Monkey Business…

As a young teen living on the West Coast of Florida I was like a fish out of water. I moved there from New York with my parents. There were many things that took some getting used to and I was not a fan of the heat or bugs. Whoever invented air conditioning has my eternal gratitude! Then there were things that helped me tolerate any negatives. The casual lifestyle and dress, the beaches and the fishing to name a few. One the things I really loved about Florida was that it lacked many of the rules and restrictions that East Coasters were and still are cursed with today. Even in the early 1970s you could not walk into a NYC or Long Island pet shop and purchase a monkey. However, you could do that in Florida.

Before the government decided that they would make all the decisions for us, there was a time you could decide many things for yourself. That included what type of pet you might want to purchase or adopt. Sadly, there were some people who spoiled that for honest, sincere and thoughtful pet owners… People who left their dogs perpetually tied to a tree, kept an alligator in the pool, had a tiger in their apartment or used their home as an animal rescue center keeping hundreds of poorly fed cats in a totally unacceptable environment… Now I am not saying that there should not be laws against keeping certain types of wild or exotic animals as pets. What I want to point out is if the government is forbidding people from owning animals because they are endangered or in the opinion of some “expert” might be psychologically damaged by living with people… Then they are barking up the wrong tree.

As a fourteen year old boy I walked into a Florida pet shop and saw a squirrel monkey languishing in a small cage. This was not a case of neglect or abuse. This type of thing is often done by pet stores as a hook to get you to buy one of their more pricey or hard to sell selections. So said my dad and he was correct. Another week went by and the monkey was still there when I returned. At $25 it did not cost a fortune and that price meant the store wanted it gone. It was a time when few tourists were in town and that made it harder to sell. Most locals were older and did not want the hassle of keeping a Primate as a pet. Besides, the monkey was not good at self promotion. It had barely been weaned when someone took it from its mother, gave it some shots and sold it to the pet store for resale. As a result the animal was shy, skiddish and frightened.

I went to the local library and did some research on squirrel monkeys before I finally purchased him two weeks after my first visit to the pet shop. My parents were good with my purchase because I had always been a responsible pet owner having had a dog, birds and guinea pigs. The dog died before we moved. The other pets were adopted to neighbors who already knew and liked them because it was just not possible to bring them along. I named my monkey Sam and brought him home to a large cage that we kept in a Florida Room with jalousied windows on the side of our house. It faced an unused lot that was overgrown and looked like a jungle. That room could be cut off from A/C if necessary, but was heated for the short period of time that our area experienced any chilly weather.

Squirrel Monkeys are easy to feed, not very expensive to keep and not hard to train if you train them to do things they enjoy doing. However, they require a lot of companionship and mental stimulation. Fortunately, Sam liked me. He tried to bite me at first so I pinched him a few times until he learned not to be so aggressive. This was only possible because I got him so young. I also put him in his cage when he misbehaved. The idea was to use conditioning and repetitive discipline as tools to have the animal behave. I was the head of this primate group, not him. I was the provider of food, water and shelter. Once he figured all this out he learned faster. In the beginning I used a leash. After a few months it wasn’t necessary. He was allowed to roam freely under our supervision and even played outside while we had barbeques or went in our pool. He used the empty lot next store as an exercise yard climbing the trees and chasing birds and squirrels. He also used it as a potty so I guess you could say he was potty trained for the most part.

Dogs and monkeys are sworn enemies. You can’t really have both without stressing out one or both pets. In reality Monkeys are jealous. I strongly suggest that if you plan on owning a monkey of this type you avoid having other pets. Most Monkeys that are not well trained or kindly treated will likely get mean or moody as they transition to adulthood. Constantly caged monkeys will pee on you or throw feces at you. They may also attack you or destroy things they see are important to you if given the opportunity.

As a rule Monkeys are smart. They learn fast and are great escape artists. That is why training is important. I always left Sam’s cage door open once he was trained. I did close the doors to that room. He learned to close or open his cage door as it suited him. After a while he learned how to open and close all the doors that lead to the back yard so he could go outside to play or do his business. But he would never go unless one of us gave him our permission. Doors to his room were padlocked when we went out without him.

Owning a squirrel monkey is easy and hard… satisfying and frustrating… fun and annoying… but it is ethical? Is it detrimental to the animal? You will have to decide for yourself unless your city or state has already done that for you. The truth is that people are going to own monkeys regardless. In China it’s illegal, but thousands of Chinese own “Pocket Monkees” which are usually purchased as baby Pygmy Mamosets, Capuchins or Resus Monkeys. They do not treat them well. They tie their arms so they will learn to practice walking on twos instead of all fours which is painful and unnatural for them. They shave off their fur and dress them in clothes. You get the picture. These animals are status symbols in China where most authorities look the other way and ignore the rich and important people who own them. However, if they or responsible pet owners did not buy the monkeys they would be sold to research labs and condemned to a life spent being subjected to physically or emotionally damaging experiments while living in a tiny cage devoid of love or companionship.

Each year tens of thousands of monkeys are shipped to research facilities worldwide and many orders for more from these same torture centers remain unfilled. Given that fact it is hard to be concerned about the morality of owning a monkey as a pet compared to the same animal ending up as a lab rat. Most people I know who have owned a monkey did not mistreat it, or shave it, or beat or keep it in an improper environment. Once again, if you have the legal right to own one, you have to decide if it is something you should do or not. Before you do anything, do lots of research and buy from a reputable breeder if you decide a monkey is the right pet for you. No more $25 prices. You will spend $3000-$6000 depending on the type of monkey you choose. Most people prefer the Capuchins for their ability to learn tricks and behaviors. If tiny is your plan Pygmy Marmosets are finger sized as babies and hand sized as adults. Squirrel and Spider Monkeys require more time and effort than most people care to invest in a pet.

Avocados are notably high in calories but are also highly regarded for their high content of monounsaturated fats and potassium thus making it one of the most beneficial foods for combating high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is the measure of the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. The heart pumps blood into the arteries, which is the transportation highway responsible for distributing blood throughout the body. Blood pressure comprises of two numbers: Systolic, the first and higher of the two reflects pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and they are filled with blood, diastolic, the second number, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rests between beats. A normal blood pressure reading varies from 90/60 at birth to 120/80 in a healthy adult. For seniors age 6o and older a reading of 150/90 is an indication of high blood pressure (hypertension). It’s important to note that a reading slightly higher than 120/80 in young adults indicates a risk of developing pre-hypertension.

Having untreated high blood pressure makes the heart work harder and contributes to hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This in turn can lead to stroke, kidney disease, and to the development of heart disease. “Having high blood pressure puts you at risk of heart disease and stroke, which are leading causes of death in the United States. About 75 million American adults (32%) have high blood pressure-that’s 1 in every 3 adults. About 1 in 3 American adults has prehypertension” 1 A diet low in salt and high in vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products can help lower blood pressure. Highly valued for its blood pressure combating properties within the fruit family is the Avocado (aka. alligator pear) a fruit of the avocado tree native to the Western hemisphere.

Avocados are reputed to be high in fats, but since they are a plant food, the fat they contain is therefore considered an oil and not a solid fat. However it’s important to note that the majority of fat (77%) in the fruit is oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. There is conclusive scientific evidence which points to the fact that diets rich in monounsaturated fats are great for improving your cholesterol and reducing inflammation thereby reducing the risks of heart problems and strokes. In fact “The American Heart Association recommends the consumption of MUFAs (monounsaturated fats) to improve your blood lipid profile.” “(Lipid profile or lipid panel is a panel of blood tests that serves as an initial broad medical screening tool for abnormalities in lipids, such as cholesterol and triglycerides.)” 2

Along with monounsaturated fats avocados are extremely rich in potassium (more so than bananas – Half a medium avocado contains 549 mg potassium, one medium banana provides 451 mg.). A diet rich in potassium helps regulate your heart beat, eases tension in your blood vessel walls, keeps muscles and nerves functioning efficiently, and lowers blood pressure by balancing out the effects of sodium on your system. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium is lost through urination. A high potassium diet can reduce systolic blood pressure 4.4 mm Hg and diastolic pressure 2.5 mm Hg.

To those who are averse to eating the avocado fruit the oil derived from it is a reliable alternative. A study done on lab animals and published by “Journal of Ethnopharmacology.” concluded that “a diet rich in avocado oils, altered levels of essential fatty acids in kidneys, resulting in changes in the way the kidneys respond to hormones that regulate blood pressure.” A tablespoon of avocado oil contains approximately 124 calories and 14 grams of fat (21 percent of the recommended daily fat intake), 9.9 of the 14 grams are monounsaturated healthy fat which lowers LDL ((Low Density Lipoprotein) ) cholesterol, while increasing HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and 1.9 grams are polyunsaturated fat which lowers LDL and HDL. Avocados contain no cholesterol or trans-fat and are richer in vitamin E than any other fruit. The fats of the avocado are also resistant to heat-induced oxidation thus offering an excellent substitute for vegetable, canola oils and similar saturated or trans-fat products.

While extolling the health benefits of the avocado it is important to keep in mind that the fruit is high in calories (a cup of avocado slices contain approximately 234 calories) so the quantity being consumed must be taken into consideration. Also due to its high potassium content, persons with kidney related problems need to be extra careful in its use. Consult your healthcare professional to know if a diet supplemented with avocado is good for you.

1, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics)

2, Wikipedia.org (wiki/Lipid_profile)

Known as the “Sunshine State”, Florida is a popular tourist destination, thanks in large part to its subtropical climate and its beautiful beaches.

Here are 10 must-see attractions when visiting Florida:

1. Busch Gardens Africa (in Tampa): A 335-acre theme park with an African theme. The park is home to many animal exhibits as well as exciting thrill and family rides.

2. Cypress Gardens (in Winter Haven): Originally a botanical garden, and known for its water ski shows, Cypress Gardens is today a modern theme park.

3. Daytona USA (in Daytona Beach): Daytona Beach is well-known as the home of the famous Daytona 500 race. It is also home to Daytona USA, a motorsports attraction which incorporates an IMAX theater, a racing simulator and other racing and motorsports exhibits.

4. Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum (in Key West): The famous house at 907 Whitehead Street where Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote many of his classics. The area is still today home to the six-toed polydactyl cats descended from those of Hemingway’s days.

5. Gatorland (in Orlando): A 110-acre alligator theme park and wildlife preserve.

6. Kennedy Space Center (near Cape Canaveral): The Kennedy Space Center has served as America’s spaceport for the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and Space Shuttle programs. The center is home to a wonderful Visitor Complex with many exhibits, two IMAX theaters and offers bus tours around the complex.

7. Monkey Jungle (in Miami): Monkey Jungle is a 30 acre reserve that is home to about 400 primates of 30 species. Visitors walk through cage tunnels while the monkeys run free outside.

8. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (in Delray Beach): A center for Japanese arts and culture. It incorporates two museums as well as Japanese Gardens, and is also home to various Japanese festivals held at various times throughout each year.

9. Salvador Dali Museum (in St. Petersburg): A museum dedicated to the life and work of the famous surrealist artist. The museum is home to 7 masterwork paintings by Dali.

10. Walt Disney World Resort (in Lake Buena Vista just outside Orlando): Walt Disney World is a massive complex of several theme and water parks, including the famous Magic Kingdom.

Daniel Roth Vantage Metropolitan can display second time zone and up to 24 different countries. It has an automatic movement that uses DR700/21 caliber with 42 hours power reserve. There are 26 jewels and a vibration frequency of 28,800 vph.

The case is made of stainless steel and has the signature double-ellipse shape. Its dimension is 41mm x 38mm with 11.7mm thickness. Its sapphire crystal is curved. There are 2 correctors located at 8 and 10 to change Summer/Winter time.

It has a rectangular pusher at 4 that will shift the hour hand for the 24 different time zones that is indicated by the two window displays at 6 and 12. Its water resistance is up to 30m.

The dial is in either silver or pink. It has guilloche pattern depicting sun rays from the center of the dial which also has a stamped world map.

There is an hour ring in the middle portion of the dial. It has luminescent Arabic numerals as well as printed minute track with five-minute graduation.

Its arrow-pointed central hands come in blue steel (silver dial) or pink steel (pink dial). There are two windows above 12 and below 6 which indicates the two locations that are opposite on planisphere.

The actual time zone is displayed at 6. Another window at 12 indicates the time zone displayed at AM or PM.

Both case versions are available in black alligator leather strap with fold-over buckle or bracelet.

More Information on Daniel Roth

Do you like something a bit out of the ordinary in jewelry? Or perhaps you’d like to experiment with vintage jewelry in a new way. Vintage sweater clips are the answer. They are easy to find, easy to wear and affordable. Here are three reasons you’ll want to add this versatile item to your fashion repertoire.

1. Vintage sweater guards are a classic style that can be made fresh and new.

Sweater clips, also called sweater guards, have been popular since the 50’s as a way to hold a sweater or shrug on your shoulders without having to actually wear the sweater. They consist of two alligator type clips such as you would find on a tie clip or a fold over clip such as you would find on a vintage dress pin. The clips can be fancy or plain bars connected by one or more chains. They may have evolved from chatelaine pins which consist of two pins connected by chain. Since there is such a wide range of designs you’ll have fun thinking of new ways to wear and update the look.

2. A cute sweater clip is a small investment that can perk up any outfit.

This under appreciated collectible can be used to add a touch of fun or a touch of elegance to any outfit for a modest sum. They will compliment a black evening jacket or a simple cotton shirt. Clips in gold metal or silver can be used to echo the color of metal buttons. Mink or fur clips add a deluxe touch. Or try the faux pearl ones to create a Donna Reed 50’s style. However you wear them, they will give your outfit some extra zing and be a conversation piece that will be noticed.

3. A sweater clip is uniquely yours.

Although there are some basic designs that are repeated, there is also a tremendous variety to be found in this unique kind of vintage jewelry. The way you put it together makes it your own. Wear it as a sweater or light jacket holder. Wear it hooked to the collar of a button up blouse or at each corner of a pocket. Add several chains and clips or a whimsical pin. Do you have a t shirt or top that is slightly too big? Try a sweater clip in the back to adjust the fit. It can be used to lengthen a too short necklace. Try decorating a hat, beret or a cloche with a clip and a pin. Clip it on a belt or waist band or even attach it to a shoe or boot.

Check flea markets, your neighborhood boutique and online sites to see prices and availability of vintage clips. Or check the jewelry boxes of mom and grandma – they may have one pushed to the back because it was out of style. Now you can polish it off and create your own fashion. When you’re shopping, watch for quality touches like prong set rhinestones and maker marks on the back of the clip. Check that the clips close securely and that decorative elements are firmly attached. Check pearls for flaking or discoloration and that chains are clean and untarnished Enjoy the hunt for the perfect vintage sweater clip and your lucky find will never go out of style.

Fun fact: Miriam Haskell vintage sweater clips (or guards) are among the most collectible. They were very popular in the 50’s for their quality and designs. The gold leaf design is one of the most sought after. Haskell pieces are usually signed on the back and some sweater clips had pin backs so they could be detached from the chains and worn as separate pins.

“How dangerous can a terrapin bite be”? Someone, bitten by an aggressive terrapin only a couple of days back, asked me. I comforted him by saying, “Don’t worry; just take medicines and proper care.”

 

Small juvenile terrapins look cute but once they grow older, their appearance starts taking a prehistoric look, enough to scare off most of the brave hearts. Some species of the fully grown adult terrapins become huge and can acquire terribly powerful jaws.

 

Terrapins are preyed by a number of predators, including human beings. But the massive ones like alligator snapping turtles (Largest terrapin found in North America) can behave more as potential predators than a pitiable prey.

 

They look fierce in their spiked armor (shell) and jagged, horny, power-full beak-like jaws. The jaws are terribly powerful and according to a popular belief, one can get rid of a terrapin bite only when it thunders. Their body color helps them to camouflage with its surroundings too.

 

Pet terrapins are cute, soft and timid no doubt, but they are wild by nature so you have to wait for sometime before it gets accustomed to your touch and its environment. Hence ‘Careful handling’ is the first message for the terrapin owners.

 

Remember that the first terrapins appeared 180 million years ago and they proudly walked on this earth along with the Dinosaurs.

 

Unlike many other reptiles terrapins are not poisonous. But their bite may carry significant bacteria called Salmonella. Terrapins carry these bacteria on their body surface or excrete them. It can pose a serious threat and can be fatal too for the human beings in case proper medical assistance is not arranged in time.

 

Children should also be trained properly about the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ during terrapin handling. A child below 5 years should not be allowed to handle a terrapin. A power-packed snap can cause a severely painful injury to an adult human being. For small children, it may be as serious as amputation of digits.

 

Similarly, due to careless handling a terrapin may remain unhappy and ever annoyed too. Try to avoid that and look after it properly.

 

But in case any terrapin has tried to chomp you off, don’t get panic. Wash the wound under running water thoroughly with carbolic soap and then apply an antibiotic ointment. Report your doctor immediately and later if there is any discomfort.

 

Sumptuous food, happy environment and nice, gentle care will tame your terrapin in no time.

 

Hereafter, no more biting!

Many college students fear public speaking more than falling into a pit of snakes, being attacked by an alligator or swimming with sharks. I had a frustrated student stop by my office one morning. He was majoring in engineering and had been pursuing his degree for over 6 years. He shared a story of attempting to take the public speaking course several times and becoming overwhelmed with the fear of giving a speech in front of a student audience. He decided that the course I was teaching was his last chance. After experiencing several failures, he made the decision to give up his engineering career if he did not pass my speech class. I told him that success in my course was possible. I also informed him that you can’t eliminate some anxiety that goes with giving a speech. I further explained that there are several ways to manage public speaking anxiety.

There are many ways to manage the fear of presenting a speech. Here’s my Top 10 list of suggestions:

1. Try power posing. Prior to your presentation, find a private location and stand with a powerful posture. For example, think of the pose used by Wonder Woman or Superman. The power posing researchers indicate that standing for a few minutes with a powerful posture will leave you more confident when it comes time to speak.

2. Take a few minutes to locate the room where you are speaking, check out the lighting and the technology. Fear of the unknown increases anxiety. I remember attending a convention in a large Detroit hotel. In the evening I visited the room where I was presenting the next day. I also saw other presenters checking out their presentation rooms. I was more comfortable the next day because I was familiar with the room environment and technology.

3. Get some exercise. Medical research demonstrates the value of daily exercise in reducing anxiety. On the day of your presentation, take a brisk walk or do some exercises to help you relax. But don’t overdo it. You don’t want to appear to your audience like you just finished a marathon.

4. Avoid caffeine. Energy drinks, coffee and too much dark chocolate for some speakers will increase their anxiety. Nervous gestures, voice and problems with your outline can be the result of too much caffeine in you diet.

5. Take a few deep breaths. Taking deep breaths will lower your pulse rate. Taking a few deep breaks before presenting will help you to relax.

6. Keep breathing. Emergency specialist say that many victims of a trauma stop their regular breathing habits. They often instruct the victim to focus on their breathing and move back to a regular breathing pattern. If your speech is a traumatic experience for you, then its important to think about your breathing patterns.

7. Pause for a minute. Professional speakers use this technique. It’s okay to pause for a minute or two before beginning your speech. It’s a great way to get your mind focused on the speech outline and away from your anxious feelings.

8. Use positive affirmations. Our minds work like a stage. You can’t hold positive and negative thoughts on the stage of your mind at the same time. The negative thoughts will push the positive ones off the stage. Think positive thoughts. Imagine your audience giving you a standing ovation at the end of your presentation.

9. View nurturing pictures. Recent research indicates that viewing nurturing, caring, positive pictures will increase your confidence and reduce anxiety. Locate a picture of a family member or friend, or your pet dog or cat. Focus a couple of minutes on the pictures and watch your speech anxiety melt away.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice and then practice some more. Practicing is the best way to manage your anxiety. Professional speakers rehearse their speeches 10-12 times.

Public speaking anxiety is a way of life for many presenters. Learn to channel the anxiety into energy in your presentation. The next time you are feeling speech anxiety, think about the many ways that you can use to manage that anxiety and present a great speech.

Just ahead, partially obscured by the roadside vegetation I saw this head of a bird pointing up toward the sky, brown, with some white striped markings including one crossing its eye, an American Bittern. I had never photographed one before. In fact I’m not sure I’ve ever even seen one. It was right by the berm, motionless, but I could tell that if I drove any closer I was going to spook it and there was no getting out of the car. That would surely ruin my chance. I had to take a shot now. Unfortunately with the angle I had I was going to get either the passenger side rear view mirror or the frame of the windshield in the shot. I took a chance and inched the car forward until I could shoot between the two. I was lucky. He held his position just long enough for one clear shot. At the sound of the shutter, he slowly and silently crept across the shoreline weeds into the reeds just offshore. He then found what he felt was a secure hiding place and froze, providing me one more shot of just his head. These birds are fairly common, yet are rarely seen as they are known to be very secretive blend in well with their habitats. They are more often heard, having a call that has been described as a “congested pump”. They are in the Heron family and are usually most active at dusk. I had already photographed Black Gallinules, Great Blue Herons, Little Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Mottled Ducks, American Coots, and one Alligator, and this was a slow day.

The unusual thing was, I was not in some far off swamp along Florida’s St. Johns River in my kayak. I was in of all places, a sewage treatment plant, specifically the City of Titusville’s Blue Heron Water Reclamation Facility.

The City of Titusville, in creating the Blue Heron Facility for the treatment of waste-water, including a 300 acre engineered wetlands have also created a birding and wildlife photography hot-spot. The wetland is divided into seven cells: one pond cell, three deep marsh cells, and three shallow marsh cells, with the water levels of each cell managed to provide optimal conditions for the target vegetation types to treat the waste-water through biological processes. The cells are separated by berms while a perimeter berm surrounds the entire wetlands. The perimeter berm can be driven, biked or hiked in a counter- clockwise direction while the inner berms separating the individual cells can be walked. By virtue of various cells hosting different vegetative communities attracting different wildlife species this area attracts a huge diversity of bird species providing a tremendous opportunity for birders to add to their “Life Lists” while photographers can add additional species to their portfolios. The ability to shoot from a vehicle is also a tremendous asset as vehicles make great photo blinds. Be sure to stop at the office and sign out when leaving, while a logbook is also available for visitors to record unique sightings. Over 100 species have been recorded here and the wetlands are listed as a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The highest bird species diversities will occur during the fall and spring migrations with many species spending the entire winter here. However, even though the diversity decreases during the warmer months, the residents here including Sandhill Cranes, many Heron and Egret species, and others use these wetlands for breeding and rearing their young, provide great photo opportunities. For birders visiting the Central Florida Area, these wetlands are a must see. Alligators, Otters, and even the occasional deer.

When to go: The Gates to the Blue heron Wetlands open at 7:00 AM and close at 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. They do not leave the gates open on weekends as there is usually only one employee on site, but you can still visit.

To visit the wetlands on a weekend, call 321-383-5642 the Friday before and let them know what to you would like to arrive. The attendant will be sure to open the gate shortly before your scheduled time. Carry the above phone number with you in case you are running late to let them know. They will reschedule your time. It is asked that all visitors sign in at the office upon arrival and sign out when you leave. They also have a book for you to record any unusual sightings.

The Blue Heron Water Reclamation Facility is located at 4800 Deep Marsh Road on the south side of Highway 50, about a half mile west of I-95 in Titusville. If driving from the east you will have to do a U-turn at the Great Outdoors entrance on Highway 50 (Plantation Drive). The entrance to the wetlands will be the next right almost immediately after the U-turn.

Teaching a kid to play guitar presents a different challenge for any guitar teacher. Often times, a guitar teacher will have to work out some sort of a method to suits their young student. A good guitar method book specially design for kids will certainly be a great help in this situation, and one book in particular is “Alfred’s Kid’s Guitar Course”, so let’s see what this book has to offer.

The 140 pages book is intended for kids as young as five years old and has colourful pages that can certainly drew a kid’s attention. After a few pages of the basics such as; “Guitar Anatomy”, “Holding The Guitar” and introduction to “Basic Musical Symbols”, students are presented with an “Activity” page where they’ll be ask to draw musical symbols learned before as well as the fundamental of counting the “Beats”. Unlike most traditional guitar method books that I use to see, the book doesn’t start with “Notes Reading” lesson but instead with a “Strumming” lesson. An interesting approach by writers of the book is the introduction of three colourful characters; a dog, a cat and a friendly alligator that are always around to give tips to student on each lesson.

Reading music notation doesn’t start until page 37 of the book, and by then, students had already learned four chords in the simple position and had practice strumming them in songs given. Page 37 onwards is back to traditional approach of learning to read notes on every string starting from the 1st. Activity pages continues to appears in between lessons and the colourful characters are always there to help. Students will experience combining single notes and strumming chord in page 43 and this will continue with every new notes learned.

A “Four String” version of the chords learned before are introduced in page 79 and this later follows with the introduction of “Bass-Chord” accompaniment style as well as playing with “Dynamics” to trains students to add “Feel” to their playing.

Pro:

The book approaches of introducing “strumming” lesson first before “notes” reading certainly is a good way to keep the lesson entertaining to kids. It is a lot easier then trying to memorize notes and finding them on the guitar before they can play any meaningful sound. The accompanying CD’s are great sounding and are actually “enhance” CD’s that have extra features when played on a computer. The colourful cartoon characters did their job of making the lessons interesting and the colourful pages does make the book look cheerful and this will surely grab a young students attention.

Cons:

The book although titled “Complete” in the cover, is not exactly a complete guitar method book because even after finishing the book, students will only learn “four string chords” at best. Although come with a great sounding and enhance CD’s, guidance from a guitar teacher is still needed to make the lessons more effective for kids especially for the five years olds.

Having going through the book and learning the pro and cons of it, I still feel that it is a good place to start for kids who wants to learn the guitar for it’s simplicity.

A peculiar kind of fishing technique that developed during the Depression out of sheer desperation was ‘noodling’. Catfishing tips will come handy here. Though this technique carries many different names its practice comprises of three distinct stages that are adhered to by all noodlers.

The first stage is locating the prey. For successful noodling, it is essential to spot the hideout of your potential prey. As Catfish are bottom dwellers, shallow waters with plenty of submerged rocks and logs offer sanctity and perfect lodgings. A noodler gets into the game unlike a typical pole and line fisherman. Wading in shallow waters and fighting the cat fish until it gives in is a sport not many would care to try. Since noodling poses a risk of drowning, most anglers prefer noodling with spotters.

The second stage of noodling is ‘verification’ probing inside holes in shallow, murky waters is simply asking for trouble. What might look like a natural catfish dwelling might turn out to be an alligator’s den. Besides, there are venomous snakes that lurk around submerged rocks and logs. It is critical that the noodler makes sure that the hole is safe from such dangers, before thrusting in with his bare hands. When the noodler’s hand starts prodding about inside a catfish hideout, the catfish takes offence and lashes out.

Once a catfish latches on to the hand, it keeps the hold for quite some time, allowing the noodler time to get the ‘cat’ out of the water. Sounds easy enough, but it is actually a life threatening sport that requires courage, strength and presence of mind. The team of spotters help the noodler pull the fish out of the water and also provide backup if things get out of hand.

Catfish gets the name from the uncanny resemblance it shares with the feline land dwellers. The long, tactile projections that cover the chin and the mouth area in pairs work as sensory organs bearing foreign taste buds. Catfish are bottom dwellers and mostly live in murky waters. The Barbells whiskers help the catfish to screen the water and check it for hidden dangers. Another crucial function is leading the catfish to food and forage in less visible surroundings.

The dorsal and pectoral fins of catfish are sharp with serrate edges. A hollow leading ray which works as a defense mechanism is connected to these fins. Whenever a catfish feels threatened it emits a deadly protein from its glands that can leave a man mangled if not dead. Not all catfish carry the stinging protein glands. Those species which are devoid of these glands are provided with another potent shield —- a well developed electrogenic organ. The electric catfish are nocturnal hunters and use the organ’s electric discharge to incapacitate their prey. Found abundantly in the Nile and the waters of Africa, the electric catfish has the ability to produce a devastating electric shock of up to 350 volts. So, you better follow those catfishing safety tips when trying out noodling!