Pros and Cons of Declawing Your Cat - Know Your Options

Please consider your options before presenting your cat for declaw surgery

There are many alternatives to declawing that should be considered before you choose to have this surgery done on your cat. I'm going to discuss a selection here, along with three of the most common surgical techniques.

Option to #1: "PRE-CLAWING"

I'm going to coin a term here! Have you ever heard the term "precycling"? It's the act of buying items that you know will NOT create a lot of waste. Like, buying something in a cardboard box instead of something in a plastic bag. Anyway, if you've got a cat, or you're going to get a cat, THINK before you buy your furniture. Cats like to scratch rough surfaces, so instead, buy items with a smooth texture like leather or velvet. The better you "preclaw", the more likely you can avoid having to declaw your kitty!

Option to #2: NAIL TRIMMING

Trimming your cat's nails is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. A cat with blunt nails does MUCH less damage to furniture, drapery and rugs, and in my opinion, trimming your cat's nails is much easier than applying Soft Paws. The basic premise of trimming your cats nails is to cut the white part, don't cut the pink part:

Option to #3: SCRATCHING POSTS

Most cats can be trained to use a scratching post to avoid declaw surgery. Scratching posts can be bought, or if you're into carpentry, built. Sisal-covered posts are preferred by many cats, though other materials like cardboard are often equally effective. Scratching posts that include several elevations (horizontal and vertical) are best since cats like sitting on elevated surfaces. If one post doesn't work, get a second one, and experiment with their locations. Offer kitty a variety of surfaces and elevations, and he will soon choose his favorites. You may need to entice him to paw at the new post by encouraging him to chase after a toy or string around it. As you might expect, the earlier you start to train your cat to use appropriate scratching surfaces, the more likely he will be to prefer scratching posts in the end.

Option to #4: SOFT PAWS

These are soft vinyl caps that you superglue onto each of your cat's nails. They fall off after a few weeks, and need to be reapplied at least monthly. I can count on one hand the number of clients who have used these and liked them. On the other hand, if you think you'd like to see your cat with fluorescent pink nails, these might be just the thing for you. Seems to me trimming the nails is easier and just as effective.

Option to #5: FELIWAY

Feliway is a pheromone, produced as either a pump spray or a room atomizer, that mimics the scent applied when a cat rubs the side of her face on something. The theory here is that if your cat smells what she thinks is her own pheromone on the couch, she'll be less likely to feel the need to apply the scent that comes out of the bottom of her FEET by clawing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON AVOIDING DECLAW SURGERY, this site from Cornell University offers a video series on Managing Destructive Scratching Behavior you may like. http://www.partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/destructive-scratching

Veterinarians use one of three basic surgical tools to perform declaw surgery

LASER SURGERY

Sure, they're whiz-bang, and incredibly expensive, but it turns out a LASER is really just a fancy scalpel blade. Its supposed upsides are that it "seals and cauterizes" as you cut, but the way it does this is by literally burning a hole through the tissue. As you might imagine, burned tissue doesn't like healing against other burned tissue, and bleeding several days after surgery is not unusual. I have seen NO clinical benefit to using the LASER, so I don't have one. Don't believe the hype! A LASER does NOT improve outcomes, and is NOT worth the money!

THE GUILLOTINE DECLAW

BOOOO! Back in the day, veterinarians used a brand name nail trimmer to remove MOST of the claw. Problem is, sometimes that little bit of claw you left in there regrew, causing additional pain and often a second surgery to remove the regrown portion. No vet worth visiting does this anymore. MANY OF THE STORIES YOU READ ABOUT ON THE INTERNET REGARDING POORLY HEALING DECLAW SURGERIES ARE RELATED TO THIS OUTDATED SURGICAL TECHNIQUE. Nail Trimmers do a POOR job of declawing

COLD STEEL BLADE

When I am asked at our Indianapolis Veterinary Clinic to declaw a cat, with informed consent and having considered alternatives, my surgical experience has taught me to prefer an ordinary #11 scalpel blade for this surgery. I can feel the tissues and make sure I'm only cutting what I intend to cut, I can see the tissues and don't have to wear LASER-attenuating plastic glasses, I can hear the tissues move and not listen to the gas-evacuation pump that is necessary during Laser surgery. In my hands, a scalpel is the safest, quickest healing, most effective tool to use for this surgery.

Consider your options and make an INFORMED decision before surgery

Whatever your feelings, it's clear there are alternatives to consider. Alternatives to having it done in the first place, plus alternatives to consider on the surgical table if you decide to have it done.

A Comprehensive Guide In Choosing Used Vans For Sale

When it comes to vehicles, vans are one of the most popular options since it provide numerous benefits for individuals. For one, vans can be used in different purposes. Next, vans are very reliable. And, vans have good value in case that you plan to sell it in the future. However, buying a new one can be very expensive. That is why, more and more individuals are opting for used vans for sale. To help you the best used van, below are some factors you need to consider.

Model

First and foremost, when searching for used vans, it is important for buyers to check the model. This is important since there are numerous models to choose from. And, each model offer unique features that can match a driver's need. Plus, older van models are cheaper than new ones, which can benefit individuals who have low budget.

Engine

The next factor that individuals need to consider when searching for used vans for sale is the engine. Apart from interior and exterior features, van models also differ in the engine. Some engines are equipped with more advanced technology for better response, while some engines are built to provide you with power. Not to mention, you may also find used vans that use gas or diesel engines. So, it is important that you consider these factors in order to help you make better buying decisions.

Space

It is also best that you check its space. Some vans have larger interior space than others. And, these vans are commonly used by individuals who are looking for a vehicle that can be used for private as well as business purposes. Other than that, space is crucial especially if you want to provide comfort for the whole family when traveling.

Maneuverability

Individuals must also consider its maneuverability. Vans are quite huge. Thus, driving on tight spaces can be stressful. This gets even worse if the van you purchased does not have good maneuverability. Vans with good maneuverability can also help you reduce the risks of accidents.

Parts availability

Finally, it is also best that you check the availability of parts of the van before purchasing. Surely, you can find used vans with low mileage or even vehicles that are in pristine condition. However, with regards to parts, finding one can be hard. So, make sure that you choose a van that have accessible parts. In this way, you can maintain the vehicle easily and properly without spending too much.

These are some of the most important factors that individuals need to think of when searching for used vans for sale.

Is Cash Gifting a SCAM?

Stop the commotions! Everything on the internet is a scam. Right? That's what I was told. There are scams out their in cyberspace. But I will tell you as a member that cash gifting is furthest from a scam. In cash gifting there is almost a security factor in the system. You are invited into the program so that you can gift the individual. But it does not stop there. The reason that you are given the opportunity is so that you can give someone else the same opportunity.

People go to college to learn about a career. The problem is that 80% of students do not use that learning for that career. I know that cash gifting has a better percentage rate for people that learn the system.

This is possible because the members that you see all over the web are their to make money and produce more members. The only way that it is going to work is if they teach new members the secrets of the internet.

I have never known so much about the internet. The only way that I found out about the secrets was by taking action and joining the program and if that means that it might be a scam than I just wasted a lot of time and so did my invite. People were put on earth to prosper and change. Lets start using that to our advantage. Lets stop accusing people of wrong for our own self-confidence.

Please research and contact a team of friends that do not really now each other but help each other.

Van Parts - How Do You Replace a Torque Converter?

If you're faced with the decision on whether or not to fit your own torque converter and are unsure how to do this, then do not fret. We'll take you through how, in our step by step guide.

Depending on your speed and levels of skill, this job will take around three hours to complete. It is a fairly tricky job to undertake so please take the time to read through the instructions and ensure that you feel competent and confident in your ability to complete this work.

The first thing to note is that you will need to have the car jacked up completely, at both ends and of course ensure that it remains level. Jacking the car involves raising one side at a time and ensuring that both sides are jacked adequately.

The first step of the process to replace a torque converter is to locate the driveshaft. The rear axle will connect to this and at that location the driveshaft will be held in place by bolts- four in total. You will need to remove these bolts before continuing. The next steps will instruct you on what to do in order to remove the drive shaft from the rear axle.

Ensure that the van (or car) is in the neutral position. This is very important to enable you to turn the driveshaft. Carefully move the driveshaft so that it becomes loose, enabling you to free it up from the rear axle. Once you have moved the driveshaft, pull it away from the axle and once you feel you have done this enough, pull the driveshaft away at the other end too- from the transmission.

The next step in this process is to open the bonnet and locate the transmission filler tube. You will need to remove this tube and you can do this by following the tube all the way through to the transmission and loosing the bolt that holds it in place at this area. Once loosened, pull out the tube. It is important at this point that you ensure the car is back in park.

The next step in the process is to locate the torque converter attached to the transmission. You will need to go back underneath the vehicle for this. There are bolts holding these together which will need to be removed before you will be able to remove the converter. In order to remove the bolts effectively, you will need to jack up the transmission slowly. The reason for this is to take any pressure off the cross member, enabling you to disconnect the parts. Only once the pressure is taken off the cross member, should you try to remove the bolts holding these two parts together. The bolts connecting the cross member to the frame of the van or car should also be removed. Once this is complete, remove the cross member itself.

After this, disconnect the transmission from the engine and this is firstly done by freeing up the bolts connecting these two parts. You will most probably need a socket set for this. Once the bolts are gone, lower the transmission on to the jack and then on to the floor.

Next, pull the old torque converter from the input shaft. Congratulations- you're now ready to fit the new converter!

Firstly, top up the new part with transmission fluid in order for it to function correctly, and slide into place, into the input shaft. Gently push the converter side to side until it fits correctly, this may take a little manipulation to get it snug.

To secure the new parts, follow the sequence you took to remove the bolts in reverse order. You must make sure that everything is fitted correctly and connected together with bolts as was the condition found.

Once complete, you can now lower the vehicle ready for use. Check the transmission fluid and top up with some more new fluid if required.

Lastly, you will need to turn the engine on and let it run idle for a period of time- usually and few minutes in order that you can check levels when the engine is running and warm. If you need to top up again after this then so, it is perfectly normal for the vehicle to require another top up.

Building Background - Benefits of Using Sentence Frames to Build Background Knowledge

Even as native English speakers we sometimes struggle with just the right word to explain, describe, clarify, or elucidate what we want to convey. We always understand more than we can speak. One of best ways to engage English language learners (ELL) in actively acquiring new material is to connect their background knowledge to the new topic. So, let's give them some sentence frames to help them use language.

We will be most successful if we remember to always start with the concept or theme.

#1 When beginning a new topic, let pairs pretest one another. Write this sentence frame on a board, overhead, or PowerPoint, or make your own blackline master with the sentence frame repeated four to six times on a page so you can cut them into strips to hand out to the pairs.

A: "Do you know anything about (topic)?

B: "I'm not sure, but I do know _____."

or "I think it could be _____ because I learned _____."

After students copy the sentence frame, or use the handy strips, erase the word 'topic' in the first sentence. Write in the topic for today. It might be a theme, or a characteristic, or an emotion.

• Read the sentence frame aloud to the students.



• Read it again, and this time the students should repeat after you.



• Give them sixty seconds (yes, really time it, using the entire sixty seconds) to look at the word and think about everything they know about it. No talking. No writing. Just thinking.



• Next, let students use another 60 seconds (yep, time it again) to write words and phrases to capture their thoughts about the topic.



• Finally it is time to talk.

This is time well-spent. Your lesson will be stronger and more relevant. Your students will be engaged. You can continue to spiral the content, connecting it to what they already know or previously learned. The ELs will build confidence as they are encouraged to think, write, and talk about what they already know.

#2 Plan more opportunities for student interaction. Here's another sentence starter than can be used with individuals, then shared in small groups.

This new theme of _____ reminds me of a time in my life when _____.

#3 Make sentence frames with the word 'because' to have students explain connections between previous learning and the new topic.

"I think the next topic will be _____ because our last lesson was _____."

This kind of sentence frame encourages prediction according to prior learning. This is a good time to show the students how much they have learned and how it all links together.

#4 After reading a story, a sentence frame can be used to let students speak with a partner. You can expand this speaking activity to include a second partner, like elbow- partners and across-the-aisle partners. Provide a sentence frame:

For example, "I think _____ is a hero, because _____."

#5 Ask students to make comparisons to concrete objects in linguistic ways. Hand out objects to students and give them some time to think and write again, before speaking.

Try this sentence frame with a variety of objects:

I am like this _____(Snickers bar), because I am _____ (nutty).

I am like this _____(Matchbox Ferrari), because I am _____ (small and fast).

I am like this _____(red pencil) because I am _____ (my face is red because I have to talk aloud).

The objects you use can be almost anything!

Now that your imagination is gearing up, make up some sentence frames to use tomorrow.

• Think about how you would want the smartest student in the school to speak.



• Then use your target vocabulary and academic language to make a sentence frame.



• Encourage your ELLs to speak in complete sentences in all conversations in the classroom. This will increase their academic vocabulary, which maximizes learning, and builds confidence.



• Kids like to feel smart!

How to Purchase Forklift Parts

All forklifts have certain common components. These forklift parts are vital to the performance and operation of the equipment. Due to constant use and wear and tear, some parts such as forks, brakes and transmissions components have to be replaced quite often.

Usually forklift parts are purchased from different sources. Both new and used parts are available. There are many dealers who have printed catalogs listing all the parts that are available with them. Also there are a number of different manufacturers exclusively for forklift parts. A company that manufactures forklifts also produces replacement parts.

The most important component of the forklift is of course the forks. Without quality forks, the forklift may not be able to transport the materials quite efficiently. These forks are also called blades or tines which vary from model to model. The other important part of a forklift is the brakes. Forklift brakes operate in a similar manner to the brakes of an automobile and they have many parts in common. Brake shoes and break drums are among the most commonly purchased forklift brake parts.

Forklift transmissions are vital to the machine's operation. Forklifts can use either manual or automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions are probably more common and are easier to fix, but many people prefer automatic transmissions because they are easier to use. Many forklift parts dealers have both new and used transmissions for sale.

The Roll Clamps is also another important part of a forklift. There are various models of roll clamps which are available to handle all types and sizes of paper rolls including newsprint, Kraft paper and tissue and coated papers. The models of roll clamp include rigid arm, pivot arm, slide arm and spilt arm clamps all of which are designed to meet the different requirements.

The Carton Clamps is another important attachment for handling multiple unpalletized products such as appliances, furniture, cartooned, canned or frozen goods. Large rubber faced pads gently squeeze the side of the load (containing numerous cartons) until it can be lifted, and then transported to either the warehouse or trailer.

The Rotator is also one of the most important forklift parts. The rotator is used to aid the handling of skids that may have become excessively tilted and other specialty material handling needs. Some forklifts are fitted with an attachment that allows the tines to be rotated. This type of attachment may also be used for dumping containers for quick unloading.

It is very important that only good replacement of the forklift parts is purchased in order to keep the machines in good running condition. Many forklift parts dealers offer extensive warranties on their products. Most forklift parts of every model and make are available in the market so a replacement for a part of a particular make or size can be easily found.

What Is Bitcoin and Is It a Good Investment?

Bitcoin (BTC) is a new kind of digital currency-with cryptographic keys-that is decentralized to a network of computers used by users and miners around the world and is not controlled by a single organization or government. It is the first digital cryptocurrency that has gained the public's attention and is accepted by a growing number of merchants. Like other treaties, users can use the digital currency to buy goods and services online as well as in some physical stores that accept it as a form of payment. Currency traders can also trade Bitcoins in Bitcoin exchanges.

There are several major differences between Bitcoin and traditional currencies (eg US dollar):

1. Bitcoin does not have a centralized authority or clearing house (eg government, central bank, MasterCard or Visa network). The peer-to-peer payment network is managed by users and miners around the world. The currency is anonymously transferred directly between users through the internet without going through a clearing house. This means that transaction fees are much lower.
2. Bitcoin is created through a process called "Bitcoin mining". Miners around the world use mining software and computers to solve complex bitcoin algorithms and to approve Bitcoin transactions. They are awarded with transaction fees and new Bitcoins generated from solving Bitcoin algorithms.
3. There is a limited amount of Bitcoins in circulation. According to Blockchain, there were about 12.1 million in circulation as of Dec. 20, 2013. The difficulty to mine Bitcoins (solve algorithms) becomes harder as more Bitcoins are generated, and the maximum amount in circulation is capped at 21 million. The limit will not be reached until approximately the year 2140. This makes Bitcoins more valuable as more people use them.
4. A public ledger called 'Blockchain' records all Bitcoin transactions and shows each Bitcoin owner's respect holdings. Anyone can access the public ledger to verify transactions. This makes the digital currency more transparent and predictable. More importantly, the transparency prevails fraud and double spending of the same Bitcoins.
5. The digital currency can be acquired through Bitcoin mining or Bitcoin exchanges.
6. The digital currency is accepted by a limited number of merchants on the web and in some brick-and-mortar retailers.
7. Bitcoin wallets (similar to PayPal accounts) are used for storing Bitcoins, private keys and public addresses as well as for anonymously transferring Bitcoins between users.
8. Bitcoins are not insured and are not protected by government agencies. Here, they can not be recovered if the secret keys are stolen by a hacker or lost to a failed hard drive, or due to the closure of a Bitcoin exchange. If the secret keys are lost, the associated Bitcoins can not be recovered and would be out of circulation. Visit this link for an FAQ on Bitcoins.

I believe that Bitcoin will gain more acceptance from the public because users can remain anonymous while buying goods and services online, transactions fees are much lower than credit card payment networks; the public ledger is accessible by anyone, which can be used to prevent fraud; the currency supply is capped at 21 million, and the payment network is operated by users and miners instead of a central authority.

However, I do not think that it is a great investment vehicle because it is extremely volatile and is not very stable. For example, the bitcoin price grows from around $ 14 to a peak of $ 1,200 USD this year before dropping to $ 632 per BTC at the time of writing.

Bitcoin surged this year because investors speculated that the currency would gain greater acceptance and that it would increase in price. The currency plunged 50% in December because BTC China (China's largest Bitcoin operator) announced that it could no longer accept new deposits due to government regulations. And according to Bloomberg , the Chinese central bank barred financial institutions and payment companies from handling bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin will likely gain more public acceptance over time, but its price is extremely volatile and very sensitive to news-such as government regulations and restrictions-that could negatively affect the currency.

Therefore, I do not suggest investors to invest in Bitcoins unless they were purchased at a less than $ 10 USD per BTC because this would allow for a much larger margin of safety .

Otherwise, I believe that it is much better to invest in stocks that have strong fundamentals, as well as great business prospects and management teams because the undering companies have intrinsic values ​​and are more predictable.

Disclosure: Victor Liang has has no positions in Bitcoins and has no plans to change his position in the next 72 hours.