There's Gold In Them Thar Hills

"There's Gold In Them Thar Hills"," That remarkable yellow metal that is so heavy and yet so soft and malleable will drive it's victims to irrational behavior.


Most people believe that gold comes from deep, dark holes in the ground, somewhere in Africa.
 Hold your horses.


Gold prospecting is a great activity for kids.
 It's cheap, but requires a little elbow grease to get some color in your pan.
 These are available all over the internet.
 Most of your findings will be small flakes or tiny nuggets that you can't easily pick up with your fingers.
 Alaska and California are known for their gold, but states like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Montana, North Carolina, Arizona, Colorado and many more also have great gold prospecting opportunities.
 You never know when you could strike it rich.
 You can talk to locals, but when it comes to gold, people get very tight lipped.
 Another great way to get started is to visit a commercial prospecting location, where you are more likely to get some beginner assistance.


Before you head out to the stream, it's important to know a little about gold.
 When it mixes with sand in flowing water is quickly settles to the bottom of the stream much like kernels at the bottom of a shaken popcorn bag.
 Only very fast moving water, like spring floods, will pick up a nugget and wash it down stream.
 That's where gold will most likely have settled out.
 Large boulders often have deposits of sand and gravel on their downstream side.
 Another good area are holes or cracks in exposed bedrock.
 Any stream area with cracked and rough bedrock should not be overlooked.
 Fast flowing streams with exposed bedrock and sandbars are your first choice.
 Even if you're not that successful at finding gold, they have a great time just playing in the stream.
 Either way, a family can have a terrific day on the river, gold or no gold.
 Remember, always check your local laws and regulations pertaining to recreational prospecting.
 So do your homework.


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Gold Panning and Prospecting"

"Gold Panning and Prospecting"," They are also great additions to a family vacation.
 Panning was brought into the American pubic mindset during the California Gold Rush in the mid-1800s and has remained ever since.


To begin prospecting and panning, you need a few things.
 You need to know what you're doing, so you'll need to read a book on prospecting and panning if you're planning on going without a guide.


2.
 This should not be too expensive, as there are plastic alternatives to the higher priced metal kits.
 Of course, not all of this panning equipment is absolutely necessary; some of it will just make your panning experience easier.
 You'll need to know where to go.
 Some rivers used to be fruitful for prospectors, but they have been picked clean and there is very little left for today's prospector.
 There are specialty retailers that sell these types of maps.
 Be sure to look for more information about these maps as well.


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How to Fight Bad Breath

"How to Fight Bad Breath"," Most people with bad breath are not aware of their problem but the people around them certainly know and just embarrass to tell them.
 However, there are tests for bad breath that you can do, one test is lick the back of your wrist and let it dry for a minute or two and then smell it.
 How it smells is most likely the way your breath smells to others.


To know how to fight bad breath, first you have to know the causes of bad breath.
 There are more than 600 types of bacteria present in the mouth which has the tendency to overpopulate due to food debris and other factors like gum problems and tooth decay.
 There are two types of bad breath namely transient and chronic bad breath.
 Transient bad breath usually disappears on its own or by improved oral hygiene.
 It is important to know how to fight bad breath even before it becomes chronic bad breath.
 Number one on how to fight bad breath is proper oral hygiene.
 Be careful with what you eat, there are foods that causes bad breath like onions and garlic.
 Have a dental check up every 6 months to avoid tooth decay.
 If you happen to follow all the oral hygiene mentioned and after bad breath testing you believe that you still have a bad breath or someone told you that you do have a bad breath, you should act on this at once before it could affect your social life.
 It's better to act on this now than suffer the effects of bad breath in your life.
 Imagine having such fresh breath and so much self confidence that you'll be able to speak just inches away from anyone's face or kiss that special someone without worrying about bad breath.


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The Two Species of Elephants & Their Differences

"The Two Species of Elephants & Their Differences"," There are distinctive differences between the two, which are highlighted below:

The African elephant is termed scientifically as Loxodonta africana and weighs between 4,000 and 7,000 kilograms.
 Its skin has a more wrinkled appearance than that of the Asian elephant.
 The African elephant is easily recognised by its ears, which fan out in a distinctive shape over its shoulders and neck.
 The shape of its head is flattened on top, not crumpled and shows no visible humps or dents.
 The lower lip is short and round, the trunk more ringed and softer, and the trunk end has two fingers.
5 metres.
 Its ears are much smaller than the African variety and the belly is either straight or sags slightly in the middle.
 The lower lip is long and tapered and the trunk has less rings and is harder, ending in one finger instead of two like African elephants.


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"5 Advisory Tips For Good Dog Training"," Anyone can get an impression of the dog through its behavior and you wouldn't want your dog to look like a bad dog, to others.


If you are going to have a new dog then you will be interested in gathering some advice about dog training.
 Now days, you will come across lot of books on dog trainings and institutes which are professionally involved in dog training advice; it will be difficult to decide the best and perfect method to train the dog.
 However, there are some basic rules which you should follow and make use while training a dog.


Dog Training- a mental conditioning:

Whenever you start training your dog, you should work on your attitude, this job requires a positive attitude and a patient approach.
 Realistic expectation from the training sessions and slow progress will reap best results.
 Excess amount of motivation can let the things go beyond your hand; in short you should be able to control your emotions.
 This will motivate the dog and it will concentrate more on the training.
 You should always keep in mind that your dog will be in nervous and might have some fear and any instruction imparted at this time may be counterproductive.
 Your training time should not be too much, it should not exceed beyond ten minutes and if the sessions are extended beyond this, the dog's concentration might waver, leading to slow results.
 If you follow all these dog training advice then you will be satisfied with the behavior of your dog.
 A well trained dog not only understands better but also helps the owner in more than one way; he becomes a companion for a lifetime.


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"Effective Dog Training For Obedience"," Dog obedience training for obedience is basically a program that requires active involvement of both the owner and the dog.
 In case you do not know, dog training for obedience is vital to building a strong and close relationship with your dog.


Proper dog training for obedience is built on the principle of proper and strict reinforcement of discipline.
 As such, they are not loners and they are inclined to conform to social hierarchy or authority within the pack of dogs.
 But dog obedience training is effective and easier for you if you know what you are doing.


One common goal in dog training for obedience is to train your dog to respond to your command willingly and quickly every time you issue it.
 At times, you will realize that training your dog is more about training yourself the owner.
 One more tip for you is that dog training for obedience is an ongoing process.
 Dog obedience training starts first with sit and come training.
 Your dog needs to know that you are serious about the training and command.
 Carry it out consistently so that he/she senses you are serious about the dog training session.
 Other basic dog obedience training techniques include training your dog to stay and keep down.
 You will find a fair bit of information online.
 But be sure to use only Certified Pet Dog Trainers as they are professionally trained to handle most dogs.
 It is not something you can procrastinate or delay as your dog would quickly form its habits.
 Remember that dog obedience training is an excellent way of communicating and building friendship with your best friend.


Dog training for obedience need not be tedious and challenging.


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"Dog Treats for Dog Training","  We found the following article to be very helpful:

There are many different approaches to dog training and many different ways of implementing each of those approaches. 

 Virtually every truly functional dog training system is outgrowth of positive reinforcement thinking.
 Dog owners are particularly susceptible to making three critical errors, which if avoided will make the training process far more enjoyable and effective.


Inconsistency

Consistency may be hobgoblin of little minds in terms of the need for human creativity.


Dogs thrive on predictability.
 Operant conditioning is predicated on the fact that dogs will begin to associate events with consistent outcomes.


A dog is likely to best respond to a system in which regular actions produce regular results.
 In the dog's mind, these lapses in regularity convey a sense of randomness to the process and make it difficult for the pet to associate his specific behaviors with specific results-the key to training.
 When surprises occur it undermines the whole of the training process.


Impatience

There can be a great deal of frustration in dog training.


We live in a world that is so often focused on immediate results.
 Dog training runs counter to this societal trend toward speedy, immediate gratification.


Impatience results in unpredictability on the part of the owner as they hastily cease a training session or abandon positive reinforcement techniques in hopes of finding a shortcut to desired results.


A successful trainer will master developing a patient outlook throughout the extended process of dog training.
 Frequently, however, owners tend to perceive the process as being uniquely about them.


When an owner approaches the dog as a simple subject for experimentation, they lose track of what makes the dog unique and denigrate the always-important dog/owner relationship.
 What might have been a pleasurable chance for interaction becomes an un-enjoyable task.
 Owners who fail to see their pet's identity during training are unable to pick up on subtle clues and possible means to improve their techniques.


By avoiding these three common pitfalls, a dog owner is more likely to be able to implement a training strategy that produces results.
 Regardless of the exact methodology adopted by the owner, the training process will benefit extraordinarily from avoiding the mistakes of inconsistency, impatience and treating your pet as a subject instead of as a partner.
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"Tropical Fish and Aquariums - A Beginner's Guide"

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"Tropical Fish and Aquariums - A Beginner's Guide"," They are not as expensive or demanding as other pets such as dogs or cats but still need to be treated appropriately and given the correct amount of care and love.


What do Tropical fish need?

Firstly, they obviously need a tank.
 They also need water, as obvious as this sounds, water is hugely important and the key to maintaining your fish is maintaining the water.


In this guide we will be looking at creating a beginners tank.
 Many hobbyists that have huge amounts of experience still keep these sorts of tanks, mainly because they are so attractive and fun.
 However you must evaluate your space and budget, a medium sized tank of around 40 to 60 litres is adequate, but it shouldn't be smaller than this.
 It's up to you if you go for these set ups, it is somewhat helpful to have a built in light, heater and filter, but these are bought separately very easily.


Where you position your tank after purchase is very important too.
 It also shouldn't be near windows, radiators or anything that may affect the temperature of the water.
 This also means that they can be more sensitive to temperature changes.
 Of course, you still need to keep an eye on the temperature with the help of an aquarium thermometer, which can be stuck onto the tank or floated inside.


Providing light

Tropical fish also benefit from a light source, for how long it is left on varies for species but a good guide for beginner fish species is 10-12 hours a day.
 If not then you need to first purchase a starter, which is the fitting a light tube goes into and is powered by.
 Most starters come with holders for the tube, which can be fixed onto the lid of your tank.
 Also, obviously chose the correct length for your tank!

Lights have different spectrums, as a beginner you don't need to worry too much, you just need to know that lights with more 'blue light' will provide a stronger light than those with more 'red light'.


Filtration

Filtration is the most important aspect, aside from water, as it is what helps keep your fish healthy.
 The movement created also increases the surface area of the water and allows more oxygen to enter the water.
 The filter itself consists of a plastic casing with a little motor inside that draws water in through a sponge and then pushing it out of a nozzle at the top.
 It should be positioned so that the nozzle sits level with the water surface and so it can easily be connected to a power supply.
 Not only would your fish die if it wasn't there but if it isn't the right sort of water your fish could be at risk.
 However, for the same reason you shouldn't use chlorinated water, like that out of your tap.


You also need to consider the hardness and softness of the water.
 Most beginner's fish will tolerate both but it is worth keeping in mind the type of water you have in case you want to try different species later.
 You can buy PH testing kits for fish tanks to easily find out what sort of water you have.
0 is good, although being around 6.
5 is fine.
 Make sure when you test regularly and with all the décor in as things such as waste levels, décor and even foods can change the PH level.
 Some décor items have other purposes, for example gravel which helps trap debris and makes a nice base for other décor.


Plants should be used, although it is unwise to use live plants as a beginner.
 Purchase a variety of types and sizes for a nice natural effect.
 It's up to you what sort of style you use but make sure you choose items than fish won't get hurt on or trapped in.


You should aim to create a natural space, where fish can swim, hide, rest and carry out natural behaviour in.
 Place the filter and heater in, but do not turn them on.
 Make sure not to have unstable areas or areas fish could get trapped.
 A good idea is to put larger plants and décor toward the back, medium toward the middle and sides and small things at the front or in the middle.
 You can use a flat piece of slate or an old saucer to pour the water onto so it does not disturb the décor you have used.


You can now switch on the heater and filter.
 It is very important not to add fish at this stage.
 During the next few days the tank will undergo some changes referred to as 'cycling the tank.


Instead run the tank for a week or two as if you had fish in there, turning the light on and occasionally adding some food (although not regularly as if you had fish as none of it will get eaten this time!) This allows the tank to settle and provides a safe environment for your new pets.
 You should buy a tropical flake food, as it will provide all the nutrients that your fish need.
 These can be bought in frozen tablets or freeze-dried blocks, to give as a treat.
 You should only purchase 6-8 fish at a time to avoid unbalancing the water in the tank.


Some good species for a community tank include; Guppies, Zebra danio, platies, mollies, small species of gourami, small loaches, tiger barb, cherry barb, neon tetra, cardinal tetra, lemon tetra, Mountain minnow and swordtails.


Buying and bringing your fish home

As mentioned earlier, you need to introduce fish gradually.
 This could be tetras, guppies, barbs or danio.
 If you see dead fish in the tank or notice any of these problems it is best to choose a different supplier.
 You should aim to introduce fish that feed on the surface and that will swim around in shoals or in the open first and the fish that like to dwell on the bottom, eating debris last.
 Fish who have just been purchased are often stressed and this makes them vulnerable.
 Firstly, you should turn the light on your aquarium off.
 You should place the bag your fish are in, unopened, in the water.
 This stage will ensure the temperatures equalise in the tank and the bagged water, allowing your fish to gently acclimatise, you should keep the bag like this for around 20 to 30 minutes.
 Doing this will allow the fish to get used to any differences in the water's PH, you should wait another ten minutes before un pegging the bag and allowing it to fill and mix with the aquarium water.
 You can however use a fish net to gently coax them out.
 They will likely hide to begin with, but this is natural and in time they will feel safe.


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"Caring For Tropical Fish",

"Caring For Tropical Fish"," Keeping and caring for a tank of tropical fish require a little bit of extra attention.


The H2O factor

Water quality is undoubtedly the most important aspect of keeping your tropical fish alive and thriving.
 Avoid adjusting the water temperature abruptly.


Fish food

A good diet for tropical fish has 30 to 36 percent protein, 10 percent fat, and low amount of carbohydrates.
 A general formula is to feed 10g of flake food to 50 adult tropical or freshwater fish.
 Keep food stored in moisture resistant containers and in a cool dry area.


Lights, air, action

Airflow inside your tropical fish tank should be regulated at a rate of two liters per hour, per liter of water.
 You will want to make sure that you install proper lighting in your aquarium.
 Only use lights that are recommended for aquarium use.
 A good idea is to install a dimmer device in the room that the tank is in.


Keeping it stable

Use a home water-quality testing kit to measure the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia levels, nitrate levels and salinity of water.
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"Retreating to a Tropical Paradise - Building a Backyard Tiki Bar"

"Retreating to a Tropical Paradise - Building a Backyard Tiki Bar"," A Tiki Bar is a tropical themed bar or drinks station that serves up exotic cocktails and is synonymous with a relaxed, party atmosphere.
 Something about the calm of the water is inviting and the way the water reflects light is always a point of beauty.
 Obviously steer clear from the neighbour's window or the shady mosquito den that returns every summer.


Construction

You can either buy a do-it-yourself kit from the hardware store or simply knock one together from bits of recycled timber.


Of course you don't have to use timber.
 You could use chip board and simply paint it over with a dark brown colour, or cover it with thatched grass to match the roofing.


Seating

Stools are the only choice for seating at a tiki bar.
 You could even get away with mismatched stools you collect from second hand stores and garage sales.
 Nothing is worse than sitting too low or too high at a bar.
 Searching second hand shops and garage sales for island masks, pictures and wall hangings can be a wonderful way to wile away a weekend.
 Create or find a welcome sign that invites your guests in to enjoy themselves.


Stock your bar with retro and vintage cups and glasses that are reminiscent of a by-gone era.


Lighting

Good lighting is important.
 Tiki torches are an obvious choice.
 Fairy lights or old-fashioned coloured party lights will really give your tiki bar a festive glow.
 The best tiki bars are always over the top and oozing with tropical charm and fun.


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Diagnosing Illnesses in the Tropical Tank & Choosing the Right Medication

"Diagnosing Illnesses in the Tropical Tank & Choosing the Right Medication"," Fear not, many fish ailments easy to treat, provided they are nipped in the bud at the first chance.


Ich or White Spot

The symptoms of this disease are small white dots, appearing a little like grains of sugar sprinkled on the fish.
 Fish often carry the disease without showing any symptoms unless there is poor water quality in the tropical aquarium, or the fish becomes stressed and their immune systems are compromised.


Fungus

Grayish cotton wool like patches on the skin or gills usually point to fungus.
 It usually clears up quite easily with medication if it has not progressed too far.
 Again, fin rot can be treated with medication.


Flukes

This is a parasite which attacks the skin or gills and is demonstrated by the fish's cloudy skin and flicking or rubbing against ornaments or substrate.


When medicating tropical aquariums it is very important to follow the medication instructions very carefully.
 If that option is not available to you, however, we recommend a 30% water change at least to improve water quality.
 Do remember to use a water treatment to remove chlorine and chlorimine from tap water, and be sure to remove any carbon from your filter before adding medication otherwise the medication will be absorbed by the carbon.


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Getting Started in Tropical Fish Care

"Getting Started in Tropical Fish Care"," It is true that you are responsible for providing fish with a clean and healthy environment, as well food and vegetation, but learning all about tropical fish care and maintaining a successful aquarium are not hard things to do.


Tropical fish care requires a general knowledge of what fish need and how they live in their natural habitat, and then providing them with a tank environment that is as close to that as possible.
 Obviously, the fish don't have those chemicals in their natural environment so any residue from cleaning products will be quite harmful to them.
 So, in terms of tropical fish care and cleaning your tank, damp rags and warm water are all you should need.
 The majority of new aquarium keepers make the mistake of feeding their fish way too much, way too often.
 Also, leftover food in your tank will start to degrade and this will cause bacteria and impurities to build up in your water.
 Fish often skip a day of eating when in their natural habitat, so if you cut back on the amount you give them they will still be fine.


Too many fish in the same aquarium isn't good; regardless of how good your tropical fish care is, it can't make up for the damage caused by an overcrowded tank or a tank with fish that are too large for it.
 Fish that are crowded often nip at or pick on other fish in efforts to mark their territory.
 If you cannot have a large tank then be sure to reduce the number and size of the fish you choose to keep.
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