my hobby : Deer Senses and Camouflage

Sight, Scent, Sound, “Camouflage”

If a hunter is attempting to avoid the detection of deer while archery hunting, he must pay particular attention to sight, scent and sound. Deer hunting matches the hunter’s stealth against the deer’s alertness. You must check these three items for any flaws in your hunting game plan, before you start your trek into the woods.

The whitetail deer, along with many other big game animals are extremely alert in order to try and stay alive by evasive action, but its wariness does stop at some point. A deer can’t, of course, raise its tail and run eternally. Instead, a deer will evaluate the situation and make the decision of whether to expend the energy to get the heck out of here or wait it out. When confronted with various events in their own environment they may decide to stick around, and be more alert until their curiosity is satisfied about anything strange that may have occurred in their immediate area. By this I mean, they may have thought they saw you, but aren’t quite sure, that is if you have good camouflage clothing on and your surroundings are similar.

A deer’s eye sight is believed by scientist to be able to see only in black and white, while the elk is believed to see some amount of color. I truly believe the hunter should try to blend in with the woodland terrain by donning background-colored clothing and being as inconspicuous as possible. There are many different types and styles of hunting camo. Some of these are; Trebark, Mossy Oak, RealTree and one of my favorites is Sticks-N-Limbs. Covering your face with some kind of camo is also very important. Except in snowy conditions, an archery hunter wearing or using any white material negates his camouflage because deer will quickly notice white objects. Regardless of color perception by a deer or other big game animal, it is movement that will evoke their final response.

I believe most big game animals or maybe even all big game animals are geniuses at interpreting scent. It’s simple; they smell you and they are gone! An archery hunter may fool a deer’s eyes, but it’s much harder to remain undetected by the deer’s sensitive nostrils. By trying to mask your scent with fox, skunk or sex scents, this may be the only defense you have unless you are able to stay down wind from your deer or other animal. During the rut, however, the archer might opt to go with a deer’s general alertness and aggressively entice the bucks with pheromone-based sex lures. Hunting in tree stands several feet above the ground can keep his scent pool dispersed in air currents above the level of the deer. Throughout my almost fifty years of hunting, this has been the best defense toward sight and scent.

Deer constantly know the difference between natural woodland sounds and those they think represent danger. The metallic bump or the closing of a vehicle door and the squeaking tree stand can all foil the archery hunt. But, by keeping your archery equipment maintained and in good working order, you may be able to keep all these sounds from happening.

KEEP YOUR SENSES!

My name is Ted Lake and I'm building a website in memory of my dad Deuaine Lake. This site is all about Archery and Archery Hunting. My dad started me when I was 5 years old (1956) and I've continued to teach both my boys the same respect for the sport of archery. Please feel welcome to visit my free website at http://www.complete-archery-information.com
my hobby
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ted_Lake

my hobby : Take the Scare out of Auto Repair

1. How to choose a repair shop. What you should look for when choosing a repair shop

Ask for a recommendation from friends, family, and anyone else you really trust. Look for a repair shop before you need one so you are not rushed at the last minute to find one.

Use the telephone, shop around by phone to compare prices and Warranty policies on the repair to find your best deal.

Ask to see their current licenses if local and/or state law requires shops to be licensed or registered. Also your state Attorney General office or local consumer protection agency, BBB and Chamber of Commerce may know if there are a record of complaints against a particular shop.

If you have an Extended Warranty Contract and intend to use it present it to the shop to make sure it will be honored before any work is started.

2. How To Find The Right Automotive Technician. And is one automotive technician better than another.

Look for shops that display various certifications of their technicians, like an ASE certification seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet a basic standard of knowledge and experience in a specific technical area, if the certification states the tech is a Master certified tech that means the tech has passed tests and meets the standard for all areas of repair.

Also make sure that the certifications are all current as the mechanics have to be re tested every few years to make sure they stay up to date with changing technology, but remember just because the shop is certified does not always guarantee good or honest work. This is where investigating the shop/techs will pay off.

And make sure you ask the shop/mechanic if they have experience working on the make/model of your vehicle as some shops may not have the experience working on your import if the specialize in domestic cars and vise versa.

3. Unlocking the Mystery of Repair Charges

Before arranging to have any work done to your car, ask what the shops pricing policy is. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on vehicle repair. The rate is based on an independent or manufacturer estimate of the time required to complete a repair. Some shops will charge actual time the tech works on the vehicle. Most shops use the flat rate system and this is usually the best for the customer as there is no wiggle room for the tech to "make time" on a repair.

If you need an expensive repair or a complicated repair or if you question the required repair, consider getting a second opinion. Just think of it as going to a doctor for major surgery and you want to make sure the doctor is right.

Find out if there is a diagnostic charge if you decide to take the vehicle some where else for the repair. Many shops will charge you for diagnosis time if you have repairs done or not, most will deduct it from repair bill if work done at their shop.

Where ever you get the repairs done, make sure you ask for a written estimate and the written estimate should include the following: It should state what is being repaired, the parts and parts cost needed and the labor cost for the repair. Make sure you get a signed copy before you leave the shop.

Also the Repair Order should state that the shop will contact you before they do any extra repair or time that exceeds the original estimate. State law requires this. In most states shops can only charge up to $25.00 over estimate on repair before contacting you. Most honest shops will contact you first before doing adding any excess charges.

Make sure you know about parts that are to be repaired or replaced, parts are classified as:

New-These parts are made to original manufacturer specification either by the vehicle manufacturer or and independent company, such as NAPA etc. Prices will vary from Original Manufacturer original equipment or an after market manufacturer and you should be informed of what is used or decided which you want replace on your vehicle.

Re-manufactured, rebuilt or reconditioned.-All three of these terms generally mean the same thing. It means the respective part has been restored to original working condition. Most of these parts will have standard warranty on them from 30 days to a lifetime depending or the part and reman. company. Usealy this includes just the part and not labor to replace it.

Salvage-These are used parts taken from another vehicle without any alteration from vehicles in a salvage yard. These parts carry a 30 day guarantee depending on the part and salvage yard. Most electrical parts from a salvage yard is bought as is.

After the repair is completed make sure you get the completed repair order showing work done and parts replaced. It should list the repair , parts used, cost of parts and cost of labor. Make sure you check the odometer from when you brought the vehicle in and when you pick it up, there should not be any difference in the miles unless a road test was needed after the repair to make sure everything was working properly. Ask to see all the replaced parts, you are entitled to take them with you if you want with the exception of a part that was replaced and needs to have the old part returned as a core. The shop is charged a core charge for the old part until it is returned to Parts store, if you want to take this part you can if you pay the core charge. Sometimes these are very high depending on the part as they are sent back to a rebuilder to be reconditioned, large parts (transmissions, engines etc.) and electrical parts are most expensive.

I will be adding additional articles on this and other Automotive subjects, so if you found this interesting and informative go to www.jtcbiz.com and click on the Article button bottom left to read more CarFacts and information. While you are at www.jtcbiz.com check out the other information there.

Jack Cooper is the owner of www.jtcbiz.com

Jack Cooper
Occupation: Auto Appraiser/Inspector
Website: http://www.jtcbiz.com

Biography: I have over 40 years experience in the Automotive field, from ASE Master Tech to owner of my own repair shop and have been doing Automotive Appraisals and extended warranty/pre-purchase inspections for the past 12 years.

I have been working on building and just about anything connected with cars all my life. I have been a Drag Racer (early years) drove stock cars (asphalt and dirt) built Hot Rods and restored classic cars, so have been around just about any type of vehicle you can imagine.

My hobby is NASCAR and building web-sites. My current web-site http://www.jtcbiz.com is a site I started several years ago as an information site for Cars and expanded into trucks, 4X4's, ATV's, Motorcycles and NASCAR. The site started out to be a business site, hence the jtcbiz name, but turned into a site on vehicles so don't be alarmed with site name as it had a lot of exposure so I left the name.
Thanks
Jack Cooper
http://www.jtcbiz.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_Cooper

my hobby : Why Should You Be Writing For The Internet?

I have been writing professionally for more than two decades. I have worked as a professional writer and editor for newspapers, books and magazines for local, regional, and international audiences. My primary financial support has always been either professional writing (or editing) or the teaching of writing. In fact, my initial foray into writing for the internet was not intended to be a profitable venture but rather a way to express myself when I made the transition to teaching writing full-time. I knew that after decades of writing daily that I would need that outlet. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that my hobby could actually earn more than my professional ventures? That is why I encourage my students and my writer friends to explore internet writing for fun and profit. There are three good reasons for writers to spend at least a sizable chunk of their writing time writing for the internet.

First, and foremost, if you are a writer then you need an audience. If you are reading this article then you know there is a huge audience accessing their reading material via the internet. Unlike the reading audience of traditional printed material the internet reading audience is growing exponentially. More and more people are forgoing traditional newspapers, magazines, and books to subscribe to ezines, web pages, blogs, and RSS feeds. If you can find your audience on the internet than that is a very good reason to write for the web.

Another good reason for writers to transition to the web is that is where the money is today. While money can be made through the traditional avenues of publishing books, selling articles, or working as a writer for hire it is getting more and more difficult for established, proven writers to make a living and extremely difficult for newcomers to break in at a livable wage. However writers can start up their own business fast and cheap or work for hire to learn the ropes and build up their nest egg. Trying to do either of those things in the traditional publishing world will not find success.

Finally, or third, there is a niche for everyone on the internet. Most traditional publishing methods are limited to a specific region due to the cost of printing and distribution. However neither is a consideration on the internet so writers can reach audiences around the globe. This means that what may seem a rather small niche (of say people who collect dachshund sweaters) may well find their audience is hundreds, thousands, or even millions. That means there is a need for articles and publications for these folks. As an avid dachshund sweater collector yourself you are an ideal writer for any publications currently serving this niche and if there aren't any then you have a wide-open field to start your own.

These three simple reasons should be enough for any writer to consider writing for the web. The internet is a great place to break in and get started as a professional writer and the internet is an even better place for the established pro to profit.

Deanna Mascle shares more writing advice with her blog and newsletter Word Craft Online at http://WordCraftOnline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Deanna_Mascle

my hobby : Candle Making: Hobby or Business?

I remember the day I made my first wax candle at home, with supplies bought from a local store. I just couldn’t get over my amazement at how much like a ‘real candle’ my effort looked, just as I could not believe how relatively simple it had been. It was my friend Charlene, an aromatherapy expert, who had initiated me in the art of candle making, and today, I have a lot to thank her for. It is very gratifying when friends and family sing my candles’ praises, and blindly trust me to make them the best-looking and sweetest-smelling candles.

Plenty of people have suggested that I start selling my products, because from the initial wax candles, I had soon branched out to include aromatic candles and gel candles in my repertoire. Though I confess to being too lazy to run an organized business, I know plenty of people who have turned their hobby of candle making into a lucrative profession.

The money-spinning aspect of candle making has become prominent of late, as the candle has grown in popularity to become many things to many people. While aromatherapy enthusiasts swear by the soothing properties of a scented candle, interior decorators declare that there is nothing like a well-positioned set of candles to beautify a room.

Given the circumstances, it is hardly a surprise that candle making as an art is constantly gaining in popularity. Today, there are hundreds of books, web sites and both online and offline classes that teach the art of making candles. For candle aficionados like Charlene, who taught candle making before switching to aromatherapy, teaching the art is only partly about making money. “It gives me a chance to share something I love,” she once told me.

Why does one want to learn candle making? For me, whom not many (including myself) thought was a particularly creative person, candle making offered a chance to find out whether that was indeed so. Having once begun, it was impossible to stop, despite the hours of patient effort I had to put in. Along the way, I discovered that candle making required great determination and discipline, not to mention time. But believe me, once you have mastered the art, the level of satisfaction makes all the effort worthwhile.

That is not say that all types of candles require the same degree of time and effort. Some are also more expensive than others, but as you get better at the craft, you will find your own little shortcuts and innovations, which will help make your candles unique and cost-effective. I know, because I have been there and experience, as they say, is the best teacher. But whatever you do, please remember to adopt proper safety measures at all times, and don’t lose heart if your initial attempts don’t bear the kind of fruit you expect!

Tania Penwell is a successful author who provides information on candle making and candle making supplies for Candles 4U.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tania_Penwell

my hobby : Taxing Your eBay Profits

As a small business person-slash-advice columnist I dread the first quarter of the new year. Not because in my mind my own business fortunes start at zero again every January or because I have already dismissed every New Year’s resolution I made when the clock rang out the New Year.

No, the reason I dread the first quarter of the new year is that my email box floods with questions about business taxes and the IRS, my two least favorite subjects on earth. It’s not that I am opposed to paying my fair share of business taxes. It’s that I consider the IRS to be a little like Beetlejuice, the movie demon who appeared only after his name was called three times in a row. My fear is if I write too many IRS columns their dark agents may appear on my doorstep, ready to drag me away to an uncertain fate.

Oh well, one must do his duty no matter the consequences, so here we go….

Q: I am starting a small retail business. While talking to a potential supplier last week he asked for my EIN number. I had no idea what he was talking about, so I told him I would have to get back with him because I didn’t have the number handy. What is an EIN number and why do I need one? -- Robert P.

A: Robert, do you remember the old Johnny Rivers song “Secret Agent Man?” There was a line that said, “They’re giving you a number and taking away your name.” An EIN isn’t as cool as a secret agent number, but it works much the same way when it comes to your business’ relationship with the IRS. Instead of identifying your business by name, the IRS identifies your business by EIN.

EIN stands for Employer Identification Number and is also known as a federal tax ID number. The EIN is a nine-digit number that the IRS assigns to businesses and is used to identify taxpayers that are required to file various business tax returns.

Does your business need an EIN? According to the IRS the answer is yes if:

· Your business has employees

· Your business is a corporation or partnership

· You file returns for Employment, Excise, or Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms tax

· You withhold taxes on income (other than wages) paid to a non-resident alien.

· Your business has a Keogh plan

· Your business involves trust, estate, real estate mortgage investment conduits, non-profit, farmers’ cooperatives, or plan administrators.

Applying for an EIN is a relatively painless task. You can apply online at the IRS website (irs.gov), apply by mail or telephone, or if you do business in a state that participates in the Federal Employer Identification Number project you can apply through you local IRS office (sorry, Alabama is not one of them).

You will need an EIN number prior to filing business returns with the IRS, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to obtain one. For more information on EINs and your business, consult your accountant.

And while we’re on the subject …

Q: I made extra money selling things on eBay last year. These were items I picked up at yardsales mostly. My husband says I am responsible for paying income tax on the money I made, but I disagree. This is just my hobby, not a business. What do you think? -- Gladys A.

A: With so many people selling on eBay these days this is a question I get quite a bit. In fact, I have plans for a future “eBay and taxes” column, but I believe your question is more, “is it a hobby or is it a business?”

Again, I went to the horse’s mouth (at least I think it was the mouth) for the answer. According to the IRS there are a number of factors that help determine if your hobby can be considered a business and thereby make you susceptible to the IRS tax rules governing business.

Do you carry on the activity in a business-like manner? If you conduct your eBay activities like a business, i.e. you keep business records, track your profit and loss, keep a separate checking account, etc. then whether you think so or not, your hobby is considered a business.

If you put considerable time and effort into your venture, the IRS may contend that you do so for profit and not fun. It seems the folks at the IRS don’t believe in doing things strictly for pleasure. My guess is, neither do you. If you weren’t making money selling on eBay I doubt you’d be bothering getting up at 4am to hit all those yardsales. Then again, maybe you would…

If you depend on income from your eBay activities for your livelihood, it’s a business, not a hobby.

There are a number of other factors the IRS considers to determine if a hobby is really a business, but in your case I think that covers the basics.

For detailed answers to any tax question you should consult a qualified accountant or tax attorney. God forbid you rely on a guy who is afraid to mumble the letters “IRS” three times in a row.

Small Business Q&A is written by veteran entrepreneur and syndicated columnist, Tim Knox. Tim's latest books include "Small Business Success Secrets" and "The 30 Day Blueprint For Success!" Related Links: http://www.smallbusinessqa.com http://www.dropshipwholesale.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Knox

my hobby : Inventor of Swiss Medica's O24 Pain Neutralizer Shares His Secrets

Will consumers favor a non-burning pain relief product, like Swiss Medica’s (OTC BB: SWME) O24 instead of Icy Hot or Ben Gay? Richard Weise, inventor of the patented O24 pain relief product talked to us about how O24 came about, how it works differently than other pain relief products and why O24 might just become a success story during its North American rollout to retail stores.

Interviewer: How did you come about developing the O24 pain relief formula?

Richard Weise: I started the O24 development thirty-five years ago, with studies in natural medicine. When you have chronic pain, people want to take some pharmaceutical product, which gives side effects. I don’t like that. I was studying to get a product that I could use, which would have no side effects. Previously while I worked in Germany, I developed environmentally safe cleaning products. I had studied Chinese medicine. I studied all the medicines for years: natural medicines, Indian medicines, European medicines and all the herbs. The Europeans, over a longer time, have been using more natural products.

Interviewer: How did this product advance from your studying medicines to its commercial distribution?

Richard Weise: I had this product in Europe and used it for myself, but it was not for commercial use. I tested it on myself. In the United States my first testing was on my English teacher. She broke her foot and had pain. I told her I had something for her pain, and I put it on her foot. She stopped having pain. She called me the next morning and told me that after six weeks, this was the first night she could sleep pain-free. A couple of months later, she came back to me and said, “Richard, I need two hundred bottles of this stuff you gave me.” I wanted to know why she needed two hundred bottles. I had offered to make her some product if she needed more, but two hundred bottles? She told me she had so many people she had given them a little of the formula to, people were asking her for more. That’s how this whole thing started in 1992 in the United States. Where it started commercially.

Interviewer: How was your reception, at first, with O24?

Richard Weise: When I first started with this, in the United States, people thought it was ‘snake oil’. I’m not a medical doctor. I studied natural medicine as my hobby. I don’t make claims. The claim I am permitted to make is that this product can be used for temporary pain relief for aches and pains, muscle spasms, arthritis. The FDA told us this in 1995. Before that, it was considered snake oil. I have customers who have been using this product for thirteen years. They are using it and they are happy. They will not use anything else.

Interviewer: Why doesn’t O24 give people the burning sensation one suffers from most other pain relief lotions, sprays or gels?

Richard Weise: Let’s take Ben Gay®. It uses menthol and capsaicin. Capsaicin is very heating. It is made out of (chile) peppers. When you use too much, you can burn your skin. They put menthol in to equalize the temperature a little, but it’s still burning. When you work out, and you put this on, your skin gets red. Tiger Balm® is a product made of camphor and menthol. Menthol gives a cooling feeling. When you have inflammation of your nerve, sometimes it helps and sometimes it doesn’t. It’s only cooling.

Interviewer: Why is it that O24 works differently from other pain relief lotions, gels or rubs?

Richard Weise: When you have pain in an area of you body, the temperature of the pain area is different than your regular body temperature. It can be higher by a half a degree or it can be lower. Some people put ice on, and it will not help. Others put ice on and it helps. The reason is if the temperature was too high, putting ice on it cools it down to the regular body temperature. The inflammation of the nerve is gone (by putting on ice) and the pain goes away. The O24 equalizes the body temperature, whether it is higher or lower. Automatically, this was a wonderful side effect.

Interviewer: Is that one of the major differences, between O24 and the others? That O24 doesn’t burn?

Richard Weise: Yes. That was done on purpose. With other products, people complained they burned. Some essential oils are very skin irritating. Therefore, you have to make the right formulation to make sure you have no complaints. I still try to make the product better and better, more efficient for the patients, for the consumer. I haven’t had any complaints. I have a complaint file and it has been empty for the last thirteen years, except one person who was allergic to peppermint oil.

Interviewer: Do people use this product on its own, or in conjunction with something else, like ibuprofen?

Richard Weise: People, who have been using this product for ten years, use just this product and nothing else. A lot of people over-medicate for their chronic pain. In some cases, O24 replaces the use of pharmaceutical products altogether. Some of the arthritis patients use it three to four times a day. Others use it once per day. It’s purely a topical lotion. It stays on top of the skin. You can not replace oral medication with this product.

Interviewer: Do you get every ingredient from the same suppliers, or do you change your suppliers from time to time?

Richard Weise: We pretty much try to keep it with the same suppliers. We quality control every ingredient. We make an adjustment every time we do a batch. After every batch we have to go to an independent lab for testing to prove that every ingredient we say and claim in the product is exactly what is in O24. Right now, we’re making a batch for 1600 pounds. That translates into 25,000 one-ounce bottles.

Interviewer: The big puzzle seems to be how the herb essences stick together without binders, such as alcohol or glycerine or some other additive. How did you get the herb essences to bind?

Richard Weise: It is because of the way I mix the product together. That is the patent: how I mix them together and why they stay together. Over the past ten years, I saw companies try to copy the product. They bought product. They broke it down. This is easy. It’s not a big secret. They made the product, but every time they were finished, they concluded, “This could not work!” They got nothing out of it.

Interviewer: Why does your O24 work, while the O24 copycats have failed to replicate your formula, if the ingredients are the same?

Richard Weise: They don’t know how to put the product together. There are no preservatives in the product. Normally, you put water or alcohol in the product and it stays together. O24 stays together without any binders. I put every essential oil into four groups. I have everything written down. The manufacturer knows my exact procedure. The results can be replicated without my monitoring the combining. The company (Swiss Medica) has all the paperwork (for the formula), and their chemists can replicate the formula. They can make the product in the same way. I have bottles sitting here that are thirteen years old. If I take them to the lab tomorrow, they have the same efficiency, the same main ingredients as the product I make today.

Interviewer: O24 has an indefinite shelf life?

Richard Weise: Yes. The same batch I made thirteen years ago has the same life as the batch I would make today. Actually according to the law, I can not say they have indefinite shelf life. We did a test for thirty-six months. We did a shelf-life test in an independent lab. They proved this product has a shelf life of thirty-six months.

Interviewer: Can you confirm that athletes and celebrities have actually used this product?

Richard Weise: Yes. I talked on the phone with them. I know Filip Gartner, the former head coach of the Norwegian ski team. I met him three or four times. Sam Walton’s daughter, for example, likes the product.

Interviewer: What do you know about the fibromyalgia testing that was done in Germany, using O24?

Richard Weise: The doctor bought the product from us. We had no idea he was doing the test. He bought product off the market, tested it and published the results in medical journals. He published this product and the test results. He published what he did without our knowledge and the results were excellent.

James Finch contributes to StockInterview.com and other publications. His archived articles and interviews can be found at http://www.stockinterview.com You can contact James Finch by email: jfinch@stockinterview.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Finch

my hobby : Here's How To Improve Your Hobby

Here are Links to the Very Best Hobby & Leisure Sites We've Found on the Web



If you're a golfer... or a golfing fan... be prepared for a real treat at the following site!
GolfWeb

Whatever your interest in the great outdoors, the GORP has your number. Check out biking, hiking, fishing, birding, climbing, exploring, and much, much more.
Great Outdoor Recreation Page

Here's where you'll find the best links anywhere to pursuits ranging from Amateur (Ham) Radio to Writing... and literally dozens of good stuff in between.
Recreation: Hobbies and Crafts

Does movie making, movies, actors, actresses... etc. trip your trigger? Great... You've just found the rightplace!
There are over 1,500,000 filmography entries in this database, covering over 400,000 people. There are details on just about everyone you have ever heard of (as well as tens of thousands of others you probably haven't).
The Internet Movie Database Tour

Before you plan that next ski outting... better check out this one.
The Consummate Skiing List

Sports Fans! If you don't find what you like here... stop looking. :-)
Welcome to SportsLine USA

Does your favorite pet bark, meow, chirp, neigh, or make various other noises...? Here is some super good stuff especially for you.
Your Guide to Pets on the Internet

Are you a newsaholic? Then the following sites will satisfy your craving for awhile. (Note: Most online versions of newspapers are free, but several are going to ask you to choose a sign-on name and password)
Newspapers Online
Worldwide List of Online Newspapers

Also, if tracing your family tree has the slightest appeal to you as a hobby, be sure to check our own Senior Center Genealogy page.
Trace Your Family Tree


content is extracted from http://www.senior-center.com/hobby.htm

my hobby : It's All New to Me

I am a real dog lover. I don’t think there have been more than a few months of my entire life that haven’t been enhanced by a loyal canine companion. Over the years I have amassed a plethora of fond memories and humorous stories pertaining to my pawed pals. One of my favourites concerns a neighbour’s dog, not one of my own.
Almost a decade ago my husband and I first gave up the bustle of city life for country charm out of self preservation rather than preference. We had moved to Fort St. John from our family home in the suburbs of Edmonton. Housing was at a premium and we found ourselves in a tiny townhouse surrounded by a transient population of young oilfield workers with, to put it politely, more energetic and, I must say, louder lifestyles. One of my husband’s customers knew a woman renting a small log home on a large, mainly treed acreage half an hour out of the city and at that point a little peace and quiet seemed like just the thing. It was that or therapy.
It was love at first sight, almost a fantasy come true, and we lost no time in saying goodbye to our neighbours. We were ill-prepared for country living and after a week of unrelenting rain my lady-like little ankle boots with the fur trim, perfect for shoveled cement, lay mud-caked and ruined on the deck by the back door. On my way to town to procure a sturdy pair of gum boots the next morning, I headed out the door and tripped over ... one mud-caked, ruined lady boot. The second boot had disappeared in the night. I looked carefully around the yard and squinted into the black depths of the surrounding woods, but although the prickling sensation on my neck told me that I was being carefully watched, I could detect no visual confirmation that my thief was around.
I left the lone boot on the step, standing silent sentinel for its lost mate. It remained, steadfast and alone for over a week while I surreptitiously scanned the horizon for the thief. I knew he was there. Working in the garden I would feel that familiar prickle and turn quickly to find only a slight rustle in the grass. At night I would look from the window to see a dark shape slink across the lawn and melt into the underbrush. The lone boot stood on, a willing tethered kid to catch our tiger.
For awhile whenever I felt he was around, I would talk to him, quietly warning him that I was watching too. But then the game continued long enough that I dropped my guard. The trusty sentinel on the porch got pushed aside and even if I felt that old prickle, I came to shrug and write it off to whim or hot flashes.
Nothing else went missing from the deck, not gloves or garden tools and even a forgotten bowl of cheese puffs remained soggy but untouched.
Come next garbage day the widowed footwear would find itself shoved in the can with shredded bills and leftover lasagna, a discarded useless relic of a discarded lifestyle, replaced by heavy rubber.
Not quite. A lovely, sunny Saturday morning in late June. My husband was riding the tractor mower around the half acre of lawn while I puttered in the petunias. After a while I noticed that he kept turning his head to check quickly over his shoulder. He pulled the mower to a stop by the deck and jumped off. “I’ve got the eeriest feeling that I’m being watched!” he complained. “But I don’t see anyone.”
Together we scanned the yard and the trees beyond. Suddenly we caught a small movement in the tall grasses of the wild meadow that separates the back of the lawn from the forest. Just as bold as you please, out stepped a small black and white border collie with a boot in his mouth.
He sat and carefully placed the boot at his feet and looked right at us. He held us frozen for several minutes, gave us a small bark, picked up his boot and disappeared. I turned quickly to check the deck. Sure enough the second boot had vanished right under our noses!
Several weeks passed. The trees were beginning to turn and the weather had turned chilly and damp. On a dark, rainy evening we heard an unexpected knock at the door. There stood a soaked and bedraggled woman clutching a cardboard box of boots! Apologizing profusely, she identified herself as our nearest neighbour and wondered if any of the boots in the box were ours.
It seems that in cleaning out her dog’s house, she discovered that he had developed an interesting hobby...he collected boots.
After reuniting me with my useless town boots, she apologized her way out the door and was gone. She had cleaned and polished them and they certainly looked better than when I had last seen them. Game over! Win to the dog.
Oddly, when all was said and done, I realized that I had enjoyed the game as much as the dog had and I was sad that it was over. I never saw him again, but, I was always tempted to leave a boot on the porch, just in case. I still am.

Saron Hughes

my hobby : Comicster

My Hobby Project

I thought I would make a post to let people know about Comicster, a program I've been writing since an early CTP of Visual C# Express. I just released a version to run against the final .NET 2.0 framework.

It's a little freeware application to catalog a comic-book collection. There are plenty of comic-book collection-tracking programs out there, but very few free ones. I wrote this basically for myself, but others are getting use out of it, which is a good feeling.

It uses an ADO.NET strongly-typed DataSet, but it saves it compressed XML locally, rather than writing back to a database. The end-result is that users see this as just another file-based application.

What else? Hmm ... it uses an embedded WebBrowser control to display info using skins, which are made up of plain text files so you can create your own. It's deployed using ClickOnce, so it supports updates. It has a built-in sample database using an XML-file as an embedded resource.

The next big step I'm working on is an internet upload/download, so that users can create a shared database of comics based on items from their collection. I'm building the web-services with Visual Web Developer Express. That bit's not active in the downloadable version just yet.

If you're into comics, or if you are interested in seeing what's possible in C# Express (answer: pretty much everything), please take a look!

Here's the site again. Screenshots are included. Comicster

Cheers,
Matt

my hobby : About My Hobby

High above the earth numerous satellites circle the globe transmitting a constant stream of video, audio and data. For purposes of this site and that part of the hobby that I am devoting much of my time and interest are those known as "LEO's" or Low Earth Orbit satellites which are polar orbiting - more specifically those operated by the U.S. National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration "NOAA" and the Russian Resurs/Meteor spacecraft.

These polar orbiting satellites circle the globe in either a north-to-south or south-to-north pass some 450 miles high providing radiometer data for monitoring weather data and thus are commonly referred to as "WXSats". This data is in the form of visible, infrared, temperature and water vapour The analog "signal" transmitted is continuous and is known as Automatic Picture Transmission, "APT", and consists of an image swath of a few thousand miles wide by several thousand miles long with a pixel resolution of 4 km square. The APT transmitter outputs any two of the five available sensors onboard the satellite (see example at right) - one provides visible light imagery during daylight and another infrared (IR) sensor is used constantly. A second IR sensor is utilized during the nighttime portion of an orbit - replacing the visible light sensor. The two combined can be used to produce a false color image. Depending on a ground station's location, "line of sight" to the horizon, receiver and antenna setup one can receive these signals, optionally record and process them - displaying the results on most personal computers.

It's not practical to do this without any help and therein lies my purpose for this site. My intention is not to duplicate many of the fine resources available on the internet but to guide the enthusiast in the appropriate direction while at the same time share my own "APT" images, details of the equipment I use, D.I.Y. projects that I've completed, software employed, etc, etc

Copyright © 2000 - 2004
All Rights Reserved

my hobby : Making Music As A Lefty

ryan thomson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, into a family with a music heritage stretching back to the pioneer days. He grew up in San Diego, California, studied piano as a child, and played in a group recital on live television in 1959. He attended San Diego State University and then moved to New Hampshire in 1976 to study violin repair at the Summer Violin Institute in Durham. The following year he enrolled in a graduate school program of experimental psychology. He designed and taught a college course in the "Psychology of Music," while completing his Master of Arts degree.


While attending college he produced a local bluegrass radio show and also hosted a music show on National Public Radio in New Hampshire. In the summers he traveled to music events across the country, and in 1977 became the northeastern regional champion of the National Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho. After college he decided on a music making career and joined a full time Nashville based country band, touring the eastern USA, playing fiddle 6 days a week in dance halls and honky tonks.


In 1988 he acquired focal dystonia, a neurological disease with a genetic origin which causes improper muscular function. He lost control of some muscles in his right back and shoulder area and had to temporarily give up his career of violin playing. He continued in music however, teaching and performing on other instruments, while he patiently retaught himself to play violin left handed. ryan now plays violin professionally as a lefty fiddler/violinist. He continues to play banjo, guitar, mandolin, piano, and flute right handed. His primary interest is playing fiddle for folk dances, and he also plays chamber music as a serious hobby in his spare time. Along the way he has won numerous awards for fiddle, banjo, and accordion playing.


ryan presently lives in Newmarket, New Hampshire, headquarters for Captain Fiddle Publications. He is the author of several books on music, and presently teaches music both at the Phillips Exeter Academy during the school year, and at folk music and dance camps nationally in the summer time. You can contact him and find out about his current activities at: captainfiddle.com


ryan Thomson

my hobby : Build a Web Site that Works

My life's greatest passion is a safari hobby. And what would that be, you ask. ...Simply the conservation of wildlife and the environment. I do this after hours from my 7 to 5 job. And that's how this story started. Read this story to learn how to build not just a web site...but a web site that works...

I live and work in a mining town in Zambia. So finding time to do my hobby was not easy at first. It was an up hill battle. But I wised up and made it easy, just too easy perhaps. How did I do that? Since our libraries are a touch too poor in book stocks I could not do my research there. The solution? The Internet ...and my lifeline too!

It is said that one can find practically any information on the
Internet. It is true! The Internet isn't called the "information-
super-highway" for nothing. But looking for information on the Internet can be daunting. "Where to look? What to look for? And above all HOW TO?"

Where to Look

First I had to learn how to use the Internet. Oh I knew the "www" existed and what it could do but I never used it before. So I decided to learn fast. You can't learn any faster than taking the bull by its horns. And I did that. There is a shared computer in our shared office...and it has Internet connection. That was my target. I burnt hours that turned into days...that turned into weeks...and finally into months. And Voila!

I had learnt how to use the Internet and the search engines too. Google search engine came in handy. But try this gem of a search facility. Life sometimes comes with surprises. Click here to see what this jewel can do for you http://searchit.sitesell.com/enz.html . It beats the pants off most Internet searches hands down.

Bad Folks on the Internet

After some research I ran into all kinds of "worms". I mean people with all kinds of offers. I call them "worms" because they'll make you part with your hard earn income. I know this because I lost a nice sum myself. So I should know. The "worms" separated me from my cash. You don't forget such a thing easily and I haven't all this time.

Sorry but I digressed there. As I was saying...I came across all sorts of offers. Get rich quick. Make money with no effort programmes. Multi-level marketing. Business opportunity this or that. And there're many and I joined them all. Well, not all but quite a few really. The result? An inbox full of e-mails and for a period I received over three
hundred per day! Alas none made me a single red dime...wake Enestle! (don't worry that's just my name).

So I hard to learn pretty fast. But it took time, frustrations, and disenchantment. What with all that hype on the Internet. But it finally dawned on me that either I gave up the Internet or changed my tactic completely. By this time I had noticed that people could be very generous with information on the Internet. Especially those marketing something. Perhaps too generous! But of course to lure you into their snares, perhaps?

I started asking questions and for help too. Lots and tons of help came my way. Then it hit me. Its called information overload! Lots and lots of information swamped me. Much more kept coming in. The electronic newsletters I had subscribed to contributed a lot. I tried to soak it all in but my brain was choked! I was paralysed. Information paralysis! To choose a programme to pursue was now beyond me. I was scared!

Help Comes Along

I kept asking around. And "out of the blue", out of this maze, a good soul appeared. He advised me to choose one programme that looked like it had a fighting chance at success. And to stick to it like a baby monkey sticks to its mum's body. Gently he mentioned that there was a 5-day Masters Course on web marketing that shows it all. Ken Evoy offers this tutorial. And it's free too! Yes free. Get yourself this 5-day masters tutorial by clicking here http://aff-masters.sitesell.com/enz.html .

And if you would like to promote a hobby...even if it's a business you wish to promote please click here to see how small business people are mastering it http://www.sitesell.com/enz.html . You'll be able to learn
from the comfort of your home. Dr Evoy will "take-you-by-the-hand" gently, but with crystal clarity, show you the sure way that works. He advises, "Why build JUST a web site... when you COULD build a web BUSINESS?"

Follow his advice and you'll leak the information overload. You'll get out of the maze and be on your own happy way. Be it a safari hobby like mine or any hobby at all And it works all the time even for businesses and ...small businesses too!

How to Write a Sizzling Copy and Ads

Are you worried that you might not be able to write? You'll be brought up to speed in learning how to write a sizzling copy or advert if you care to read a short but very precise book called "Make Your Content PREsell". It taught me all I know about marketing on the Internet.

by Trevor Lewis

my hobby ; Tim F's Audio Stuff

This website has become a historical documentation of my hobby/obsession turned business. So many DIYers ask about these products that I created a dedicated website for them. Some are built from kits, some from other's plans, and some completely from my own designs based on information gathered from a variety of sources. I would like to thank the following people for helping me along.

Dan Wiggins of Adire Audio. David Dlugos of Planet10 and T-linespeakers. Bob Reimer of Creative Sound Solutions. Al Wooley of RAW Acoustics and Martin King for his Quarter Wave worksheets. Also, Greg Monfort, Jim Griffin, Bob Brines, Mark McKenzie and John Krutke for their continuing contributions to DIY audio.

This page will evolve as more projects are started and completed so be sure to check back for updates.

All the projects listed on this page are the property of the designer. Individuals are free to recreate them for personal use. Reproducing any of these projects for commercial use without the permission of the creator is unlawful. No warranty of any kind is expressed in any fashion for any of these projects.

If you're someone just trying to gain knowledge about home audio then I hope some of the information is useful to you. If you're considering designing and building your own speakers or other audio components keep in mind that this can be an addictive hobby and you'll want to pace yourself. Otherwise, like many of us, you'll have more stuff sitting around collecting dust than actually in use, but it's so much fun! If all you want is a pair of speakers and that's it, get a well tested kit or just buy some. The time and money spent designing and building one set of speakers may not be worth it.

http://www.timn8er.com/

my hobby : Is Selling On eBay Just A Hobby

With so many people selling on ebay these days th is is a
question I get all the time. To many ebay sellers the thought of
running an actual business is about as appealing as getting
negative feedback, so they go out of their way to convince
themselves that selling on ebay is really "just a hobby" and
therefore, should not be susceptible to income tax laws.

While you might think selling on ebay is just a hobby and the
extra money you're making is not reportable as income, depending
on the circumstances, the IRS just might disagree with you.

The IRS rules are clear: you must pay taxes on all personal and
business income and that includes money you make selling on eBay.

In its most basic sense, the IRS rules mean that if you buy a
vase at a garage sale for $10 and sell it on ebay (or elsewhere)
for $20 you made a $10 profit and therefore must report it as
income and pay Uncle Sam h is fair share.

In reality, if you are a casual seller who only sells a few
items on ebay every now and then it's doubtful the IRS is going
to lose much sleep over the few bucks you make.

However, if you consistently sell on ebay the IRS may deem your
activities to be business oriented and you will be required to
file a Schedule C and claim the income.

The IRS uses a number of factors to determine if a hobby
is really a business. These factors include:

1. Do you carry on the activity in a business-like manner?

If you conduct your ebay activities in a business-like manner,
i.e. you keep business records, track profit and loss, keep a
separate checking account, etc. then whether you think so or
not, your hobby is really a business.

2. Do you spend considerable time working on your hobby?

If you put considerable time and effort into your ebay sales, the
IRS may contend that you do so for profit and not fun. It seems
the folks at the IRS don't believe in doing things strictly for
pleasure. My guess is, neither do you. If you weren't making
money selling on ebay I doubt you'd bother getting up at
4 a.m. to hit all those yardsales.

Then again, maybe you would... :o)

3. If you depend on income from your ebay activities for your
livelihood?

If so, it's a business, not a hobby.

There are a number of other factors the IRS uses to determine if
a hobby is really a business, but that covers the basics.

You can learn more at the IRS website at www.irs.gov.

What's eBay's take on all this?

ebay is vehemently opposed to anything tax related (especially
the forced collection of sales tax, which is a whole 'nother
issue). It's understandable that ebay is not a fan of the IRS
since trying to enforce tax rules on buyers and sellers would
undoubtedly be detrimental to the way ebay does business.

ebay does not does not issue 1099 tax forms to sellers, nor does
it report seller's sales figures to the IRS. ebay considers itself
a faciliator, i.e. they provide a marketplace in which buyers and
sellers come together to do business.

However, since ebay is not directly involved in the transactions
that take place between buyers and sellers, it would be impossible
for ebay to report sales figures. Furthermore, ebay does not
track if a seller actually gets paid by the buyer, so they have
no idea how much money actually changes hands, making it
impossible for ebay to issue accurate 1099s to sellers.

On the bright side, if you do sell on ebay as a business you can
deduct a number of business expenses, including the cost of
inventory, listing fees, shipping, envelopes, packing materials,
etc. You might also be able to deduct things like the purchase
of a computer for business use, office space (even if it's a
home office), office supplies, and more.

I'm not accountant (nor do I play one on TV), so please do not
take any of th is as tax advice or legal opinion. Talk to your
accountant if there's any doubt as to whether you should or
should not be paying taxes on your ebay earnings.

Here's to your success!

by Tim Knox

my hobby : About Buying Fly Fishing Flies Online

For many fly-fisherman, fly-tying is a serious hobby. Given that tying your own flies provides so much satisfaction, why buy flies online?

For many fly-fisherman, fly-tying is a serious hobby. Not only is fly-tying economical, it is enjoyable. Nothing beats the thrill of mastering a new fly pattern, or creating specialized flies for ones' unique fishing situations. Also, one cannot underestimate the sense of adventure that accompanies the fly-fisher on the prowl for the perfect materials, whether browsing the local fly shop, ransacking a craft store, or even salvaging road kill.


Given that tying your own flies provides so much satisfaction, why buy flies online?


Obtain local fly patterns


The first reason is that as your fly fishing experience grows, your desire to test new and foreign waters increases. As a result, your need for localized patterns becomes more important. Sure, you want to do the research and tie your own variations of the Club Sandwich before you hit the Snake River for the first time, but there's something to be said about fishing the tried and true local patterns on your initial outings to foreign waters. With that idea established, you can either buy these flies from a local shop or purchase them online. I recommend doing both.


Say you live in New Jersey and you're planning your first trip to Colorado. You and your buddies plan to hit a few a rivers within 10 days. Before you go, do research on the internet - find out what's hatching on these rivers when you plan to visit them, and what patterns work best. Then, based on your research, purchase enough flies online to cover you while fishing these waters. Now you have a safety net - you won't have to worry about not having enough flies for the rivers you'll fish at the end of your trip.

by Steve Clark

my hobby : The Magical World Of Collectible Figurines

Millions of people throughout the world take great joy in the hobby of collecting figurines. If you are thinking of starting your own collectible figurine collection, you can purchase your first figurine through various channels, such as buying it online or going to a wholesale figurine market.

Nowadays, figurine collection has become an interesting and fascinating hobby. In fact, with the use of the internet, starting your own figurine collection has become even easier. No matter what type of figurine you are looking for, you will find a wide range of collectible figurines available on the internet, which you can buy from the comfort of your own home and at a reasonable price too. You can also purchase figurines by bidding on online auctions. However, take care not to bid too much on figurines as you would not want your figurine collection to become a financial burden on you.

If you want to order a special type of figurine such as an angel figurine or a fairy figurine, be sure to ask the supplier to display the models and list of your choice. It is also important to specify the size of your figurine before placing the purchase order. Images and pictures of figurines online are often not truly representative of the actual size of the figurines and may often appear larger than the actual dimensions.

Furthermore, some special figurines such as angel figurine may cost you more, as they can be custom made according to your desire. The modern porcelain angel figurine comes in various materials and shapes, so be sure to specify the material and other features that you wish your angel figurine or fairy figurine to have. Fairy figurines are also available in many models and dimensions. Another type of collectible figurine that many people love to collect is the pewter figurine of mythical creatures.

If you consider your figurine collection to be of great value, you should consider passing it on to your future generation as collectible figurines increase in values over time. You will be surprised to know that there is a science to collecting figurines and the more you become involved in the hobby of collecting figurines, the more you will want to learn about it.

Before starting your collection, visit specialty shops like wholesale figurine shops or ask a few friends or relatives who are experienced in collecting figurines for suggestions on how to get started and also on how to negotiate successfully with sellers of figurines

by Sue Jan

my hobby : Fishing By Moon Phase

Every fisherman dreams of a bigger catch! Is it possible to know beforehand when you should plan a trip to enjoy some fishing, catch more than usual, and come home feeling 100% satisfied? Based on my own personal research around the best fishing times, I think it is.

When I first started fishing, the best fishing time for me was whatever time happened to suit me. I tried different lures, baits and techniques until I'd spent a small fortune in my quest to improve my fishing catch. When I finally heard about the "Solunar Theory"--or fishing by moon phase--like most anglers, I was skeptical.

What I'd read sounded too complicated. All sorts of factors needed to be checked and the determined angler needed to be at the water's edge at exactly the right time, TO THE MINUTE, in order to improve on his average catch. Was I really willing to take my hobby that seriously? Let's just say that curiosity got the better of me.

To help me determine whether there was any truth in the moon's effect on the best fishing times, I kept a record of every trip I made over a period of 18 months. All information related to the moon's phases, the weather conditions and the catches I made were carefully logged. What I discovered convinced me that moon phase fishing works. BUT, I also found that it isn't anywhere near as complicated as many would have us believe.

How Does Fishing By Moon Phase Work?

Every fisherman knows that the best fishing times are when the fish are feeding. This tends to be during dawn and dusk, but what often goes unnoticed are the two periods elsewhere in the day--moonrise and moonset. Because the moon has an effect on a variety of factors surrounding the fish--including the live fodder they hunt--these periods, combined with the moon's phase, are what trigger feeding.

By understanding this, and choosing times when sunrise/sunset and moonrise/moonset coincide with new or full moon phases, you'll increase you chance of a good fishing catch. Assuming there are fish in the area, of course.

Choosing The Best Fishing Times

There really is nothing complicated about this at all; it's just a matter of knowing ahead of time exactly when the sun and moon will rise and set. Fish are most active during 90-minute windows surrounding each of these four daily events; that's 45 minutes before and after these four daily points.

Fishing during these four periods will help increase your fishing catch, but if you plan wisely so as to ensure you're at the water's edge on the days of new or full moon, you can use these 'windows' to reel in a catch like you've never done before. If you have to choose between sunrise/set and moonrise/set, always go with the moon as the moon is the stronger influence.

Hunters have always known that fish and game are most active at dawn and dusk--sunrise and sunset--but their activity surrounding moonrise and moonset is less noticeable because these events are likely to occur without e­ffecting any change in the perceived light. The rise and set of a new moon is invisible anyway, and overcast weather often hides the moon. Without prior knowledge of setting and rising times, two of the best fishing times will be missed every day!

Other Considerations

When planning your fishing by moon phase, there are certain other factors that should also be considered.

Weather - Severe weather changes have an impact on the way fish feed. When a storm's brewing, or just after one has passed, is a good time. If this happens while you're in place, you'll be in for a treat! However, if there's a cold front approaching, the fish are likely to move deeper into the water and become inactive.

Season - Most fish are more likely to bite willingly during seasonal transitions with the transition from winter to spring and summer to fall being the two best fishing times.

Now that you know that moon phase fishing really works, there's no reason why you shouldn't utilize this knowledge to increase your own fishing catch by being at the ready with your rod during the best fishing times available. It's easy and it works!

by David Rose

my hobby : My First Experience With Goldfish

If you are seriously considering keeping fish as pets or are just starting out, I would like to stress again the importance of having some basic knowledge about aquariums and fish keeping in order to enjoy the hobby for a significant length of time and to avoid frustrations and disappointments. In the first article I illustrated this by sharing my own childhood experience with bettas, and now I shall share my experience with goldfish.

While I still had my bettas I also wanted to keep some goldfish since I also found them attractive and interesting. My mom was reluctant to buy me some since I already had the bettas but she finally gave in and bought me a pair of "telescope" goldfish.

At the time I didn't have a real aquarium yet so we put the goldfish in a large jar (about 1 gallon). One of our neighbors told us that goldfish wouldn't tolerate chlorine and therefore, we should not use tap water. They happened to have a well and offered to let us use the water for my goldfish.

I soon noticed that the fish were constantly gasping for air at the surface. They also refused to eat. After a couple of days the water started to become cloudy, so I changed it totally. However, the fish still refused to eat and continued to gasp for air. Not long after that they became lethargic and eventually died.

My mom said probably "telescope" goldfish just weren't hardy enough and not easy to keep. However, I had not given up on goldfish yet, so I asked if I could try to keep other kinds and hopefully would have better luck. My parents eventually consented but my dad suggested that I get a real aquarium instead of putting the fish in a jar. You can imagine how elated I was that finally I was going to have a real aquarium.

So we went out and bought a 10 gallon aquarium and a few goldfish at the same time. I believe we bought 4 fish: a couple of medium sized "comets" and a pair of "pearl scales." We didn't buy them at a store, though. It was more like a wholesale type of place where there were plenty of different sellers selling their aquariums and fish. Again, at the time neither my mom nor I knew much about fish keeping. So we didn't buy any supplies for the aquarium. Just the tank and fish. That was it!

When we got home I filled up the aquarium with untreated tap water and immediately put the fish in. I was so excited to see the goldfish swim around in the tank, but that didn't last long. In a few hours the fish were no longer lively. They sort of stayed at the bottom and didn't move very much.

When my dad saw them he said they probably lacked oxygen and suggested that we go out and buy an air pump to aerate the tank. I had only seen aerated aquariums in places like public aquariums and fancy restaurants and thought that an air pump had to be very expensive, but my dad said it would be OK.

So my mom and I went to a fish store to look for an air pump. Besides the pump we also needed something to hook the plastic tube on to and hold it in place. We chose to get a frog ornament for that purpose (the air would come out of the frog's mouth). All the stuff didn't really cost too much.

As soon as we got home we hooked everything up and air started flowing into the aquarium. Like magic, within a couple of minutes the fish started to "wake up" and finally became lively again. My dad said, "I told you so!"

The air pump was about the only supply we bought for the aquarium. Having beautiful and lively goldfish in my very own aquarium was good enough for me. I loved them so much that I also fed them too much. I was happy to watch them eat. As you can imagine though, the water got dirty very quickly that I had to change it every day.

One day a friend of ours told us that we shouldn't be changing the water daily since it wouldn't be good for the fish. Also, in the mean time I had read somewhere that if you wanted to use tap water you should set it aside for a few days to get rid of the chlorine. Therefore, I set aside a bucket of water and changed 3/4 of the water about every 3 days.

I was able to enjoy the goldfish for a few months before one of them got sick and died and the others followed soon after. I was extremely sad and because of that my dad told me I couldn't buy any more fish. So, after all my fish died my hobby came to a sad end. Well, at least for a while.

Again, there is a take-home lesson here: if you're serious about having your own aquarium, there's some basic knowledge you need to possess before you even buy the aquarium and fish. You don't have to know everything there is to know about the hobby, but at least for the sake of the fish, you should understand a few things (such as how many fish you can have in a tank, how much to feed them, what kinds of aquarium supplies to have, and what kinds of maintenance you need to perform, just to name a few) that are crucial to their well being.

by Jonathan Wangsa