10 Things to Consider Before Getting a DogWritten by Louise Louis
1. Are there any size or weight restrictions on dogs within your condominium or community? Many won't allow dogs over 30-pounds.2. Do you keep your home very warm? Some dogs are bothered by warm room temperatures. A Chihuahua would be a better choice than Shih Tzu in that case. 3. How much dog can you lift? A Pug is a happy-go-lucky companion but may weigh 18-pounds while a Yorkshire Terrier usually doesn't exceed 7-pounds. 4. How much grooming can you do? If arthritis is a problem, avoid longhaired breeds such as Pekingese or Maltese and look at short, smooth-haired dogs such as Toy Manchester Terrier. Beautiful coats are beautiful because they're groomed daily. 5. How much exercise does dog need? Any Terrier is a high-energy dog requiring outdoor exercise. On other hand, an English Toy Spaniel or Japanese Chin can get all exercise they need inside an apartment. 6. Is breed's temperament a good match with you? Some people find Toy Poodles too challenging and would do better with sweet-tempered Papillon.
| | Turquoise: The Native StoneWritten by Tony DiCorpo
Turquoise, derived from French word for Turkish has been adored since before 4000 BC. A lot of early European turquoise came from Middle East in what today is known as country of Turkey. That is where stone’s name hails from. It is said to have healing properties, therefore beneficial to human wellness by keeping blood pure and blood pressure low.Turquoise is December’s birthstone and signifies success. It was once considered a luxury and only for truly noble, but has since found its way into everyday lives. It is found in many countries, including United States, mainly west and southwest areas. The best grade turquoise is from Iran (formerly Persia), Tibet and China. The southwestern United States boasts high-grade turquoise as well but in U.S. where it is predominately mined, (mainly Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado) mines are either closed or fairly depleted. Therefore, most turquoise is imported from Tibet and other parts of world. The biggest use for turquoise today is by Native Americans to make jewelry. Turquoise is a mineral, a hydrous basic phosphate. It is comprised of copper and aluminum, which is formed as water trickles through a “host” stone for what is said to be about 30 million years. Yes, 30 million! That water, over time leaves a deposit in stone. The stone can hold onto moisture or dry out. If it dries out in sunlight it can change colors, anywhere from bright blue medium green. The colors can vary too, depending on mineral components. More aluminum equals a green to white color range. More copper equals a bluer color range. If there is an addition of zinc, a yellow-green color will appear. There is not a best color in general; it is a matter of personal taste, as is a matrix. Matrix, as it is called forms because turquoise stone itself takes on colors from host stone it forms in. The host rock has been seen in black, rust, brown and even darker shades of blue or green. The most commonly seen matrix is black. You can see it well as it often resembles a spider’s web and adds to beauty of stone, making it more sought after in jewelry.
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