Panama is a small country in Central America bordered by Costa Rica, Columbia, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Pedasi Panama is a very small, fishing and farming community. However, it is beginning to attract commercialism, land developers, and even various well known in the entertainment industry. Pedasi is located at the tip of the Azuero Peninsula. The summer climate is dry, with temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.

There are no shortages of beautiful sandy beaches, with palm trees, and coral reefs in Pedasi and the surrounding areas. For the romantics, who want to be alone, there are plenty of coves and isolated beaches. Places such as Cantadora Island are well known for snorkeling, and other swimming activities. There are tours for all day kayaking, spear fishing, as well as horseback riding at unbelievably low prices. There are nature tours in Isal Iguana National Park, and Canas Island which is a turtle refuge. Your food will be prepared for you and brought along as part of your Isla Iguana tour, where you can enjoy snorkeling, fishing or lounging on the beach. Other tours through the parks are full of activities, and the exotic wildlife. Observation decks are available for a great scenic view. You can also experience the natural water falls as well.

Carnival, similar to the New Orleans Mardi Gras begins 4 days before Ash Wednesday. It is celebrated throughout Panama but particularly in Pedasi. In the evening, there are various Carnival floats which carry the Carnival princess down to the river. There is a wonderful culture here to enjoy with the food, dancing and music. The town’s people will often rent rooms to visitors during this huge party. Carnival is definitely an experience not to be missed.

Most travel is done by tour services but bus and taxis are relatively inexpensive. The hotels have modern amenities for comfort, but not like 5 star hotels most tourists are accustomed to. Yet, they are clean and provide comfort for the guests. One of the popular eating places in Pedasi is Gringo Joe’s, well known for serving that luscious steak dinner or barbecue. Pedasi Panama is definitely an ideal vacation spot, at an unbelievably low cost for everything from tours to accommodations.

Panama is a small country in South America bordered by Costa Rica, Columbia, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. Pedasi Panama is very small, primarily fishing and farming. However, it is beginning to attract commercialism, land developers, even various well knowns in the entertainment industry. Pedasi is located at the tip of the Azuero Peninsula, and the summer climate is dry, with temperatures around 85 degrees fahrenheit in the summer months. Pedasi is a small, rural area where life is not like of the typical hustle and bustle of large tourist areas.

There are no shortages of beautiful sandy beaches, with coconut palm trees, and coral reefs in Panama City and the surrounding areas, as well as Pedasi. For the romantics, who want to be alone, there are plenty of coves and isolated beaches. Places such as Cantadora Island are well known for snorkeling, and other swimming activities. There are tours for all day kayaking, spear fishing, as well as horseback riding at unbelievably low prices. There are nature tours in Isal Iguana National Park, and Canas Island which is a turtle refuge. Your food will be prepared for you and brought along as part of your Isla Iguana tour, where you can enjoy snorkeling, fishing or lounging on the beach. Other tours through the parks, are full of activities, and the exotic wildlife. Observation decks are available for a great scenic view. You can also experience the natural water falls as well.

Carnival, similar to the New Orleans Mardi Gras, in Panama City, 4 days before Ash Wednesday, is days long throughout Panama. Because of the heat in Panama City, there are water trucks which travel along spraying the crowds. In the evening, there are various Carnival floats which carry the Carnival princess down the river. There is a wonderful culture here to enjoy with the food, dancing and music. The town’s people will often rent rooms to visitors during this huge party. Carnival is definitely an experience not to be missed.

Most travel is done by tour services, bus and taxis which are inexpensive. The hotels are have modern amenities for comfort, but not like 5 star hotels most tourists are accustomed to. Yet, they are clean and provide comfort for the guests. There are more modern, large hotels throughout Panama. One of the popular eating places in Pedasi is Gringo Joe’s, well known for serving that luscious steak dinner or barbecue. Pedasi Panama is definitely an ideal vacation spot, at an unbelievably low cost for everything from tours to accommodations.

If you thought that you have already enjoyed much of Thailand with its most popular travel itineraries in destinations such as Bangkok, you better think again. This beautiful Southeast Asian country truly lives up to its name as the Land of Smiles, offering destinations that will keep the most determined traveler ever happy even after having explored the most popular and common alternative. In its southern regions lie Krabi, an attractive province sprawling with lush, verdant ecosystem complemented by pristine waters, white-sand beaches, rich marine flora and fauna, and exotic islands.

The following list of some popular destinations in a Krabi tour package will be more than sufficient to keep a visitor exhilarated yet wanting for more:

Khao Khanap Nam

Sitting at both banks of the Maenam Krabi River, along the entrance to the city of Krabi, are two mountains that stand about 100 meters tall. This natural landmark, also known as Khao Khanap Nam, is regarded as the symbol of Krabi itself. Its attraction include stunning caves that boasts of rich and gorgeous stalactite and stalagmite formations. Historical theory assumes that this area has once been a place of human settlement, as a huge number of human skeletons have been found in the area.

Noppharat Thara

Noppharat Thara is a part of a marine national park. Its main attraction is a 3 kilometer long white sand beach, which makes it one of Krabi’s most popular beaches. Rows of coconut trees and casuarinas dotting the beach make for a picturesque view. The beach was then called as Khlong Haeng Beach, a Thai rendition for dried-canal beach. The name was descriptive of the areas natural feature seen during low tides: that of long sea shores paved by sea-shells.

Mu Koh Poda

Mu Koh Poda is an island located 8 kilometers offshore south of Ao Nang. This island is a year-round attraction among visitors because of its natural scenery of white sand beaches and pristine coral reefs. Fishing also thrives here because the area is just slightly affected by monsoon.

Than Bok Khorani National Park

The Than Bok Khorani National Park boasts of an abundance of natural sceneries such as mangrove forests, natural trekking routes, Lot Cave and Phi Hua To Cave. The caves are home to magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.On the other hand, the [ark is also host to rare floral species such as Apocynaceae, Asoka, and wild gardenias. Eco-tourism activities are perfect for this particular destination in Krabi, and so are other activities such as canoeing, snorkeling, or just plain sightseeing.

Namtok Ron Khlong Thom

Namtok Ron Khlong Thom is a hot spring located 45 kilometers away from the provincial town of Krabi, along Ban Bang Khram – Ban Bang Tiao. Hot springs and cold springs shaded by a forest area actually converge on a slope, and the resulting waterfall deliver a soothing cascade with a warm temperature ranging from 40 – 5- degrees Celsius.

More than a century ago, a humble servant invented a game that would soon take China, and later the world, by storm. That game was Mahjongg. When it was finally brought to the United States back in the 20s it became an instant favorite. Though interest waned soon after, it is now hugely popular again — especially on the internet where it is creating a new generation of loyal fans who can’t get enough of this challenging and highly addictive game.

The most popular variant in the US is American Mahjongg, which has a number of key differences from the classical version that came out of China. One of the biggest differences is the Charleston, which is one of the most popular features of the American variant. The Charleston (named after a popular dance back in the 1920s) involves exchanging tiles at the beginning of the game. Even if you have the perfect set of tiles, too bad, you still need to swap.

Each player must swap three tiles facedown to their neighbor on the right. Next, each player swaps three tiles with the player opposite them. Then players must swap three more tiles to their left neighbor. Finally, if players feel they have a strong hand, they can push one or two tiles to their left neighbor as well. This can be followed up by a second Charleston if all players are mutually agreeable, called a Free Charleston. The upside to all this tile swapping is that there is a very good chance you’ll have a strong hand on your rack.

Sound confusing? Don’t worry! Mahjongg is definitely a challenging game, and takes some time to learn. But once you do learn how to play Mahjongg, you will be rewarded with hours of addictive game play with friends and family.

Yachting in the Mediterranean offers many opportunities to experience the beauty, nightlife, history, culture, and beaches; but how to choose which islands to visit? This guide will help boaters discover which islands are best for their needs, whether they are seeking a dance party, a romantic meal, an exotic black-sand beach, or to learn about architecture, culture and customs. Here are the best of the Mediterranean islands and what makes them so.

Capri

Celebrity watchers should set sail to Capri, where VIPs have come for decades – back when Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly and the like first discovered its beauty. Today super yachts of the rich and famous cruise the Mediterranean heading for Capri, where they can explore the rocks Faralyoni, dive in the Blue Grotto, or visit the 18th century church of San Michele in Anacapri.

Ibiza

This beautiful island in the Balearic Islands is decorated in white and blue, little white houses tucked neatly between the blue Mediterranean and the clear blue sky. Ibiza attracts celebrities, particularly because of its vibrant nightlife. While yachting in Ibiza, but sure to take a moment to watch the sun set before heading out to Café del Mar or the various clubs where the day begins after the sun sets.

Mallorca

Simply exquisite, this picturesque island is regal in her mountain landscapes, rocky ledges, and sandy beaches. It draws the Hollywood crowd as well as the average Joe. Those interested in architecture should visit Castle Belver and the cathedral of Santa Maria de Palma de Mallorca. For a relaxing choice, attend one of the sea therapies the let the sea waters take away your stress and make you feel younger and more alive.

Santorini

The unique landscape and black sand beaches of Santorini draw visitors each and every year. Known as the jewel of the Cyclades, this location offers a typically Greek style with little white houses accented in bright blue all perched along the ridge of the caldera. Because of its volcanic history, many of the beaches have a fine, dark sand that is a striking complement to the white structures and blue waters. The Kokini Paralia is a unique red beach on the island that is a must-see. History lovers will want to climb the mountain to reach the Prophet Elijah monastery which dates to the 18th century.

Sicily

This, the largest island in the Mediterranean, also has the most to explore and the widest variety of culture, cuisine, and attractions. The capital of Palermo is a must see. Additional attractions include the Ortiga Peninsula, the Greek castles in Agrigento, and the beaches of Tsefalu. Try a night walk to the top of Mount Etna; the view is worth the experience.

So set sail towards the Mediterranean for a vacation of island-hopping, and if you don’t already have your own sailing or motor yacht, why not? Paradise awaits.

Joe Stepaniak’s “Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook” was among the first cookbooks I bought after deciding to adopt a vegan diet 3 years ago. For those not familiar with the term “uncheese”, Stepaniak uses it to describe rich-tasting spreads, dips, sauces and blocks produced with dairy-free whole foods (primarily beans, nuts, or grains).

Cheese lovers be forewarned: you may be in for some disappointment if you’re expecting tofu to taste like Feta cheese or chickpeas like Havarti. The book’s introduction even acknowledges that “uncheeses are not going to be like dairy cheeses, so please adjust your expectations accordingly. “

Unfortunately I skipped Stepaniak’s well-intentioned introduction and plowed in to the recipes, attempting Tofu Ricotta, Chick Cheez, Swizz Cheez, Buffalo Mostarella, Brie, Betta Feta, White Bean Boursin, Monterey Jack and Port Wine uncheeses. And while all were tasty (my favorite is the sharp Chick Cheez spread–made from Garbanzo Beans) they left me somewhat disillusioned and wondering whether I could actually live without real cheese.

As a result of not immediately finding perfect non-dairy replacements for my most beloved cheeses, “The Uncheese Cookbook” sat dormant on my shelf for some time. Little did I realize that I would come back to Stepaniak’s book later (many times), finding it had improved with age. Its most valuable lesson is that it introduces unfamiliar ingredients, and uses them as well as more commonplace items–including raw nuts–in groundbreaking fashion.

For example, I had never heard of nutritional yeast, an ingredient employed in many of the book’s recipes. Nutritional yeast is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that has a pungent cheesy taste, too. I later learned that Stepaniak is somewhat of an aficionado on the subject of nutritional yeast, having authored “The Nutritional Yeast Cookbook.”

Among other new ingredients (and somewhat challenging to obtain) were agar and kuzu (both plant-based thickening agents used in place of gelatin), and umeboshi plum paste, used for adding saltiness. Chickpea flour (a.k.a. Chana Besan) while common in Indian cuisine, is also employed in many uncheese dishes.

The introduction to Uncheese Cookbook provides a detailed and useful reference to all the aforementioned ingredients as well as others. It also contains a well-documented background of how the dairy industry has influenced the evolution of the American diet (echoing T. Scott Campbell’s “The China Study”), and provides detailed nutritional data on the benefits of non-dairy sources of calcium, protein, fat, and carbohydrates vs. dairy products.

Moving on to the recipes, I found many of the “Uncheese Dishes” to be superb. Among my favorites are:

• Chocolate Almond Cheeze Cake (p170*) with Granola Nut Crust–Everyone who’s tasted it are astounded it tastes more delicious than real cheesecake, without using eggs or dairy products (maple syrup is the secret).
• “Besto Pesto” (which imperceptibly substitutes cheese with miso)–How can a vegan diet be considered sacrifice when you can still enjoy a dish of linguine with Genevose pesto sauce?
• Chickpea Flour Pizza (p128), eaten alongside vegetable curries–It takes all of about 5 minutes to prepare, so it’s very convenient, too!
• Beannaise (p150)–Used as mayonnaise substitute within other recipes, and also by itself, as a dip for vegetables or salad dressing.

*Note: page numbers refer to the 10th edition of the book.

Other recipes I would recommend include: Parmezano Sprinkles (p50), Eggplant Parmagiano Stew (p80), Spinach-Tofu Manicotti (p117), Zucchini Chedda Soup (p77).

Upon re-perusing “The Uncheese Cookbook”, there are still many dishes I plan to sample, including: Classic Quiche (p102), Lemon Teasecake (p169)-the “Key Lime” variation, Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce (p63), Hot Spinach-Artichoke Dip (p49), and Curried Cauliflower Cheez Soup (p76).

Other features of the book you will appreciate are the charts of nutritional values for each of the recipes, and the listings of food allergens (gluten, soy, nuts, corn). On the other hand, the book contains only 4 pages of photographs, and certainly could benefit from more.

If you already own “The Uncheese Cookbook” but haven’t picked it up for a while, I suggest it’s worth another look. If you don’t, please get a hold of a copy and try its innovative and healthy recipes based on plant-based ingredients. Just remember to put aside your expectations of dairy-cheese taste, and you won’t be disappointed!

You worked your butt off in school, perfected your resume, applied for every available position, rehearsed your elevator speech, practiced the answers to the most commonly asked behavioral interview questions, purchased your stylish black interview suit, and all your preparation and hard work have paid off. Congratulations, Mr./Ms. Doe! We would like to offer you the coveted position of Pharmaceutical Sales Representative. Your starting salary will be $50k, plus an average annual bonus of $45k and you will receive best-in-industry health benefits, a stellar 401k plan, a company car, corporate credit card, laptop/tablet, cell phone, quota trips to exotic locations and all the flexibility you could ever want. You will have the opportunity to influence physicians and impact patients’ lives. We will provide premier training to ensure confidence as you promote best-in-class drugs. As your district sales manager it is my goal to make you the most successful representative you can be. You will achieve top tier sales success within your first year and be eligible for President’s Circle of Excellence within 2 years. Your success is my success, so I am available whenever you need me. Welcome to the team, Mr./Ms. Doe!

Fast forward 3 months…

Hi, my name is Joe/Jane Doe. Is Dr. Smith in today? I have some new information to share about XYZ drug that I am sure he would be interested in. Sorry, we don’t see reps Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. You will have to come back another time. — Okay, that was an exaggeration, but you get my point.

Golden ticket or golden handcuffs? What happened to my coveted pharmaceutical sales career that was going to enable me to change the world and make a ton of money in the process? Why am I ranked in the bottom third of the nation, still waiting for a promotion and struggling to achieve President’s Circle of Excellence? I worked too hard to get here. I make great money and have all the best benefits and job perks a professional could ever want. But, I only have a Bachelor’s degree. My sales results are poor, at best. What else can I do or where else can I go and still have this type of clout and make this kind of money? I’m stuck. I guess I’ll just have to stick it out and ‘fake it ’til I make it’.

Are you kidding me? Are you going to give up that easily after all you’ve been through? I won’t let you. As a former pharmaceutical sales rep turned physician liaison and now physician recruiter, I want to encourage you that there IS life after pharmaceutical sales. Don’t believe it? Follow me…

Thong underwear has come a long way since the style was introduced for the dancers to cover their privates and gradually it became one of the most desired pieces of intimate apparel. Gradually the style was adopted by the men’s underwear industry. Today, men’s thong underwear style is constantly growing and has become the fastest growing trend. Thongs are characterized by a very thin strap of fabric which runs along the center of the garment and sits between the buttocks. The revealing construction of this erotic underwear is for the exotic feeling of freedom. The minimum coverage provides a lot of breathability to the privates with a lot of leg movement. The style makes you feel a lot sexier than you actually are. The apparel boosts a lot of sex appeal as well as confidence to keep you going through the day or night.

Thongs as an erotic underwear style focus more on comfort and therefore the sexy apparel makes men feel more seductive. Thongs act as those styles which need to be put on when the idea is to turn on the other person’s emotions. Every man initiates the first step towards getting intimate; in order to do so, they themselves should feel the drive inside. Hence, wearing thongs make them feel sexy.

The best part about wearing thongs is that it lets you show off your skin in an inviting way. The sexy contoured pouch in front not only enhances your bulge but also lets you flaunt your desires. Wearing designer thong underwear can actually tempt your partner and keep things alive in your relationship.

What Makes Men’s Thong a Sexier Underwear Style?

LESS FABRIC- The construction of thongs requires only a small piece of fabric which is situated in the front. This small fabric acts as a contour pouch and covers only the required area in the front while leaving the rest for show. Lesser the fabric, greater is the sex appeal.

QUALITY OF FABRIC- Cover Male, Good Devil, Intymen, Joe Snyder are some popular brands which utilize see-through fabrics like sheer and mesh to design fashionable thongs for men. The sheer and mesh fabric offers a visible bulge in the front, giving you a sexier look. Not only in terms of look, but also these fabric types offers comfort down below.

FUNCTIONAL POUCHES- As discussed above, men’s thong feature a contoured pouch opening in the front. The pouch has two major functions, i.e. enhancement and intimacy. So, whenever the idea is for a romantic date, Thongs are the only underwear styles you can opt for in order to heat up the action in your bedroom. When the idea is to tease, tempt and play with your partner, thongs act as a great companion.

If you’re a guy who wants to feel sexy with what you already have or want to have a great time of intimacy, it is highly recommended that you get yourself men’s thong underwear. Shopping for these pairs can be very embarrassing while at a retail outlet, but online you have a lot of options that will save you the weird feeling plus give you a variety to choose from. Online stores carry an entire assortment filled with solid colors and sheer fabrics so as to raise your sex appeal. The collection is available at best prices and designed as per the unique tastes and personalities of different individuals. It’s also another way to rekindle your sex life.

Therefore, try including men’s thong in your wardrobe collection if you want to keep things hot, happening and comfortable down there.

Whenever you think about the open air markets in Italy, all that comes to your mind is the fresh aroma of grounded herbs, exotic spices, fresh vegetables and seasonal fruits. However, there is much more you can experience in Italy that is not available in any other part of the planet. Get ready to explore what the Italians have to offer.

The flora of Italy boasts an incredible variety of fruits and vegetables. A visit to a produce market or local outdoor markets in Italy will be an unforgettable experience for you as a tourist.

From the northern Alps to southern Sicily it’s always a pleasure to shop in the streets of any Italian town or city. Use of fresh produce has always been the hallmark of Italian cuisine. Italian cuisine is also seasonal with utmost priority placed on the use of local fresh, green and aromatic produce.

Some of the popular open air Markets in Italy

Frutta e Verdura, Milan

Frutta e Verdura is the fruit and vegetable market in Italy. This market is filled with organic produce, fresh cheese, baked snacks and all other sorts of native products. Here in the outdoor markets of Italy, the items are priced by the metric system by one kilogram, which is around 2.2 pounds.

Mercato di Mezzo, Bologna

Bologna is rightly called as the food Capital of Italy. Mercato di Mezzo offers more than fruits and vegetables; there are herbs and spices, beans, olive oil, pasta, honey, wine, cheeses, soaps, and more – all organic and handmade. There are a few affluent restaurants and grocery stores that serve authentic Italian food and traditional wine.

Porta Palazzo, Turin

The Porta Palazzo market is a melting pot of civilizations, traditions and cultures that liven up Turin. It is also Europe’s largest open air market where you can find just about anything. Apart from the produce arriving from every region of Italy and specialties from all over the world, you can also shop for shoes, clothing, household items, toys, and a lot more.

Mergellina district, Naples/Napoli

Napoli the birthplace of pizza, holds an indisputable position in the culinary world. Engage in some street fare to get the real Italian cuisine. Since Napoli is coastal district, seafood and vegetables feature in almost every cuisine. Also known for its eateries and wine shops, this outdoor market in Italy is the place to get the best Italian food at great prices.

Italy has always been known as a place that is rich in cultural heritage and classic architecture. It also has the best open air markets in all of Europe. Everything produced and sold here are fresh, organic and safe. Pack your bags to explore and experience open air markets of Italy with PeriiloTours.com.

The dwarf cat has some interesting breed names. Dwarf cats are unusual and popular. People are interested in them.What is equally unusual and fascinating are the names of the various dwarf breeds and, more particularly, how these interesting names came about.Here are the stories about how they were created.

The stories about the creation of the name come from the person who created the breed and invented the name. Fittingly, sometimes the name, just like the dwarf cat, is a hybrid itself.

Genetta: This is a dwarf cat created and named by Shannon Kiley of Pawstruk Cattery in 2006. Genettas are being registered as an experimental breed with The International cat Association (TICA).

Shannon came up with the name “Genetta” as the breed is “being modeled after the African Genet and part of the scientific name for a genet is ‘genetta’. So I thought that would be very fitting and unique” (Shannon Kiley). The African Genet is catlike in appearance and habit but not a cat. It has a longish body and widely spaced black spots. It is a member of the family Viverridae, which includes mongooses.

To achieve the look Shannon developed the Genetta using breeds such as munchkins, bengals, savannahs, DSH, and Oriental Shorthairs.

Skookum: This dwarf cat breed was developed Roy Galusha through the intentional breeding of the Munchkin to the LaPerm. When I asked him how he arrived at the name for this dwarf cat breed he gave this full and interesting answer, which is reproduced here with his permission:

When the breed was first started (our first accidental cross), we (not just us, several people in our circle who knew about them), jokingly referred to them as LaMerms (taking the M from Munchkin and replacing the P in the LaPerm.) When we sought recognition as a breed, we wanted to find a good descriptor of the breed, and considered the name “Poco Chino” which means short and curly in Spanish. However, someone in UFO who knew Spanish pointed out that that also means “Little Chineese”, so we scrapped that. After doing a lot of talking and brainstorming, we decided to give it a Native American name. My wife is part Cherokee, so we researched Cherokee names; however, the descriptor names did not have a good flow. We then decided to go with a local North West Native American name (since we were living in Washington State). We looked at quite a few names, and researched the meanings. A local Native American word that comes from the Chinook language and was part of the Chinook Trade Language was Skookum (pronounced Skoo Kum). The word Skookum means mighty, powerful or great. It is also used to signify good health or good spirits. If someone really likes something, they might refer to it as being really skookum (“Boy that apple pie is skookum”) or if you really like a horse (“that is one skookum horse). So we figured that was the perfect name for the breed. Certain TICA officials used the name to object to it being accepted as a breed claiming that the word Skookum means scary monster such as a big foot. This is partially correct in the fact that the spelling Skookum is also used to describe Big Foot, the pronunciation is completely different. Below is the explanation from Tony Johnson, Cultural Committee Chair for the Chinook Tribe.

“As per our conversation this morning, the Chinuk Wawa language has two words differing only by their stress that have been popularly written as “skookum.” We write these two words the same, except for their stress: “sku’kum” for something that is strong, tough, brave or impressive, and “skuku’m” for something scary or a “monster.” Typically English speakers stress the first syllable of a word, and your spelling (which is typical historically) reflects that. The word “skookum” for your useis both not “demonic,” and is in fact appropriate. Further discussion of the word “skuku’m seems unnecessary in that it is not the term you are using. As I noted, the word you are using also can be used in a context to mean something like English “healthy.” In this case it basically means your (body is) “strong.” I hope this helps you, and I can see where this confusion would come from. The confusion is entirely based on the problematic nature of people writing Native words and then other people reading them who have never heard actual pronunciation. In our language you could never confuse these two words or their associated meanings.”

hayu masi (many thanks),Tony A. JohnsonCulture committee ChairChinook Indian Tribe / Chinook Nation

The person who I believe started all the flack in TICA about the name Skookum would know the difference as her husband is one of the leading experts on big foots nation wide, and I understand that he has written several books and manuscripts on Big Foot, to include a passage about the use of the word Skookum in Chinook language and how it pertains to Big Foot. They would know the correct pronunciation for Big Foot as used by the local natives and would know the differences in the meanings; however used that to side rail the registration process. The Skookum has also been referred to as the Shirley Temple cat, because it is short and curly. That was a marketing strategy when Cat Fancy first allowed us to advertise them. We came up with that slogan as the best descriptor of the cat. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

I can’t add a thing to that! Great answer.

Napolean: This little dwarf cat was developed by the intentional mating of the Munchkin to the Persian or exotic shorthair, by Joe Smith. Napoleons are currently registered as Experimental with TICA but recognized as a breed with TDCA (The Dwarf Cat Association).

I confess that I have yet to get an answer to my enquiries about this name. However, a bit of rational and logical thought leads me to this conclusion. This cat is a dwarf cat which is short of stature. Napolean Bonaparte (the French general during the French Revolution) was short of stature by the standards of today (5 feet 6 inches). Also most of the napoleons that I have seen are white and Napoleaon Bonaparte rode a white horse (is there a connection there?). There probably is no connection there and the name simply originated from the short stocky compact profile of this dwarf cat which mirrored Napolean Bonaparte.

Kinkalow: The kinkalow dwarf cat results from the mating of an American Curl to a Munchkin. Terri Harris developed this breed and says this about the name:

“The Kinkalow name was decided on while I was at Kinkos getting some copies make. The Kinkalow has kinky ears and low legs, Kink+low = Kinkalow”. Although Terri doesn’t mention this there is a cat-like animal called a Kinkajou (a Honey Bear or Cat Monkey) and I wonder if this name influenced her decision.

Dwelf: This is simple! It is a mixture of dwarf cat and elf. Being a Cross between Muchkin, Sphynx and American Curl. This dwarf cat is short, hairless and ears that curl back at the tips.

Munchkin: In 1983 music teacher Sandra Hochenedel discovered two cats hiding under a vehicle. She rescued them; both had short, stubby legs. She called them Munchkins after the little people in The Wizard of Oz. This is the founding dwarf cat.

Bambino: Stephanie and Pat Osborne of the Holy Moly cattery organised this dwarf cat breed. As Pat is of Italian extraction and as the cat keeps its kitten like appearance and character throughout its life they named it “Bambino”.

Lambkins: A straight dictionary definition, I think, provides the answer. Lambkins means “very young lamb”. Lambkin cats are a new dwarf cat breed that comes from the cross of a Munchkin and Selkirk Rex to produce curly haired kittens, just like a little lamb.

Knook: A Knook is a type of immortal being or fairy in the work of L.Frank Baum. Knooks are the guardians over the animals. They had a crooked appearance. (source: Wikipedia). I confess I research on the name of this dwarf cat breed produced nothing.

However, if a knook is a fairy that gives the clue. A fairy is delicate and small. A knook is a Kinkalow with a LaPerm/Skookam-type curled coat and that means this cat is going to be pretty delicate and small….

It is human nature to pay attention to what is new and different. Our brains ignore what is too familiar. Drink the same flavor of coffee time after time, and your attention does not focus on its aroma and flavor. You just cannot get much enjoyment from that same old cup of joe. Drink a new flavor of coffee and your taste and smell senses are turned on full. Your brain analyses the flavor, compares the taste to what you have tasted before, and makes all the analysis it can to determine if your pleasure centers should be turned on. Drinking that new brew becomes a full experience, the mind engaged in taste sensations – with pleasure reactions readied and awareness peaked.

Use that aspect of human nature to get more enjoyment out of drinking coffee. Have 6, or better yet, 8 or more different flavors of coffee in your repertoire of on-standby favorite brews. The 8 flavors need not be exotic. Some possible choices are instant coffee, standard ground roast from your local supermarket, perhaps custom roasted coffee that you roast and grind yourself (it’s not that hard to do), and a few flavor ingredients that can be added when your hunger calls for one of them to arouse your pleasure.

The flavors can be nut and seed butters such as hazelnut, walnut, pecan, tahini (sesame seed butter), roasted almond, chestnut, and even fruit and vegetables such as blueberry and bell pepper. Nut butters mix easily in hot coffee, so does fruit juice concentrates. Just about any vegetable or fruit can be added by using a blender. A coffee press or coffee filter paper will eliminate vegetable and fruit particles.

It helps to get a little jiggy with it. Be adventurous and inventive. Awareness is heightened by experiencing the unfamiliar. Each new first taste has the excitement of the possibility of discovery of a new enjoyment. Coffee drinking becomes the pay-off time of previous experimentation efforts. The flavors are more appreciated for having a little bit of your heart and soul invested in the experience.

The flavor of coffee can be enjoyed in other ways than as a drink. Coffee flavor can be enjoyed in puddings, biscuits, thickened liquids, crumb texture, and other food types. Get some recipes and try them.

Moving on to the unfamiliar makes a return to the familiar more enjoyable. Try new flavors and enjoy them. When you get the yearn for a familiar, favorite taste, indulge yourself. You’ll enjoy that favorite more when it’s one of many options.

Treat yourself to more pleasure. Make a decision to increase the pleasure in your life. Developing a fondness for what is new, will encourage you to find new pleasures. Get some new recipes for making new brews to boost your enjoyment. Keep the recipes handy. Alter the recipes every now and then, and add new ones. Enjoy that morning pleasure that is laying dormant, waiting to be boosted to a higher level of awareness and pleasure. And be alert for other new ways to add to your repertoire of pleasures.