BridgeGate20.com

Trying to find that perfect gift for Grandpa can certainly be a difficult task. Your Gramps has seen it all, tried everything, and is long past the age of following his youthful pursuits. Still, the old man has a life and one that can certainly be enriched by one of the following gift ideas I have listed for you. Go ahead and make an old man happy. Goodness knows he has been grumpy for way too long!

1. Hearing Aid — That’s right, Gramps hasn’t been able to hear much lately and what he does hear he changes around. Give the gift that keeps on hearing and he’ll be very grateful. Opt for the fashionable model that sticks outside of his ear canal and comes in your choice of invigorating colors: rad red, bionic blue, glittery green, or psychedelic orange.

2. Viagra — Gramma has been looking pretty sad these past few years. Get Gramps the Viagra and let them have their time alone. Plenty of Viagra, if you can afford it!

3. Football Tickets — Who doesn’t like football? Okay, Gramma doesn’t. So, why not get Gramps a pair of tickets and you take him to the big game? After going through all that Viagra, Gramma will be glad that you took the frisky fella away from her for awhile. She needs the rest and now looks like she was run over by a reindeer. Just don’t sit too close to the cheerleaders…

4. The Three Stooges — Precious little seems to amuse Gramps lately except for slapstick comedy, particularly The Three Stooges. Spring for the entire 26 volume DVD set of the Best of The Three Stooges to keep him entertained all through the winter. Shop eBay for the best prices too!

5. Headers — Say, what?! Yes, purchase his favorite car parts like a DC Sports header, a K&N cold air intake, a JetChips performance chip, floor mats and cargo liners, etc., for his 1999 Ford F-250. You know that he is planning to give you the truck next year anyway, so why not outfit it the way you want it to look now instead of waiting until later? Your gift to him will soon become your gift to yourself. It underscores what Christmas has become to so many; so, get in that spirit today!

Just remember that it is the thought that counts. The more thoughtless you are, the more transparent you will be perceived. At least you will live up to nobody’s expectations of you and, therefore, be unable to disappoint anyone.

Somehow I don’t think that this is what Christmas is really all about… Merry Christmas, Gramps!

Matt Keegan is a contributing writer for the Race Pages as well as an automotive fan. For the best
Husky floor mats,

Weathertech cargo liners, or

Highland cargo liners, shop our store today!

Many borrowers think they have found the perfect loan — the 125. But you should be cautious when considering this product.

A 125 loan is named for the amount of equity you can pull out of your home, which is usually 125%. Some of the loan is secured by your home and some of it isn’t, making it a mixed loan type. The portion that is unsecured causes your interest rate to be higher than with a fully secured home equity loan.

Many borrowers turn to 125 loans because they can simply make one payment to their lender instead of several payments to many lenders. The single payment is often lower than the total of all the payments it replace, due to differences in interest rates. The rates are often much better than credit card rates, but if you roll other loans in, such as student loans, you may actually be raising some rates on your debt.

For example, you may have a car loan with a balance of $11,000. You have an interest rate of 8.5% and 4 years left of payments. You roll the note into your 125 loan, which has a rate of 11.5%. You’ve actually raised your interest rate.

If you roll in a credit card with a $12,000 balance and an interest rate of 19%, you are lowering your rate. But you will be looking at upwards of ten years of payments.

The real danger comes in when borrowers take out a 125, roll over their credit card debt and then go out and max out those cards again. This is called reloading. You now have double the debt to repay. You are in a worse situation now and are risking losing your home.

When you take out a 125, you have to be dedicated enough to cut up each credit card right then and there. This will help you avoid temptation.

You may be saying, but wait — I get to deduct the interest on a 125 on my income taxes. Yes, you are saving 28 cents for every dollar you spend. Doesn’t make a lot of sense. Plus, the amount of interest on the loan above the value of your home is not tax deductible. If you deduct it, it will bite you in the taxes.

You are also now upside down in your home equity. You owe more than your home is worth. You can’t sell it until the value of the house increases or you pay off the loan enough to reduce the balance below the value of the house. That takes around five to 10 years in most cases.

If you are forced to sell your home, you will probably have to pay money at closing just to get it off your hands. You are paying to sell your home. If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, you may not need to worry about this as much.

But keep in mind that the unexpected happens. When you open yourself up to a lot of debt, you are putting your future at risk. Taking out a 125 loan to get rid of the debt isn’t necessarily your best option. It certainly isn’t the easy way out, as you may have been told. It is the same debt, just new place. Be very careful, it’s your house on the line this time.

Martin Lukac (http://www.MartinLukac.com), represents http://www.RateEmpire.com and http://www.1AmericanFinancial.com, a finance web-company specializing in real estate/mortgage market. We specialize in daily updates, rate predictions, mortgage rates and more. Find low home loan mortgage interest rates from hundreds of mortgage companies!

Weight loss is an issue that affects men and women alike. Children, particularly young girls, are also starting to think about weight loss at younger and younger ages. This isn’t really that surprising if you take a look at all of the pressure that is put on Americans to be thin and beautiful. Ironically, for many people, it’s that pressure to measure up to what they see on television and in magazines that drives them to overeat in the first place.

Weight loss is really quite simple. Our bodies require a certain amount of calories to maintain our weight. If we eat less than that amount, or burn more than that amount, we lose weight. It’s that easy. But with the weight loss industry as it is, with so many confusing and controversial diet options, we often give up before we even start.

The hardest thing about losing weight, of course, is having the willpower to change your habits. Overeating is a way of life for so many people that trying to stop can result in culture shock. It’s certainly not easy to swallow your turkey wrap and raw veggies while the guy next to you in the cafeteria munches on a slice of pepperoni pizza. Taking a moment to think clearly should lead you out of temptation if you are feeling those familiar cravings. Get past that need for instant gratification and think clearly about the consequences, both physical and emotional, of breaking your diet. You will surely take your gaze from the greasy grub of your co-worker and appreciate, even enjoy, the cool crunch of your celery.

James is a published author at Fitness Freaks, a site dedicted to bringing you up to date information on Health and Fitness related topics. For more great articles, visit our Fitness Articles page.

“I’m sorry. It’s malignant.” Hundreds of people hear that
phrase every day. Those four words can leave your imagination
running at 110 miles an hour. Once the initial stunned numbness
has worn off, then the riot of emotions sets in; fear, anxiety,
grief and, for some, resignation. All of these reactions are
perfectly normal and natural. The human psyche has that built-in
survival mechanism to help us recognize a potentially
life-threatening situation. Those reactions are part of that
mechanism. Please take a moment and make note of the words I
have been using. For instance, a ‘reaction’ is an ‘action’ that
is played out over an over again, thus re-action. A mechanism is
a mechanical action that takes place automatically. In this
state it is no wonder patients feel they have no control. It is
time to recognize that, first of all, YOU are the most important
member of your healthcare team. The more active and curious you
are about your treatment, the better your outlook will be. Don’t
be afraid to ask questions. The more informed you are, the more
calm and confident you will feel. Treatments have far more
affect when you recognize the benefits and accept them as such.
It is time to recognize that the diagnosis of cancer or some
other chronic illness may have changed your life, but that does
not mean your life has been changed for the worse. In times like
these it is up to YOU to decide how your life has been changed.
Once you begin to take control of your treatment, you will begin
to realize that YOU have the power to make a difference in your
medical treatment and care. The power of the mind, as we are all
learning, is an incredible tool that we have at our disposal. We
are literally of two minds; the conscious mind and the
subconscious. In the November 2002 issue of Natural Awakenings,
I wrote an article pertaining to just that subject. The article
talked about how we can change our lives by changing our thought
patterns, which reside in our subconscious minds. This is, in
actuality, the first step towards healing. A large portion of
our subconscious mind is used simply for the purposes of keeping
us alive, generating new, healthy cells, creating more
antibodies via our immune systems. Imagine how much more
powerful those systems could be with guidance. Studies have
shown that, by using powerful visualization techniques while in
the theta brain wave state, the survival rate for diseases
nearly doubles. Physical healing is not the only goal of my
treatment. You can also use this time to heal your spirit,
relationships and heart. Times such as these can serve as a
wake-up call. All those things that have been left unsaid can be
spoken now. All the times you thought “I should have…”; “I would
have…”; “I could have…” can be resolved now. Perhaps you might
come to look at this time of life as a gift. This is a gift that
allows you the freedom to finally be yourself in the truest
sense, freeing yourself from non-productive emotions such as
guilt, self-doubt and fear. This is your time now. While there
may be moments of uncertainty, there will always be reasons for
hope. Now you have gotten a glimpse of what an effective member
of your healthcare team you can be. Now you begin to understand
that being pro-active instead of re-active is the solution. NOW
is your time. Take charge of your treatment. Ask questions. If
you don’t understand the answer, ask the doctor to explain it to
you in a way that is comfortable for you. Remember, you are in
charge of your healthcare.

Maria K. Myrback is a Certified Hypnotherapist specializing in
Complimentary Medical Hypnotism if you have any questions or
would like to make an appointment please call 321-693-7728 or
visit our website www.holisticsouth.com

The SBS/SAS and Navy SEAL Special Forces Training courses are designed to physically and mentally test the Trainee and how he thinks to the absolute limit.

So much so, that your initial reasons for wanting to become an SBS Combat Swimmer/Frogman, Navy SEAL or SAS operator all but would have dissipated like snow in the sun if it was not for your ability to access the power of the mind.

Once that subtle barrier to the mind has been passed, the Trainees are able to take control of their thoughts. Feelings of fear, anxiety, stress, exhaustion or any other aspect that would hold them back are now being controlled by the power of their sub-conscious mind. They are able to will their bodies to continue indefinitely under any circumstances, while undergoing physical conditions and mental demands that would otherwise be humanly impossible to achieve. This is also known as the power of the sub-conscious mind over the conscious mind or Will-power.

Once a Trainee reaches this Phase in the training, usually nothing will stop him, and he would be able to continue under these circumstances almost indefinitely unless he becomes injured, which sadly does happen from time to time. This Phase in the training sets the stage for a total identity change and a tremendous boost in self confidence. The concept of something being impossible is broken forever. This is why the SBS/SAS and Navy SEAL Special Forces are able to undertake operations and endure physical and mental conditions that for others are all but impossible.

The trainees have reached the stage in their mind that turns all negativity into positive objectivity with the trained, inbuilt desire to always find a solution that will turn any negative experience or set back into an immediate or long term possible, positive outcome.

Leave the thinking to the horses; they have much bigger heads than you. That was the reply from one of the SBS instructors in response to a trainee’s desperate cry in my 1967 SBS training class when he THOUGHT his legs couldn’t move anymore due to sheer exhaustion when doing a forced run through the sand dunes while carrying an inflatable boat or Zodiac with his team mates.

It’s a common trait in most of us and it is a typical human behaviour to hide and suppress the real issues that are troubling us in the back of our mind until it is too late.
It is a typical trait in most of us to hide behind our follies and blame our weaknesses when the going gets tough and if that doesn’t work to then blame everything and everybody else except ourselves.

We get the conscious mind to temporarily override the sub-conscious even though we desperately want to find a solution to our problems or suffering. So the easiest way is to put the blame with somebody or something else for our inability to continue with the task and for our bad luck in life. Luck, however, is the residue of design and this is very much emphasized in the SBS Special Forces training.

In the SBS/SEAL training your true self is fully exposed for everybody to see as you are methodically “hammered” physically as well as emotionally and mentally week after week. You can’t hide your emotions anymore and there is no shame in that, because we all have become equal in the eyes of our Instructors no matter what rank we hold, or how big and tough we considered ourselves to be at the beginning of the course. Teamwork then is another factor strongly emphasized in the Special Forces training of the SBS and SEALS. The needs of the many are greater than the needs of a few and failure of one individual can bring the unwanted attention of the instructors to the whole group.

One thing is for sure. You will never win a self softening up contest in the SBS/SEAL training courses and the same principle applies in life.

In the end you will always be the loser. Making somebody else responsible for the inevitable fall out of your own decisions because of your inhibited thinking process and your refusal to learn the lessons, which the SBS/Seal training course is trying to teach you will only make you a victim in the long run and life is no different.

In the end, you can only blame yourself for failing the course or letting Victory (achieving your full potential) slip through your fingers on the battlefield of life.

Special Forces soldiers are not born, they are created; they create themselves with the help of their instructors, their role models, their buddies and with a lot of self sacrifice. They create themselves to do a Special job that only very few of us can do. That is why they call them Special Forces soldiers. They are special in every way.

You too are special. Which ever way you look at yourself, there is no other like you in the universe. Only you can bring about the changes you so desperately seek in your life. Perhaps it is weight loss, a daily exercise program, a better education or improved health; or perhaps an improvement in your confidence and self esteem levels; ultimately you are the person in control of your life.

I believe that the only way you can do this is to go back to the drawing board of your life; to delve deep into the recesses of your own sub-conscious mind. Like the instructors in the SAS, SBS and Navy SEAL training courses do; they take you down to places in your own mind where you have never been before to unearth the ultimate commitment and belief in yourself.

I believe that you should learn and acquaint yourself with some of the short burst energy psychology techniques of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and regularly apply these during the course of days and perhaps even weeks to clear the accumulation of negative emotional habits and thought patterns gathered over a life time of experiences.

I also believe that you should make short burst aerobic and weight resistance exercise a standard approach to living your daily life, so you can assist the mental and emotional recovery process using EFT.

The main difference between life and the SBS/SEAL Training is that the latter is of a limited duration and if you believe in yourself, have the right mental and emotional attitude and physical ability and don’t get injured along the way, you know you can achieve your goal and that is to pass the course.

The length of Life’s Training Course is an unknown (thank goodness), which makes it so much more difficult, especially for those of us who have found themselves locked into a negative mindset at an early stage in our lives. This is often because of incorrect emotional interpretations of life experiences in childhood and adolescence. We then lack the ability to overcome our problems and setbacks along the way; the emotional habit of self sabotage takes over and we get stuck in the mud of life forever.

Horses may have bigger heads than you, but you have the ability to make choices while horses function mainly by instinct. Choose to think only positive thoughts; banish the negative ones and life will become a whole lot easier to manage.

© 2006. Johan Tonsbeek 58. Learn and apply my short burst mind body techniques for overcoming self sabotage and my unique, university tested exercise program for weight loss, improved balance and coordination. Get my Special Forces traits, Emotional Freedom E-book. Visit http://www.boomeranggym.com

Auto insurance premiums vary widely from state to state and even within states. The same person may find swings of as much as $700 on the cost of an annual policy. Insurance agents are not legally bound to tell a perspective customer about discounts which may apply to his/her insurance. There are, however, things the consumer can do which may lower the price paid for auto insurance.

Higher deductibles

The single quickest and easiest way to lower your insurance premium is to raise your premium. Having a $1000 or even a $1500 deductible can lower premiums 15 to 20 percent. If you decide to go this route, consider putting the money saved the first year into an account earmarked to pay the deductible should you have any accident.

Investigate auto records

Your driving record may be unblemished but the record of the car model you own can also have an affect on your premiums. Insurance copies compile extensive reports on the way cars respond in accidents and how popular certain cars are with thieves. Cars with poor crash test ratings and cars that are frequently stolen cost more to insure. When buying a new car use an auto buyer’s guide to compare crash test and theft rankings.

Use the same insurance company

If you have more than one vehicle insure all of them with the same company. Almost all insurance companies offer multi-car discounts. Many companies offer further discounts if you use any other products they offer such as homeowners insurance and life insurance.

Getting many quotes and comparing them is the best way to check pricing, coverage and save money.

And, don’t forget, the best way to lower your car insurance premium is to drive safely.

Save money by applying with our recommended insurance company.

You’ve heard of the potential payoff from real estate investing.
The good news is, it’s true! The bad news is, it won’t happen
for most people. Why? They have unrealistic expectations. Real
estate investing isn’t a “get rich quick” endeavor, although it
sometimes happens. No real business is. So, prepare to make a
serious time commitment. Would you expect to become extremely
wealthy at anything in just a few months? Know that you’ll have
to keep learning, keep getting contracts, and keep putting time
into it.

Still in? Great, you’re a realist! Your first step is to choose
an area to focus on. Do you want to purchase run-down properties
and repair them to sell for profit (rehabilitate, or rehab
them)? Do you want to buy properties and turn them quickly
(flipping)? Maybe you want to buy properties, then lease them to
potential buyers with an option for them to purchase them later,
while you accumulate equity. There are pros and cons to each of
these, depending on your financial position, your location, your
available time, and other considerations. We’ll be going over
them all in future issues of the newsletter. You’ll find the
possibilities exciting.

Once you know what you’re looking at draft your plan IN WRITING.
People who do this get three times as much done in the same
amount of time. Set long-term goals for 3, 5 and 10 years out
for what you want your cash, equity, and cash flow to be. Then,
you can work backwards from there to set 1-year, 6-month, and
3-month goals. Without this, you’ll be driving without a map,
taking or skipping deals without regard to how they fit into
your big picture. Leaves lots of room for “Wish I’da’s….”
Don’t do it! You can always adjust your plan as you go along.

Keep your day job for as long as possible. If and when it seems
time to go, before you do, get some of those low- to no-interest
credit cards that are out there. It could really ease some cash
flow worries to be able to tap on a $10,000 line if you’re doing
a fixer-upper and run into an unforeseen problem with no
additional bank draw in sight.

Get an attorney who knows and understands the creative options
of real estate. Some banks just don’t understand simultaneous
closings, for example; you’ll want your lawyer to know how to
smooth things so that there aren’t any snags that cost you time
and money. Some even have their own title companies. A good
place to ask for a referral is to ask a mid- to large-sized
developer. This is one place not to haggle about price; he or
she will be worth their weight in gold when they can get your
deals done and you know that you can sleep at night because it’s
been done quickly and right.

As soon as you decide to get into real estate investing, begin
building your list of buyers. We’ll be covering more on this
later; but, when you meet them, learn as much as you can about
the kinds of deals they do, how long it takes them to conclude a
deal, and so on. Most people love to talk about how they became
successful, if you ask respectfully and don’t waste their time.

Warning, warning! Think very long and hard before taking on a
partner. If you do, it should be somebody who brings something
to the party that you don’t have, and it should be for one deal
only until you see how things go.

Which brings us to how to set up your company. You should set up
a separate corporate entity for each deal. An LLC is cheap and
easy to set up. Land trusts are even better, because your name
isn’t personally in the public records, inviting some chump to
sue you. The idea is to keep your personal assets off the table
if something goes wrong. Talk with your attorney about it; he
has forms that can have you done in a few minutes.

Finally, if you’ve made your plan, you have to work it to get
anywhere. If you’re not out there making any offers, you’re
never going to close any deals. No deals closed, no profits. If
you’re not making any profits, you’re not in business, you’re
dreaming. Set a number of deals you’re going to bid on per week
and per month, and then get out there. Make it happen!

Milling Lumber:

The sawyer is faced with several different options for the way the log is to be cut. Depending on the species of the log and the desired use for the lumber that get milled off. Two main choices are flat sawn and quarter sawn.

Flat sawn lumber can be identified by the arcing end grain and open, flame look on the face of the board. Flat sawn lumber is the most economical to produce and there for is most common.

Quarter sawn lumber is almost exclusively used for wood working. With quarter sawn lumber a log is milled into quarters, the quarters are then sawn perpendicular to the grain. This gives the lumber a unique characteristic with the end grain being vertical. The face of the boards show the growth rings as alternating light and dark grain lines.

The big advantage to quarter sawn lumber is it’s stability. Although it still moves it is a lot less prone to warping then flat sawn lumber because the grain isn’t subject to radial forces. Depending on what you are building you have the choice of what type of lumber you want to use.

Buying Wood:

Soft wood is common and is easy to find throughout North America. Almost every lumber retailer carries plenty of softwood in stock. When buying DO NOT let the attendant in the yard select which lumber you are going to buy. Go look through the lift and select which pieces you want because there tend to be more pieces in the lift that are rejects for wood working.

It is a good idea to restack all the boards that you rejected while looking through the stack. This keeps the rejects from warping and twisting beyond being useful and will keep the lumber attendant happy.

Keep your eye out for defects when buying wood. this means looking at all four side of the piece of lumber before selecting it. A board that looks good on one side may have wain on the other side, something you want to avoid.

Hardwoods are a bit trickier to find at a regular lumber yard, especially out here in the west. In British Columbia I can go to almost any private sawmill and find spruce, fir or cedar without a problem and pay a good price for it. Of course all these species are readily available, but try doing the same for oak of maple. Good Luck.

I have been lucky to find an independant hardware store in Kamloops that supplies a wide variety of domestic and foreign hardwoods. They allow me look through all their stock to choose the best pieces and even will cut a long board in half if that is all I need. Needless to say I value this relationship very high.

If you aren’t lucky enough to find a local supplier then the next best thing is to order it. I have ordered through a couple different companies when my local suppplier doesn’t have the stock I need. One is in Wisconsin and the other Minnisota. Of course you aren’t able to look through the stock and choose what you want but most places that provide this service gaurentee thier stock.

A few things to be aware of when ordering lumber. First make sure you specify whether you want rough or dressed stock. The main advantage with rough stock is it give you the flexiblity to dress the wood as you choose. You aren’t limited to standard dimensions. Rough stock will cost less up front, but will take some time in the shop to prepare. Plus if you don’t have all the proper tools for dressing lumber it may be more hassle then it is worth.

Dressed lumber is going to cost more but for the weekend wood worker this may be worth the cost. I have spent quite a bit of time dressing stock before starting a project. If you just want to get to work then this is probably the best option for you.

Bottom line… If you have access to a lumber yard that supplies good hardwood and will let you snoop through all the stock, then this is probably the best option. If not then you need to consider ordering it.

Before ordering or buying lumber it helps to be fluent on the terminology used. Hardwood is mostly sold by the “board foot”. 1 Board Foot is equal to 144 cubic inches. So, for example a 2″x6″x1′ board is equal to 1 board foot ( 2in x 6in x 12in = 144 cubic inches).

For your reference here are standard lumber sizes.

4/4 (four/quarter) rough = 1″ thick board
5/4 rough = 1.25″ thick board
6/4 rough = 1.5″ thick board
8/4 rough = 2″ thick board
10/4 rough = 2.5″ thick board

4/4 dressed = 3/4″ thick board
5/4 dressed = 1″ thick board
6/4 dressed = 1.25″ thick board
8/4 dressed = 1.75″ thick board

About the author:

Dave Markel is the author of “The All Wood Working Journal”. He has helped hundreds of individuals improve their wood working skills. Visit his site at
http://all-wood-working-plans.com

How Does Santa Make Out His List?

I’ll let you in on a secret: I know Santa Claus. And I received a letter from him with his Christmas list.

“Dear Kristin,

“Thank you for the homemade cookies last year. For some reason, people seem to forget that I’m not planning to lose weight, thank you very much. I don’t have a peanut allergy and I’m not lactose intolerant. Up here at the North Pole, we don’t get nonsense like that. But you wouldn’t believe some of the notes I get in lieu of cookies.

“‘Santa, you’re too fat, get real, love Dr. Phil…Dear Santa, you’re in violation of the no-fly zone, signed, the Coalition…Dear Santa, you’re using slave labor and oppressing our elf minorities, peace, the Rev. Jesse Jackson…Dear Santa, you’re cruel to reindeer, sincerely, PETA…Dear Infidel Santa, we shall eliminate you, signed al-Qa’eda.’

“I was never designed to be politically correct. Right jolly old elf and all that. I’m tired of all this nonsense from people who have forgotten what Christmas used to stand for.

“So, here’s my Christmas list. I won’t stop delivering toys, but I will start at least expecting a little something in return after all these years.

“1. Dear al-Qa’eda: I have nothing against Allah. Or Jesus Christ or Buddha or anybody’s God. I dislike murder in the name of religion. I deliver to all the children who you’re going to someday teach to blow themselves up. I deliver love. Your mullahs always say Islam is a religion of love and peace. And for the record, several of my elves are gay. Do I hate them? No.

“2. Dear television news media: Please stop saying ‘Christmas stress.’ You create Christmas stress. Thousands of miracles happen every day from babies being born to people being rescued to children deciding that someone else needs help. And yet you deliberately choose to talk about alcoholism, murder, sex, family quarrels, and above all, endless materialism. Not to mention celebrities. Who elevated these people to all-knowing status? Who cares what Christmas toy they buy or endorse? And please stop criticizing people for having religious beliefs. If the President of the United States can’t express faith in God, there is something wrong with this world. You are only helping those who use religion as an excuse for hatred and greed.

“3. Dear celebrities: Stop making movies where I am the bad guy. There is precious little wonder and innocence in children’s lives. And while you’re at it, stop taking your clothes off and blowing up people in your films. Give me more ‘Seabiscuit.’ Steven Spielberg is always on my nice list. I loved the ‘Shrek’ movies.

“4. Dear advertising executives: Stop using me to sell things that no one uses. We don’t need all this stuff. It’s getting in the way of our family time, our planet’s well-being, our faith and our happiness.

“5. Dear parents: Please stop telling children I don’t exist, that I’m evil, and that it’s not necessary to be good all year because you will buy them what they want. Whatever happened to kindness? To being good just because it makes someone happy? Because it’s the right thing? I can tell you right now that there are quite a few kids, and several of you, who are getting coal in their stockings. It’s tough love, which is what you do when someone’s headed down the wrong road. It’s called parenting and I’ve got millions of your children to help raise. Hey, at least I’m not the government. Or the television. By the way, turn off all those electronic devices and spend time with your families. I know that there are plenty of you out there who would give your right arm to be able to do just that. I love children. And I love all of you too.

“6. Dear Dr. Phil: I’m happy just the way I am. Thank you.

“7. Dear PETA: You’re getting too extreme. My reindeer have better working conditions than in industrialized nations.

“8. Dear Rev. Jesse Jackson: When my elves have the victim consciousness, high teen pregnancy rate, high arrest rate, high drug use rate, and lack of education that your followers have, then I’ll consider emancipating them.

“9. Dear Coalition: God and I were here first. I’m immune from no-fly zones and I don’t play politics. I do however support the military.

“10. Dear Jesus Christ, YHVH, Allah, Buddha, Great Spirit, et al.: Keep up the good work.

“Love, Santa.

“P.S. from Mrs. Claus: Will women please stop trying to be a size 2?”

You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout…

Movie reviewer/screenwriter Kristin Johnson composes personalized poems, speeches, toasts, vows, and family memories. Visit http://www.poemsforyou.com to order your personalized memories. She is also co-author of the Midwest Book Review “enthusiastically recommended” pick Christmas Cookies Are For Giving: Stories, Recipes and Tips for Making Heartwarming Gifts (ISBN: 0-9723473-9-9). A downloadablemedia kit is available at our Web site, http://www.christmascookiesareforgiving.com, or e-mail the publisher (info@tyrpublishing.com) to receive a printed media kit and sample copy of the book. More articles available at http://www.bakingchristmascookies.com

Key Facts:

Size: Medium
Height: 53 - 61 cm (21 - 24 inches)
Weight: 28 - 30 kg (62 - 66 lb)
Life Span: 12 years
Grooming: Easy
Exercise: Demanding
Feeding: Medium
Temperament: Fearless & energetic
Country of Origin: Germany
AKC Group: Working

Temperament:
The Boxer is intelligent, alert, fearless, loyal and self-assured. Boxers are very extroverted with high levels of energy and they are often boisterous. This breed are bright and friendly when playing and are determined and brave when aroused. Boxers can be distrustful of strangers and make good watchdogs and guard dogs. They respond well to firm consistent discipline and training. Boxers make excellent companions for adults and children.

Grooming:
The coat of a Boxer is easily cared for and regular brushing will eliminate moulting.

Exercise:
Boxers require substantial exercise. They enjoy playing and romping with other dogs and will happily play with a ball with their owner. When they’re adult dogs you can let them run beside a cycle, as a form of exercise. A Boxers concept of exercise is that life is to be lived at speed.

Feeding:
Boxers are not particularly greedy dogs, but their appetites need to be controlled to prevent them becoming overweight.

History:
The Boxer originated from the Tibetan Mollossus and European mastiff family. They were originally used in Germany for bear and bull baiting. In the 19th century, the breed reached a certain amount of conformity following selective crosses between Great Danes and English Bulldogs. The origins of the name “Boxer” is unclear. Some believe it is a corruption of the German word “Beiszer” meaning biter of bulls, while others state it comes from the word “boxl”, an alternate name for the now extinct Brabanter dog.

Physical Characteristics:

General Appearance: Muscular body with no fat, solid, smooth coat and courageous.
Colour: Brindle, red or fawn with white markings on the muzzle, neck, chest and feet or legs. Black mask.
Coat: Short, shiny and hard hair. Very tight to the body.
Tail: Set high, usually docked and carried erect.
Ears: Moderate size, set high, thin, lying flat and close to the cheek when in repose. Some countries allow the ears to be cropped to a point, not too broad and carried erect.
Body: Square, curved ribs and the belly forms a curve towards the rear of the dog. The back is short, straight, broad and well-muscled.

Additional Comments:

The Boxer is one of the best guarding breeds and they consider their family as theirs to guard.
Boxers can be too boisterous for some owners and are more appropriate for an energetic handler or family.
Inherited conditions of Boxers include eye problems, extra incisor teeth and heart problems. The owner should always buy from a reputable breeder to reduce the likeliness of these problems.

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This article provided courtesy of http://www.dooziedog.com/dog_breeds/boxer/