Saturday

The Fight for Exotic Pets

Gone are the days when the word "pet" usually meant having a dog, a cat, a parrot or a fish. These days, pets also come in the form of snakes, spiders, crocodiles, wolves, bears and animals we used to see only in zoos or on TV. The modern world is also the world of pet owners who prefer the exotic from the typical domesticated creatures of yore.

Although in some countries, keeping exotic pets is not much of an issue, in the United States, it has become a topic for debate. Presently, there are more than thirty states that have laws regarding exotic pets. These laws are, of course, meant to either regulate or prohibit the keeping of some exotic pets. As expected, these laws have either been praised or deemed unjust.

Basically, those who support legislation on exotic pets feel that people have no natural right to be keepers and caregivers of exotic pets. They say that by nature, exotic pets belong to the wild and should be kept there or in some wildlife preserve where they may at least live lives that resemble the wild. For them, exotic pets have no place in the urban jungle.

Of course, the primary reasons why they seek to return these exotics into the wild is because they believe that these pets may not be able to fare well in environments that are not wild. They are also of the opinion that certain exotic pets may endanger pet owners and people in general. It is not something new to hear news of a pet owner who has been bitten by a snake or strangled by a boa. Some say that this may not be the fault of the pets because exotic animals tend to function according to their nature, a nature which many thinks is only fit for the wild. For many who wish to exclusively keep exotic animals in the wild, it is their opinion that it is a great cruelty to keep animals away from their natural homes.

On the other side of the argument, exotic pet owners argue that there is hardly any room for wild environments in the modern world and that some exotic pets are in danger of becoming extinct. They, therefore, believe that the only way to propagate and care for these animals is to allow them to be taken care of by pet owners.

When faced with the counter argument of keeping exotic animals in zoos or wildlife preserves, pet owners contend that not many people have the same dedication and knowledge in caring for exotic pets as pet owners. They have cited cases of sick exotic animals being subjected to euthanasia because public animal caregivers do not know what to do with sick exotic animals.

What pet owners suggest is to intensify the education of fellow pet owners and people in general. They feel that legislation is not the answer but education.

It would be vastly convenient for all of us if there were some way to clearly communicate with these exotic animals. As matters stand however, it is nearly impossible to know if they prefer to be in the wild or in the care of their devoted pet owners. Their future therefore, lies in the hands of whoever among the warring kings of the urban jungle wins the right to determine where they belong.

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Are You a Casual Golfer

While there has never been a survey of golfers to determine what percentage of golfers could be considered casual golfers, it has to be at least 50%. Why is that true?

A casual golfer is a person who golfs strictly for the fun of it. That doesn't mean that the casual golfer doesn't try to improve. Much to the contrary, they thrive on the great golf shots they make, hoping that they might make more great shots on a more consistent basis.

They may have a desire to improve to the point where they might compete on some level--perhaps company tournaments or even club tournaments. However, they completely enjoy golfing without competing. They might compete with themselves but seldom against other people.

Casual golf could be considered and subset of recreational golf. It is the lower skill levels of recreational golf.

While there is no official designation for casual golf, the following characteristics of casual golf certainly sets casual golfers apart from recreational golfers.

1. Casual golfers often don't bother keeping score. If they do they seldom compare their scores with other times they've golfed on the same course. Most of the time they throw away the score card.

(Note: If they do have a great round, they keep the score card hoping that some day they might challenge that score.)

2. When they shank a shot, they take another shot and don't bother counting the shanked shot. And, if they're not keeping score, that don't even think about it. Particularly if there is no one behind them that they will hold up because they take an extra shot.

3. Casual golfers don't worry about whether their equipment is legal according to the USGA. They might even use collapsible and/or adjustable clubs such as the Divnick irons.

4. Casual golfers even play two or three or even four golf balls around the course when no one is behind them. They will play courses that have little traffic or at time when few other golfers are out on the course--such as in bad weather.

5. Casual golfers are heretics. They don't worry much about the USGA rules--within reason. (They don't hit the golf ball with a baseball bat or throw the golf ball around the course. They still use golf clubs and regular golf balls.) They might use tees on the fairway or in the rough so they can get a better shot at the ball.

They might improve their lies once in a while. They don't worry if their golf ball moves while addressing the ball.

We hear so much about playing by the rules--and golfers should if they are competing. However, if you're out just to have fun, and brag about an occasional great shot, then why worry about the rules.

Go out on the golf course to have fun and enjoy the scenery and fresh air!

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Sunday

Composting Is Good For the Soil And Good For The Soul

Gardening is a cherished past time and a productive activity, of that there is no doubt. Unfortunately, most gardeners are not toiling under the best of soil conditions.

Specifically, our soil is usually not in the most optimal condition. The prohibitive truth is that most soils have some underlying negative condition including nutritional deficiencies, excessive clay or sand, poor drainage quality, inadequate soil structure and aeration, and pH imbalance issues.

Fortunately, there is a fairly simple solution, only requiring a reasonable commitment on your part. It's known as composting and it involves the gathering of organic material that you've "created" and then periodically working these into your soil.

Controlled Rotting And Regular Rotation

Composting is essentially a process of controlled rotting where organic matter is gathered over time and left to decompose into an extremely beneficial soil conditioner that adds fertility and enhances soil structure.

The key to effective composting is to foster soil dwelling micro-organisms like fungi, bacteria, and also worms and insects that accumulate and then "treat" the debris you've stock piled. This activity will become readily apparent in time as your "pile" will begin to emanate an odor and even steam as you toss it around.

By consistently turning the decomposing material, it will break down into the some of best soil additive you can have. The composting process will take anywhere from several weeks to a couple years depending on the amount provided and the attention given.

Some Tips To Help Your Compost Decompose

There are some essentials to help it along. First off, composting requires heat so the sunnier, or less cool, the spot the better. Regardless of the spot, it must be accessible to water as pile moisture is another requirement of effective composting.

Another aspect is the size of the area or bin. While there is flexibility in this regard, do not pile it much higher than five feet as the sheer weight of the material will make it difficult to toss and turn adequately. Additionally, decomposition can slow while odors can increase under these circumstances. The ideal size is about a four-by-four square foot area, two to three feet in depth.

The compost matter needs oxygen to decompose so the pile should be rotated using a shovel and rake every few days to a week. Also, maintain moisture, but not sogginess, with a regular spritzing of water. Put gravel on the bottom to facilitate drainage, if necessary. Your compost should have the consistency of a squeezed wet sponge.

Another good idea is to shred materials like leaves and small branches before adding them to your compost. The decaying organisms work better on smaller materials comprising a lot of surface area.

When To Add Your Compost To Your Garden

The general rule of thumb for applying your compost is to add four to six inches four months before planting, two to three inches if you plant in the next two months and just one inch if you plant any sooner.

The decayed matter takes some time to fully integrate into the planting bed but the more decayed the matter, the quicker the beneficial effects. Also, when doing so, make sure to avoid large chunks that can cause air pockets to form in the soil.

Use A Variety Of Materials For Your Compost

To provide the greatest range of nutrients make your compost from a variety of materials but absolutely exclude diseased or pest infested plant matter, meat scraps, weed roots, and oils and fats.

Recommended items include coffee grounds, egg shells, fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, shredded paper, shredded leaves and plant clippings, sawdust, and fireplace ashes.

Types Of Composting Containers

Composting bins can be store-bought or home-made. When going with the factory made offerings consider the barrel-shaped types that can be rotated by turning a crank. This turning action can vastly increase the rate of decay. If going the home made route, simple fencing materials or cinder blocks can be used to form a relatively large composting area.

Regardless of how you go about it, composting is likely the best continuing practice that a gardener can undertake. It amends the soil like nothing else will, giving you a bountiful vegetable harvest and blooming flowers and herbs.

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