTube, which led to demand for merchandise and paid appearances.

”This is quite crushing,” Mr Saidden said. ”I am just trying to make people laugh.

”Their lawyers have come back to us saying I can keep using the name Superwog but not register it as a trademark. But this is just ridiculous; they are not the same.

”I was just trying to do things properly and you get punished.”

An intellectual property lawyer, Trevor Choy, said DC Comics was staging a pre-emptive strike.

”DC Comics don’t know where Superwog will end up – it could stay as a small website selling novelty tees, or it could one day end up as a TV series or film.

”Or worse, what if slackness in this case encourages others to come up with Superaussie, Superkid and Superwidget? DC Comics could lose millions because their licensees will be reluctant to pay the current high licensing fees. They can’t afford to take the risk.”

Mr Choy believed DC Comics was acting correctly and the Super- wog logo was an obvious and deliberate parody of the Superman logo.

Baker & McKenzie did not respond to inquiries from The Sun-Herald.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/dc-comics-battles-a-comic-character-20100911-155xy.html#ixzz2OyDwAWjQ

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Fatten Up Retirement Savings in 3 Steps

 

Fatten Up Retirement Savings in 3 Steps

 

Fatten Up Retirement Savings in 3 Steps
Fatten Up Retirement Savings in 3 Steps

For some aging adults, the retirement piggy bank is looking too slim, especially for those unable to max out 401(k) plans or individual retirement accounts (IRA) every year.Remember when hard-working seniors were able to look forward to retirement as the chance to travel and savor relaxed family visits?

The National Institute on Retirement Security (NIRS) discovered that expectations for the so-called “good life” deflated back in 2011. NIRS research found only 11 percent of consumers assume retirement will include activities like travel, dining out at restaurants, hobbies and overall leisure-time. Most just hope they’ll be able to sustain their lifestyle without having to work or rely on others.

It’s not surprising that research indicates pensioners are better financially prepared for retired life. But the traditional pension has declined over the past 30 years, making it even tougher for middle-income adults to save enough for a stable nest egg.

Consider the following advice when saving for retirement to make the most of your golden years.

1. When it comes to investing, keep it simple.

Unless you’ve got a step up on the market flux, be smart and cautious. For soon-to-be retirees, CNN Money suggests avoiding individual stocks, niche funds and most ETFs (exchange-traded funds). Try to boost returns without assuming added risk by aiming for lower costs and low-expense funds. Straightforward, diversified portfolios will get you farther in the long run.

2. Utilize investment help.

If you’re managing your own portfolio and retirement accounts, investment guide tools can be incredibly useful. Services such as USelfDirect.com offer retirement education and investment help for any self-directed investor trying to maximize IRA or 401(k) growth. “My motto is ‘athletes do not rest, they build.’ But when it comes to preparing for retirement, sometimes you need help to know what to build,” explains Marshall Faulk, USelfDirect.com board member and former NFL star, who also created the Marshall Faulk Foundation to help San Diego youth. “Do you know which tax advantaged accounts provide the easiest way to score the most benefits?” Find answers at www.uselfdirect.comor call 800-242-1380.

3. Save more as income grows.

This seems obvious, but when adults receive a salary bump they should factor that into their allotted retirement savings. Resist the temptation to buy that new TV or king-sized bed — even though you deserve it — and put more toward the retirement plan or IRA. If you indulge in more luxurious living with every bit of income growth, it’ll be harder to maintain that lifestyle during retirement.

NewsUSA

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NASA contractor United Space Alliance migrated to Linux from Windows

NASA contractor United Space Alliance migrated to Linux from Windows and went to The Linux Foundation for help with training.

logo nasa, NASA contractor United Space Alliance migrated to Linux from Windows

It’s hard to get tech support 400 kilometers away from the Earth, which is why Keith Chuvala of United Space Alliance, a NASA contractor deeply involved in Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) operations, decided to migrate to Linux. As leader of the Laptops and Network Integration Teams, Chuvala oversees the developers in charge of writing and integrating software for the Station’s “OpsLAN” – a network of laptops that provide the ISS crew with vital capabilities for day-to-day operations, from telling the astronauts where they are, to inventory control of the equipment used, to interfacing with the cameras that capture photos and videos.

“We migrated key functions from Windows to Linux because we needed an operating system that was stable and reliable – one that would give us in-house control. So if we needed to patch, adjust or adapt, we could.” With the transition to Linux looming, Chuvala turned to the Linux Foundation’s Linux training program for help.

Expert training produces seamless Linux migration

With a goal of getting his team up to speed on developing applications in Linux, Chuvala was looking for solid training that would address various skill levels. The Linux Foundation’s training staff arranged two courses geared specifically for the USA/NASA team’s needs: Introduction to Linux for Developers and Developing Applications For Linux. Both training sessions were adapted to provide tailored instruction for the diverse group.

Dominic Duval, the Director of Enterprise Training, was able to leverage the group’s mixed backgrounds, augment their existing knowledge with Linux-specific skills, and prepare them for developing apps related specifically to the needs of the ISS. Chuvala was extremely pleased with the expertise and flexibility Duval provided the team. “Initially, I was worried about some of our real techie guys getting ‘bored,’” said Chuvala. “But that was not the case at all. Likewise, the new people were sufficiently challenged.”

Read more: www.linux.com/news/featured-blogs/191-linux-training/711318-linux-foundation-training-prepares-the-international-space-station-for-linux-migration

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Jack Russell – Today’s Furry Friend

Jack Russell – Today’s Furry Friend

Jack Russell - Todays Furry Friend

In brief

• Smart, playful, charming, and energetic

• Requires plenty of stimulation and exercise

• Relatively free of genetic and health problems

 

Origins

Today’s Jack Russell Terrier is a descendant of the fox hunting terriers bred in England by the Reverend Jack Russell in the mid 1800s. As an avid sportsman, Rev. Russell had his own pack of hounds, however, his wish was for a smaller, agile dog that could keep up with the pack, and have the smarts to outfox foxes. Intent on making his vision come true, Rev. Russell began his breeding program with a small tan and white terrier bitch called Trump, who went on to become a legend in the Jack Russell lineage – her portrait still hangs today at the British Royal Family’s Sandringham estate.

 

Personality, characteristics and temperament

Intelligent, athletic, fearless, vocal, bold, plucky, spirited, active, alert, confident, tough, charming, friendly, outgoing, cheerful, brave, eager, and tenacious: these are some of the adjectives used to describe the Jack Russell Terrier.

 

This is a dog with the kind of intelligence that needs to be challenged on a daily basis, not just with physical exercise but mental stimulation, as well. The Jack Russell’s acuity is what makes it a highly trainable dog, which makes the breed a standout in dog competitions – the more you give a Jack Russell to learn and do, the happier it will be.

 

The flipside is that boredom is its worst enemy. Leave a Jack Russell to its own devices and it will eventually wreak havoc, partly as a result of separation anxiety, and partly for something to do. With this breed often referred to as ‘a large dog trapped in a little dog’s body,’ the Jack Russell is not the best pet to keep in an apartment.

Read more:  http://www.friendsfurever.com.au/FurOPedia/jack-russell.aspx

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I’m Too Sexy For My Hoodie

I'm Too Sexy For My Hoodie

Picture Source: http://puppypicturesplease.com/thuggin/

I’m Too Sexy For My Hoodie

RSPCA Our History
The first Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Australia was formed in Victoria in 1871. On July 4th a public meeting was arranged by the Society for the Promotion of Public Morality to discuss the carefree colonial attitude towards animals. The main concern of people who attended the public meeting was the ill treatment of horses.

Become a Volunteer
Are you passionate about animal welfare and want to make a difference by being involved?

Are you dedicated and willing to make a regular commitment to help animals – animals that have been displaced, abandoned and possibly neglected and abused?

If so, you may be just the person we are looking for to become an RSPCA NSW Volunteer.

Volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA NSW team and play an active part in supporting our work to improve the welfare of animals and protect them from cruelty and neglect. Volunteering involves dedication, commitment and passion. It is a great way to meet new people and be directly involved in the animal welfare cause.

There are many volunteer roles available; some involving contact with animals, while others provide support without direct contact with animals. Opportunities exist to assist with animal care, administration, events, customer service and local community fundraising (roles available may differ between shelters and branches).

Please click on a link below for further information.

http://www.rspcansw.org.au/get_involved/become_a_volunteer

 

Driving Dogs in New Zealand

Driving Dogs in New Zealand

Driving Dogs in New Zealand

Rescued stray dogs in New Zealand learn to drive

Help save a Woof Woof life:  http://www.spca.org.nz/default.aspx

IN a world already full of road hogs this is perhaps the last thing you want to see in the rear view mirror. Animal experts are teaching dogs how to drive.

Astonishingly, it took three mutts just eight weeks to master the basics in wooden carts. They then graduated to a modified Mini in which they sat on their haunches in the driver’s seat with their paws on the steering wheel.

Their feet go on extension levers which are attached to the accelerator and the brake while their paw rests on the gearstick.

The experiment was set up by an animal welfare group in New Zealand which wanted to show the public how intelligent dogs are.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will put Porter, a ten-month old beardie cross, Monty, an 18-month-old schnauzer cross, and Ginny, a one-year-old beardie whippet cross to the test in a live broadcast next Monday.

Mark Vette, who is schooling the dogs, said: ‘”We train them to do different actions, touch is the first thing and then we teach them to touch the different objects with the right paw and left paw. They’ve all come through at this point and they’re all going really well”.

Rescued stray dogs in New Zealand learn to drive

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/world-news/rescued-dogs-in-new-zealand-learn-how-to-drive/story-fndir2ev-1226530972136#ixzz2MRFjNWZF

 

Sony PS4 Announced – IGN Daily Fix – IGN Video

The Sony PS4 will hit shelves this year – Holiday 2013 – but the look of the device is still firmly under wraps, with no hardware being revealed at its launch event in New York beyond the new DualShock 4 controller and a stereo camera.

Sony PS4 launch – hardware and specs

However, the Sony PS4 isn’t a total mystery – Sony was plenty forthcoming with features and specs for its next-gen gaming console. The Sony PS4 will pack in an X86 processor with eight CPU cores, an “enhanced PC GPU” and 8GB GDDR5 RAM.
What does that mean for gamers? Sony claims an “exponential leap over its predecessors” in terms of processing power, with the Sony PS4 able to suspend and resume gameplay simply by hitting the power button; the console will boot up immediately when you switch it on and restore your game state. The Sony PS4 will also be able to upload and download games in the background – even when the power button’s off – while you’ll be able to play downloaded games as soon as you purchase them, as the game files are downloading.

The Sony PS4 will also feature always on video compression and decompression – letting you seamlessly upload gameplay recordings. The idea, according to Sony, is to make sharing videos of gameplay as ubiquitous as screenshots are now. You’ll also be able to share live streams of ongoing games – more on that later.

Sony PS4 launch – DualShock 4 controller

The one piece of Sony PS4 hardware that Sony was willing to share was the DualShock 4 controller. Closely resembling the layout of the current PS3 controller, the DualShock 4 adds enhanced rumble capabilities, a Share button and touch pad along with a headphone jack and light bar. The latter lets the PS4’s stereo camera track and identify the controller in 3D – the console will also play nice with existing PlayStation Move controllers.

Visit IGN for more.

PS4 Announced, PS News Overload, IGN Daily Fix – IGN Video
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Old Fashioned Uses For Baking Soda

While doing research for this article, we were amazed at the number of uses for baking soda. When one looks back in history, before we had such a huge array of different cleaning products, baking soda was one of the items most frequently used. It worked great, it was economical and best of all it was safe to use.

Old Fashioned Uses For Baking Soda

In fact, Grandma had hundreds of uses for baking soda. At Everyday Wisdom, LLC, we have collected some of the most popular ones. They are time tested and they work.

If you have additional tips involving uses for baking soda, add them at “Submit A Tip,” and we will be glad to add them to this list.

1. One of the most popular uses for baking soda is to deodorize your refrigerator. Just place an open container inside, stir every couple of weeks, replace it every couple of months.


2. After you have used the baking soda in the refrigerator, don’t throw it away! Put it in the sink drain or garbage disposal. Add a cup of vinegar and let it stand overnight. Run hot water through it in the morning; it will help keep drains clean and smelling fresh.

3. One of the more important uses for baking soda: Keep a box of baking soda near the stove. In case of a grease fire, you can sprinkle baking soda on the fire to extinguish the flames. This will not damage counter tops or the pans. It is safe for use on electrical fires.

4. Baking soda will also put out fires from gasoline, burning clothes, rugs and upholstery.

5. Give your deck a weathered look by adding two cups of baking soda to one gallon of water. Use a stiff brush to spread onto the surface area. Work in the direction of the grain. Let it sit for an hour then rinse with cool water.

6. Acid burns caused by battery acid, drain openers and toilet bowl cleaners can be neutralized by immediately washing the area with cold water. Then sprinkle baking soda on the effected area.

7. With a damp cloth, sprinkle dry baking soda on it to make a great cleaner for refrigerators, freezers and fiberglass shower stalls.

8. For stains on marble, formica, or plastic surfaces, a paste of baking soda and water will clean them up quick and easy.

9. Thermos bottles can be cleaned by putting 2 tablespoons of baking soda inside. Add hot water until it is ¾ full. Put the cap on and shake for several minutes. Drain and rinse. It will be clean as new.

10. After using coolers, mix baking soda and water to wipe down the inside to get rid of odors. Rinse out, let dry and store them. Put some baking soda in a small plastic container. Put holes in the lid and store it inside of your cooler. The cooler will smell fresh for the next time you use it.

11. Wash glass or stainless steel coffee pots with some baking sode. It will remove the film that builds up on the inside. It will also make your coffee taste better. Never use on aluminum coffee pots.

12. To clean the inside working area of coffeemakers: Mix baking soda, 2 tablespoons in 10 cups of water, and run it through its cycle. Dump water down the drain (yes its good for the drain). Then run one more pot of water through to rinse remaining residue from the inside of the coffeemaker. Read More:   http://www.everyday-wisdom.com/uses-for-baking-soda.html