2010 Fashion Jewelry Trends

Budgets are tight these days, but that does not mean that you need to stop being fashion conscious. Jewelry is one of the best ways that you can stay current with today’s trends without having to spend all of the money that you have in your savings account. To really get the most bang for your buck it is important that you know what the top trends and styles are going to be so that you can choose quality pieces that will update your style.

Statement jewelry is actually one of the largest trends right now. Pieces like this may not be the most expensive pieces in your wardrobe, but they will pack a lot of punch for the amount of money that you have spent on them. You will want to choose pieces that are a bit more outrageous than your every day jewelry. Explore fun shapes, rich colors, and lots of sparkle. The key to making this type of look work for yourself is to keep your statement down to one piece per outfit. You do not want to have a large statement ring paired with a chunky armful of bangles, and some chandelier earrings. Instead, choose to simply work either a large statement ring or some dangly earrings.

Speaking of earrings, chandelier earrings are back in the spotlight this year. They bring with them an instantly feminine and glamorous look to any outfit that you add them to. Typically, chandelier earrings have some sort of sparkle to them, and this makes them the perfect addition to any going out look. However, do not think that you can only wear chandelier earrings in the evening. They are actually really beautiful when paired with simple jeans, heels, and a T-shirt. They will give you a bit of glamour to add into your everyday life.

Colors are really important this year. The fashion focus with this year’s colors are actually warm and rich shades. Jewel tones are very popular as long as they are rich and lush. Additionally, warm tones are very in style this year. That means that yellows, oranges, and reds are very popular. Additionally, yellow gold is also making a comeback. It did fall out of fashion a while ago, but now yellow gold is emerging as a new favorite this year. It looks especially great when paired with rich chocolate browns and denim.

Don’t forget to incorporate the colors into your choice of sparkle as well. You can choose to incorporate gemstones into you collection that are very rich in hue. These do not need to be the most expensive stones either. You can choose amethysts or citrines to give your accessories that glitz and glam that you are looking for. Additionally, you might want to explore pieces that have multiple stones in multiple hues to add to your collection.

Your jewelry is a great way to help enhance your wardrobe as well as to integrate the top fashion trends into your wardrobe. With a little bit of effort and attention to detail you will find that you are turning heads in no time!

Father of Michael Jackson accuses AEG of singer's death

When the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide, as a result of "acute propofol intoxication" with other sedatives, the coroner's office also cited a lack of recommended equipment for patient monitoring, precision dosing and resuscitation equipment that may have contributed.
Six months later, Dr. Conrad Murray, who administered Propofol to Jackson, was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
But in a recent complaint filed with the Medical Board of California, Jackson's father, Joe Jackson accuses concert promoter AEG Live of neglecting to provide the recommended equipment and a nurse who was supposed to assist Dr. Murray. Those measures could have prevented the singer's death or revived Jackson when he stopped breathing, according to the complaint.
The California Medical Board is responsible for investigating complaints against physicians.
According to a copy of the 169-page complaint, obtained by CNN and verified by Joe Jackson's attorney, Brian Oxman, AEG, over a six week period, allegedly engaged in "unlawful practice of corporate medicine," by hiring, directing, controlling and demanding that Murray medicate Michael Jackson as he prepared for his "This is it" tour in London.
AEG spokesman Michael Roth declined to comment on the complaint, telling CNN that his legal department has not viewed the documents. Joe Jackson was unavailable, according to attorney Oxman.
Murray's civil attorney, Charles Peckham, declined to comment about the specific allegations against AEG after the complaint was filed.
According to the complaint, AEG Live executives were so concerned over Michael Jackson's alleged failure to show up for rehearsals, that AEG representatives demanded that Murray step in and "wean" Jackson off his alleged dependence on medications provided by other doctors which caused chronic fatigue and disorientation. The complaint states that AEG made an "oral agreement" with Murray on May 8, 2009 based on a drafted contract agreement, promising to provide Murray with equipment, supplies and personnel. The complaint states that Murray immediately accepted AEG's offer for a monthly physician's fee of $150,000.
According to the complaint, Murray made his first order of Propofol on May 12, 2009, and stated in a purported e-mail to AEG that he had begun treating the singer as part of their "oral agreement."
On May 28, Murray allegedly grew impatient because he had not been paid by mid-month as promised by AEG, according to the complaint. Before treating Jackson, Murray, a full time cardiologist, had been mired in such heavy debt, that AEG exploited his hardship as a tactic to exert control over his medical decisions, the complaint alleges. More than two weeks after Murray began treating the singer, AEG had not provided Murray with CPR equipment as he requested and never instructed Murray to cease treating Jackson, the complaint states.
In an interview with CNN's Don Lemon, before the complaint was filed, AEG Live Executive Randy Phillips said Dr. Murray was never officially employed by AEG because the contract was never signed. Phillips said the decision to hire Dr. Murray was solely Jacksons and that he demanded it.
"He (Michael) said, 'You don't understand, my body is what fuels this entire venture and like Barack Obama, I need my own physician with me twenty-four-seven. That's not negotiable," Phillips told CNN's Don Lemon. "And he was so strong about it that I just backed off and said, 'This is a battle I can't win," said Phillips.
By June 18, according to the complaint, Jackson had attended only a few rehearsals, prompting AEG Live's Phillips and "This is It" director Kenny Ortega to demand a face to face meeting with him at Jackson's Holmby Hills estate. Phillips and Ortega insisted that Jackson show up for rehearsals or AEG would "pull the plug" on Jackson's rented house and terminate the services of Murray if he missed another rehearsal, the complaint alleges.
On that same evening, Murray allegedly gave Jackson Valium, Ativan, Versed, and Propofol in order to induce sleep, similar to the medications he allegedly administered over the previous five weeks, the complaint alleges. Murray continued this practice without CPR or nursing assistance which AEG had promised, according to the complaint. Jackson rehearsed on June 19, 23 and 24, according to attorney Oxman. Most of the documentary "This is it" was filmed on those dates, according to AEG Live executive Randy Phillips.
On June 24, AEG sent Murray a revised contract agreement, which mirrored the original May 8, 2009, oral agreement, except it required Jackson's signature, the complaint alleges. Murray signed the agreement and faxed it to AEG although the complaint alleges that AEG knew of the inherent dangers of the treatments Murray was administering and "recklessly" withheld life saving equipment that AEG knew was essential to protect Michael Jackson's life.
"Had AEG not violated California law and fulfilled its promise to provide Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation equipment and a nurse, Michael Jackson would not have died on June 25th," the complaint alleges.
The complaint is supported by 16 exhibits including a purported cost estimate of Murray's medical services and a copy of the purported contract between AEG and Murray.
The cost of medical equipment and other supplies requested by Murray purportedly totaled $8,000 per month. A nurse was estimated to cost $7,000 per month, according to the complaint. The cost of Murray's rental property in London is said to have totaled $8,000 per month, the complaint stated. Murray, who pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges, told LAPD investigators that he was never paid for his treatment of Jackson.

Where are they now - A year after Michael Jackson's death

Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- Michael Jackson's death instantly changed the lives of his family and friends. The weeks immediately after the pop icon died were chaotic, and many questions are still unanswered for those closest to Jackson.
The day their father died, Prince Michael, 13, Paris, 12, and Blanket, 8, moved in with their grandmother Katherine Jackson at the Encino, California, home where Michael once lived with his family.
The home is filled with memories of their father, including many photos of a young Michael Jackson. The theater room of the large house was converted into a classroom where they've been home-schooled for the past year.
The grassy yard of the Encino estate is often filled with Michael's kids playing ball with four cousins -- the sons of Jackson brothers Jermaine and Randy -- who have lived there the past year with their mother.
They share a computer with internet access, which resulted in fans getting a rare and candid look at Blanket's dancing, acting and light saber skills when several videos were uploaded to YouTube in April.
While Jackson kept his children shrouded in privacy during his life, they have appeared at a handful of public events to honor their father since his death.
Paris made the world cry at the end of a memorial for her father when she said, "Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine."
Paris and her older brother took the stage at the 2010 Grammy Awards to accept their father's lifetime achievement award.
"To all his songs, his message was simple, love," Prince Michael said. "We will continue to spread his message and help the world."
The three children traveled to Gary, Indiana, this week for their first visit to their father's first home. They will take part in a tribute there, along with Katherine Jackson and their grandfather Joe Jackson.
Katherine Jackson's main focus since her son's death has been caring for his three children. A Los Angeles judge immediately gave her temporary custody, which became permanent after Debbie Rowe, the mother of the two oldest children, agreed not to challenge her.
Michael's 80-year-old mother waged a legal fight for several months for control of Jackson's estate, but gave up her probate challenge in October. She and Jackson's children are the main beneficiaries of the estate. For now, they are receiving an $86,000 monthly family allowance.
Katherine Jackson and her husband have attended every hearing in the criminal case against Dr. Conrad Murray, the physician who is charged with involuntary manslaughter in their son's death.
She has only recently begun speaking publicly about her son's death, giving a handful of media interviews. Katherine Jackson also posted a YouTube video this month announcing her support for a tribute to Michael Jackson to be held June 26 in Beverly Hills, California.
Although Katherine and Joe Jackson have been married for 61 years, they do not usually share a home.
In the weeks after Michael Jackson's death, Joe Jackson -- his children call him Joseph -- denied allegations that he physically abused his son during his Jackson 5 days.
"Never. Never have. And I -- and I raised him just like you would raise your kids, you know? But harm Michael, for what? I have no reason. That's my son. I loved him and I still love him," Jackson told CNN's "Larry King Live" in August.
Joe Jackson has been outspoken and active in raising questions about his son's death. Jackson has called for a more serious charge than involuntary manslaughter against Murray.
He recently filed a complaint with the California Medical Board against AEG, the company that was producing the comeback concerts. The complaint accused AEG of neglecting to provide the recommended medical equipment and a nurse who was supposed to assist Dr. Murray. Those measures could have prevented the singer's death or revived Jackson when he stopped breathing, according to the complaint.
Michael's father also plans to file a wrongful death lawsuit against Murray on Friday, the anniversary of his son's death.
Jackson, not mentioned in his son's 2002 will, has an ongoing legal challenge against the men named as executors in the document. The probate judge has ruled against him, but it is under appeal.
While Jackson, 80, receives a monthly Social Security check, he depended on financial support from his son. That ended with his son's death. He petitioned the probate court to award him $15,000 a month in support, but the request is still pending.
Jackson, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been promoting his vision of a Jackson family museum and entertainment center in Gary, Indiana.
Michael Jackson's five brothers and three sisters have, at times, come together as a family since his death. But, as with many large families, they each follow their own paths.
Brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon appeared together on an A&E Network reality show last fall that followed their attempt to record and perform again as a musical group. The series ended after six episodes with no new songs and no public performances. Brother Randy chose not to take part in the show.
Jermaine Jackson has been the most visible publicly, traveling around the world to promote his own projects and Michael Jackson's legacy. He recently performed a tribute concert to his brother in Gambia.
Sister Janet has stayed busy with her acting and music career, which included roles in two Tyler Perry movies in the past year.
La Toya Jackson has been outspoken in her belief that Michael Jackson was the victim of a criminal conspiracy to kill him. She has attended each of Murray's court hearings.
Rebbie Jackson, the oldest of the Jackson siblings, recently resumed her singing career. However, she has mostly remained out of the spotlight.
Debbie Rowe is a former nurse who married Michael Jackson in 1996, gave birth to his two oldest children and then agreed to a divorce settlement in 1999. Prince Michael and Paris remained with their father.
In the weeks after Jackson's death, Rowe considered a legal challenge for custody of the children. She finally reached an agreement with Katherine Jackson that would allow her supervised visits with the children under guidelines to be recommended by a child psychologist. It is unclear if the children know Rowe is their mother.
Murray lost his only patient when Jackson died a year ago. It was several months before Murray resumed his medical practices in Houston, Texas, and Las Vegas, Nevada.
He never got paid the $150,000 monthly salary he was owed for the two months he was Jackson's personal physician while the pop star rehearsed in Los Angeles for his comeback concerts, Murray's lawyer said.
Murray was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death in February. The judge refused to suspend his California medical license, although Murray cannot personally administer anesthesia on patients. The maximum sentence if convicted is four years in prison.
His preliminary hearing, which is expected to last at least a week, could begin in late September. A trial could be held next year.
Dr. Arnold Klein, Jackson's dermatologist and longtime friend, was never criminally implicated in Jackson's death, although drug agents did subpoena medical records from his office.
Klein hinted in an interview that he may have been a sperm donor for Jackson's children. His lawyer unsuccessfully appeared at a probate hearing last summer to seek a role for Klein in the children's lives.
When Jackson died, he was nearly $500 million in debt, according to a source familiar with his estate who is not authorized to speak about financial matters. In the year since, the debt has been reduced to about $300 million, the source said. The remaining debt is "very manageable" considering the income flowing into the estate, the source said.
Sony Music, which recently signed a $250 million recording contact with Jackson's estate, said fans bought 31 million Jackson albums in the past year. Sony's film division also paid $60 million to produce the "This Is It" documentary that was a global blockbuster last year.
The estate also has a steady flow of cash from the rights to 250 Beatles songs that Jackson shares with Sony.
Merchandising rights, a Cirque du Soleil deal and a memorabilia tour have also brought in millions to the estate.
Jackson's estate is being administered by John Branca, an entertainment lawyer, and John McClain, a former music executive, who were named executors in the 2002 will. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff has not made a final ruling on who will have permanent control of the estate.

The one-shouldered one-shouldered sports bra

Alexander Wang put the idea in all our heads: turning the one shouldered trend into sportswear. Not the most practical or supportive idea, to be sure; but layered over and under other pieces? From streetwear to bang-on-trend gym wear.

Velvet clothing: velvet fashion trend

Velvet has many enemies. People who loathe its existence, wish it was never invented, and shudder at the thought of a post-90's velvet revival. I can find that position mildly understandable; sure, there have been some velvet disasters. But for the most part I fall into the velvet-lovers camp because there are also many times when velvet can go so darn right that it's hard to bear any long-standing grudge. If you're a hater, don't turn away just yet - as a 2010 fashion trend, and particularly as one of the major fall 2010 fashion trends, the velvet revival comes in many forms. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

Rockabilly hair for men: onwards and upwards

If style pundits were in any doubt as to the status of the rockabilly hair revival that has been gradually gaining momentum over the last two years, then the display of 30s, 40s and 50s-inspired retro hair at the menswear shows this year was the final proof they needed. Designers including the likes of Jil Sander and Thomas Maier at Bottega Veneta sent out model after model sporting playful quiffs accessorised with rockabilly string ties and greaser gear. The message was undeniable: rockabilly - specifically rockabilly hair - is back and we can comfortably add it to the list of men's 2010 hair trends.

Stripes for Summer: women's fashion trend

Amongst the plethora of fashion trends for Summer 2010 you'll find the season's new take on military fashion. While heavily influenced by 20th Century army and air force styling, nautical influenced pieces have hardly got a look in. And I'm afraid I'm not here to change that. But for those fashioniser who are nautically inclined, this Summer still has something in store. Don't think of it as a nautical military trend, however. Rather, it's the navy and white colour palette, worn as dominant stripes.

Buttoned-up shirt collars: women's fashion trend

Forget the grungy, layered-over flannel, and tuck away your baggy, open-fronted boyfriend shirt (for now). Fashion, as fashion is wont to do, has taken a pendulum swing in the other direction, hitting on a more refined, sophisticated look. And so starting now there's only one key way to wear your shirt: buttoned up to the very top.

The brilliant thing about the done-up collar as a 2010 fashion trend is that it's simple, requires nothing all that new (feel like giving new life to all those old shirts in your wardrobe? Read on) and it's trans-seasonal: start wearing it in Summer 2010 and carry it through to Fall 2010.

If you'd like to keep up to date with all the forthcoming fashion trends be sure to subscribe to our fashion newsletter.

McKenzie Eddy

McKenzie Eddy is one of those infectiously bouncy girls whose life just seems to bubble up with opportunities. At 25, she’s also a Clive Davis in the making—singing, producing, and cutting deals with ease. If there’s one way to track her peripatetic career path, it’s through her personal style. Hip-hop executive for Damon Dash’s Bluroc label by day, Eddy wears Timberlands with big sweatshirts and leggings, such as those from H&M’s Garden Collection. Soulful songwriter by night, she performs in romantic pastel dresses by Erin Fetherston. And for her other side gig—singer for the electronica group Disco Biscuits? Adidas high-tops and track jackets. “I’m a pretty big tomboy who likes to occasionally throw on very high heels,” Eddy says. “That way, people don’t know what to think of me. I can be singing reggae with a dude from Africa one minute and negotiating contracts with Def Jam the next.”
Two years ago, after graduating from the University of South Caro lina, the Hilton Head Island native was touring the East Coast with her funk-rock band Stealing From Bandits and waitressing between gigs, when she heard that hip-hop mogul Damon Dash was looking for an assistant. Today, she runs Bluroc (working with artists such as the Black Keys, the London Souls, and Curren$y), oversees Dash’s new DD172 multiplatform think tank in NYC’s Tribeca (which, with its mash-up of artists, video directors, and on-site engineers, has already drawn comparisons to Andy Warhol’s Factory), is associate -producing a documentary about Detroit punk band Death with Mos Def, and, oh yeah, regularly sings on her friends’ and Bluroc’s albums. “The machine of the music business is changing, where an artist no longer has to fit into one genre,” says Eddy, who will debut her bluesy solo album on Bluroc later this year. (Sartorially, its sound translates to more H&M florals and floaty dresses—with Air Jordans, of course.) “Now it’s more about the performance and who the artist is as a creative person than the packaged brand.” No problem for this multitalented quadruple threat.

Picnic Dress

Picnics
Rebecca Taylor
Flippy summer dresses are the prettest way to descend onto your picnic rug.
Ensure you have an elegant set-up: breezy skirts and dresses, a straw basket and a luxurious throw.
Early Friday night grazing requires a little more sass - a clever silk print frock is a carefree winner.
Hazy Sundays require neat shorts accompanied with by silky blouse - or pinch one from your boyfriend's wardrobe.

Jordaan: Bafana did their jersey and their country proud

Bafana Bafana are out of the World Cup but they won the hearts and minds of all South Africans and the whole world tonight,” said 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa (OC) CEO Danny Jordaan after South Africa’s final group stage match against France in Mangaung/Bloemfontein tonight.

South Africa won the match but it was not enough for the host nation to progress past the group stage of the tournament.

“Yes they did not make it past the group stage but they did what the country asked of them – they played with pride, passion, skill and commitment, they gave their best. They did the national team jersey and every single South African proud and we want to thank them for what they’ve done for this country,” he added.

Jordaan also thanked South Africans for the tremendous support they have shown for the South African team.

“The passion and enthusiasm we have seen across the length and breadth of South Africa in recent weeks has made this tournament truly come alive for locals and visitors alike,” he said.

Jordaan does not believe that South Africa’s exit will affect the overall success of the tournament.

“It may be over for Bafana Bafana but it is not over for South Africa. This is still South Africa’s World Cup. We are not going home, the World Cup is happening in our home,” he said.

“South Africans have already proven their support for Team South Africa. Without millions of them we would not have delivered ten world-class stadiums, opened new airports, highways and train stations in record time or welcomed hundreds of thousands of new visitors to our country. We would not have already hosted more than half of the World Cup matches successfully,” he explained.

“I remain confident that South Africans will continue to be fantastic hosts for the next two and a half weeks and make the most of this incredible time in our country’s history, which has already seen us achieve so much,” said Jordaan.

Jordaan said that support for the tournament to date has met all expectations with a total of 1 570 447 people attending the first 32 matches (an average of 49,076). More than a million people have watched the matches at the ten FIFA Fan Fests in South Africa and hundreds of thousands more have watched the games in public viewing areas around the country, with World Cup matches also shattering television audience records in the country.

Durban has proved to be the most popular FIFA Fan Fest with 238,546 visitors from the start of the tournament until 20 June.

World Cup 2010: World of hope, change, and opportunity

Throughout history, humans have enjoyed kicking a ball or something like a ball. According to historical references and legend, early balls ranged from stitched-up cloth, animal, or human skulls, to pig or cow bladders.

During the T’sin and the Han dynasties, the Chinese played “tsu chu” in which animal skin balls were dribbled to gaps in a net stretched between two poles. The ancient Egyptians had activities similar to football while the ancient Greeks and Romans played a game that entailed carrying and kicking a ball. In the 1800’s, Charles Goodyear designed, patented, and made the first vulcanized rubber balls, and since then, football has become to be one of the most favorite played and watched games in the world.

The World Cup South Africa 2010 represents a defining moment in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup. For the first time, football’s greatest event is being staged in the African continent, and the excitement of the drama of a FIFA World Cup together with the awesome natural beauty of South Africa are irresistible magnets that beckoned fans from every corner of the globe to the southern tip of Africa. South Africans see this event as a gateway to tourism on a greater scale.

World Cup 2010 is an event that could transform the continent and bind African nations together. Africa is seen by the outside world as a continent with so much poverty, disease, and war. For players of African heritage, this World Cup means a lot. Many of them have seen and lived through these situations and they recognize that football has opened to them a world of hope, change, and opportunity. In football, they get lost in the colors of the flags of the various participating nations, forget that most of their countrymen get by on about two dollars a day, and forget the rage of tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). In football, Africans have seen the downtrodden become heroes and see the game as a force to ease their problems, to help them forget about their divided past, and opens to them the opportunity to build a better future.

In a land of so many languages, dialects, and people, the Africa Cup can bring together Christian and Muslim teammates arm-in-arm, chanting, singing, praying, and changing lives.

How to Stop a Dog from Chewing

The act of chewing seems to be a matter of individual preference among dogs: some have an innate desire to chew as a pleasurable activity in itself, and some seem to have no need to chew whatsoever unless they’re driven to it out of sheer boredom. In any case, when chewing is destructive - it's a problem that NEEDS to be address quickly.

The phrase “destructive chewing” may sound redundant, because – by its very nature! – all chewing is destructive. Your dog has strong jaws full of sharp, pointy teeth: just about anything she starts to chew on is probably going to show the effects of it inside of a minute. So just to clarify, when I use the phrase “destructive chewing”, I’m referring to inappropriate chewing: the kind of chewing that’s focused on your own possessions and household items, instead of on your dog’s own designated toys and chews.

The 3 Main Reasons Why Dogs Chew:

1. Most dogs have a natural desire to chew. It’s fun, it passes the time, and it’s a self-rewarding, self-reinforcing activity (for example, if she’s chewing on something that tastes good.)

2. Chewing provides a nervous, bored, or lonely dog with an outlet for her emotions. To an anxious dog, the repetitive act of chewing is soothing – it’s the doggie equivalent of comfort food.

3. Under exercised dogs often use chewing as a way of burning up nervous energy and giving themselves something to do.


6 Ways to Prevent Destructive Chewing

Dogs are perfectly capable of learning not to chew your stuff – you just have to put in a little effort first, that’s all.

1. Doggy-Proofing: Take control of the situation: manage your own possessions. Your first step should be to dog-proof your home. Even if you have the best-behaved dog in the world, there’s still no reason to test her self-control – after all, dogs explore the world with their mouths.

Dog-proofing your home means taking whatever you don’t want to end up in her mouth, and making it unavailable. Consider her size and agility when deciding whether something’s out of reach: can she jump? Can she climb, or leap onto something else to reach the desired object? How tall is she when standing on her back legs

Common targets in the home include books, eyewear, clothing, shoes, garbage, and small crunchy appliances like cameras, cell phones, and remote controls.

It should go without saying that all food needs to be put securely away: don’t leave snacks on low tables (or even countertops – you’d be surprised how acrobatic she can be when there’s food at stake!), put all food into containers or the pantry. Rinse your dirty plates clean of any food scraps before leaving them by the sink.

2. Prevention: Prevent her from learning the joys of illegal chewing. The more times she manages to snatch a jawful of a forbidden substance – a chair-leg, a pillow, a running shoe – the more readily she’ll target those items in future. If you can prevent her from chewing your stuff in the first place, it’s a lot easier for her to understand what you expect of her. Practically speaking, this means confining her in a dog-proofed area until you’re confident of her understanding of the house rules.

3. Rule Setting: Don’t set her up for failure by blurring the boundaries between her stuff (OK to chew) and your stuff (not OK to chew). Don’t offer your dog cast-off clothes, shoes, or towels to chew and play with: realistically, you can’t possibly expect her to be able to tell the difference between your current shoes and the one she’s got in her mouth that you gave her five minutes ago.

4. Provision: Provide her with lots of tasty alternatives to your stuff. If her environment is relatively barren of attractive, appropriate chewing objects, you can hardly blame her for targeting your possessions. Remember, most dogs need to chew; if she’s an adolescent (under three years) or a puppy (under one year), her needs will be even more pronounced. Go on a toy and chew shopping spree, then give her two or three to play with at a time. Rotating the available toys every few days will keep things novel and interesting for her.

5. Supervision: Spend lots of time in active supervision. Yes, it might be easier for you to just keep her penned up in her dog crates, run, or the yard – but that’s boring and horrible for her, and hardly much fun for you either (if you wanted a pet that you don’t need to interact with, you’d have got a goldfish, right?) She can’t learn what you expect of her if she’s spending all her time boxed up in the dog-proof zone: she needs the opportunity to explore the boundaries of your expectations, so she can understand what’s appropriate and what’s not.

6. The Switcheroo: When you catch her chewing something inappropriate, interrupt her by making a loud noise: clap your hands or make an “Ah-ah-aaaah!” noise. Then, immediately hand her a tasty and dog-appropriate alternative (a rawhide bone or other chew toy); as soon as her jaws close around it, praise her lavishly. There is no better way to get your dog to understand that chewing “her” toys equals praise from you, but everything else equals trouble.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

Above all, remember to keep your expectations realistic. You’re not perfect, and neither is your dog: there’s likely to be at least one incident where a cherished item is damaged by her curiosity.

Particularly in the early stages of your relationship, she’s still learning the ropes: it’ll take awhile before she’s completely reliable (and even then, if she’s left by herself for too long or feels neglected, she may choose your stuff over hers to occupy her time and jaws with.) Remember to give her time to learn the rules, and plenty of ‘you-time’ to help her learn faster – and don’t forget to take precautions and keep things out of reach until she’s got the hang of the chewing rules!

How to Choose The Right Dog For You

So you have decided to get a dog. Now is the time you should decide what is the right dog for you and your family. Do you want a Purebred, Designer, or a Mutt? Do I use a Breeder, Pet Store, Pound/Rescue Shelter? There are so many things to take into consideration when making your choice. Do you have children? Do you have your own home with a nice yard, or do you live in an apartment in the city? Do you have any experience with dogs? These are important questions you should be considering before you make your decision.

If you are looking for a Purebred dog, please investigate the breed you are interested in. Each breed has unique qualities that may or may not be a good fit for you. Lets take a Jack Russell Terrier for example. They are a very intelligent and hyper breed dog that needs a lot of interaction with its owner. This is not the type of dog you would want to leave alone all day long in an apartment. If you have children a great breed would be a Golden Retriever. They have a wonderful deposition, are gentle, and make a great family dog. Another thing to take into consideration is health issues. Many purebred dogs have a predisposition to certain medical conditions and illnesses. So please investigate the breed you are interested in to make sure it is a good fit for your family. The last thing we need is another dog at the shelter looking for a home.

If you decide you want a Purebred, PLEASE use a reputable Breeder. There are many websites today where you can get that information. When you have selected a breeder, go and visit the dog kennels and meet the breeder. See what the kennel conditions are like. Meet the dogs and take notice of their appearance, temperament, and behavior. Ask questions of the breeder about his/her experience. The last thing you want to do is go to a Pet Store to purchase a puppy. Most (but not all) of these poor animals come from Puppy Mills. I am sure you have either read or heard what the conditions of most of these places are like. Why they are aloud to exist is beyond me. (sorry just my opinion)

Lets look at getting a dog from the pound/rescue shelter. Believe it or not, there are thousands of poor dogs looking for good homes. You would be surprised at the Purebred dogs at shelters. With hard economic times the way they are, many people have had to give their beloved pet to a shelter because they could not afford to care for it anymore. Some have lost their homes and could not bring their pet to their new apartment. Others have gone and purchase a Purebred dog that was the wrong fit for their family and decided they did not want it anymore. What I am trying to get at is there are thousands of great homeless dogs available for adoption that would be a perfect dog for your family. There is nothing wrong with most of these dogs. So please make sure you take what I have said into consideration when deciding which is the right dog for you.

Breast Cancer in Goldendoodles

Breast Cancer in Goldendoodles
Author: Dee Gerrish
When we think about breast cancer, we usually think about women getting this disease. We seldom stop to think about men having breast cancer, much less a canine having breast cancer. Although the Goldendoodle hybrid is a relatively new hybrid, we must take into consideration that as this hybrid ages, the possibility of breast cancer is there.

The Goldendoodle hybrid became first known as a "labeled" breed in the United States around 1997. I am not sure who the first breeder in the USA began advertising this beautiful dog, but I do know when we began our Goldendoodle breeding program in 1999, we were the only breeder in the entire southern region...at that time...offering them. The dog is relatively young to know much about possible "genetic" issues that may come from the Poodle/Golden Retriever mixture.

Cancer unfortunately kills more dogs than any other disease known. Approx. forty seven percent, according to canine data. Heart disease and kidney disease round out the top three diseases that kill our dogs. Because the Goldendoodle hybrid is still relatively new, there is no existing data at this present writing (December 23, 2009) that can help us know what percentage this hybrid may rank...if at all. According to the Englewood, Colorado based Morris Animal Foundation, skin cancer in dogs accounts for most of the cancer cases.

According to sources, cancer occurs in dogs (or even a person for that matter) when body cells grow uncontrollably and without purpose. Certain types of cancer can spread through out the body via the blood stream which then carries the cancer cells to other parts of the body. Some cancers remain stationary but these types of cancers can grow rapidly and invade tissue in which they are growing. Tumors that are malignant are types of cancers that are stationary. Tumors that don't spread or invade tissue are called "benign" tumors.

Today, veterinarians who specialize in canine cancer are more advanced and detecting cancer in your Goldendoodle at an early stage is now possible. These doctors are called Veterinarian Oncologists. They have three methods that can help save your Goldendoodle, if cancer is detected early enough:

1. Surgery

2. Chemotherapy

3. Radiation

Now that veterinarians have become more advanced and know more about canine cancer, they now have the ability to extend the life of your Goldendoodle including giving him or her a quality of life that wasn't available ten years ago for any canine. Most dogs who were diagnosed with cancer, faced certain death. Now, there is hope.

When your veterinarian suspects your Goldendoodle may have cancer, your hybrid baby will have to undergo a surgical procedure called a "biopsy". This means your veterinarian will remove some tissue from your Goldendoodle that can be examined carefully. A pathologist will examine the tissue or collected cells to determine if it is benign (negative) or malignant (positive) for cancer. If your Goldendoodle has a solid tumor, your vet may insert a needle and take a few samples. This type of procedure is entirely less invasive. If the collected cells suggest they are malignant (positive), your Goldendoodle will then undergo a surgical biopsy.

Unfortunately, these procedures are not cheap and the costs can be quite great. If you suspect your Goldendoodle may have a lump that needs to be further examined and tested for cancer, you will have to weigh the pros and cons regarding whether or not you can afford the required testing, procedures, vet costs and of course, if unfortunately the tests come back and they confirm cancer, long term care and the expenses regarding long term care will have to be carefully weighed.

SPOT THE WARNING SIGNS

* You find an abnormal lump or swelling that continues to become larger over time.

* Sores on your Goldendoodle's skin that don't seem to heal.

* Your Goldendoodle begins to lose weight for no particular reason.

* Loss of appetite.

* Unusual bleeding or discharge from your Goldendoodle's nose, mouth or anal area.

* You notice a foul odor from your Goldendoodle's mouth.

* Your Goldendoodle begins to have difficulty swallowing or eating.

* Your Goldendoodle suddenly doesn't have the ability to exercise and seems to have a loss of strength.

* Your doodle has difficulty breathing.

* You notice that your Goldendoodle has lameness or stiffness.

* Your Goldendoodle has difficulty urinating or defecating.

* You notice a sudden change in behavior with your dog.

Now, if you notice any of the issues above, do not suddenly become frantic that your Goldendoodle has cancer. There are many explainations other than cancer, for the above symptoms. It's very important, however, if you notice any of the above symptoms that you have your veterinarian thoroughly check your Goldendoodle out. Waiting could cause your Goldendoodle's demise.

Keeping Your Dog Safe on Your Vacation

By: Dee Gerrish



Goldendoodles have an obvious love for snow and the great outdoors. Their appearance may cause you to believe they are some fru-fru dog… but your doodle is more than that! Many Goldendoodles enjoy being outside. Whether hiking, running, walking or just taking a nice leisurely stroll down a nice nature trail. Your doodle is very much a tom boy.



Other options for the Goldendoodle dog is a day at the lake, beach or park. Just be sure to follow and obey the rules if you take your Goldendoodle to public areas. Many parks have restrictions and some beaches do not permit doodles or dogs alike, in particular areas of the beach or at all. When taking your Goldendoodle outdoors and if you intend to have him or her outdoors for some time, there are a few essentials that are a must have. It's a good idea to carry plenty of fresh water for not just your Goldendoodle, but for you and your family, especially if the temperatures are expected to be above 70 degrees or so.

You may also want to have some sort of backpack for snacks; a treat; some handy wipes and maybe even a small towel that you can spread out should you and your doodle get tired and need a place to sit. Make sure to pay attention to fatigue, possible heatstroke, limping and profuse panting. If your Goldendoodle refuses to budge after sitting down and refuses to continue, he or she is letting you know they may have soreness or have become too tired. Large Goldendoodles especially need to be careful since they can easily have pain in the joints if they over do it.

There are so many great games you can play while being outdoors with your Goldendoodle! Tug-of-war; treasure hunt; Catch me if you can; Fetch….get creative! Go crazy! Mix it up a little. Your Goldendoodle's mind loves to be stimulated. Which ever game you decide to play with your Goldendoodle, don't let him or her forget their good manners.



When taking your Goldendoodle outdoors to public areas, it is important that you have taught your doodle good manners. Some dogs get a bit carried away and may show some aggression when playing with other dogs, especially those they have just met. Some games may be too stimulating and your doodle may begin to express inappropriate behavior. If allowed to behave in this manner, these will become learned habits. Something you want to immediately nip in the bud.

Anytime you are going to begin playing a game with your Goldendoodle, you should always be the one who initiates the game. If your Goldendoodle becomes too excited, make sure to teach him or her to "let go" when told to do so. This will prevent your doodle's teeth from accidentally having contact with your skin or even an accidental chomping. You should always teach your Goldendoodle to learn how to let go of things, on cue.

Words like, "drop" or "drop it"…."Let go"…"stop"….are good words for your Goldendoodle to learn how to pay attention to. Your Goldendoodle must know when the game ends, it ends. Another great word to use is "release". Using long sentences with your Goldendoodle can confuse him or her. Simple, quick words that get to the point are sufficient. Always give your doodle a treat after he or she obeys your command. Sure the food is a bit of a bribe….but it's a good bribe for your doodle to give up his or her toys.

When you are teaching your Goldendoodle to "let go" or "release" a toy, remain calm and don't engage in pulling, tugging or forcing your doodle to give up his or her toy. As soon as you give the command and if your doodle does release the toy…be sure to immediately praise him or her. Goldendoodles are best train with positive reinforcement.



Repetitive commands with repetitive actions make for a Goldendoodle being trained much faster. If for some reason your Goldendoodle refuses to "release" his or her toy or end a game, walk away immediately. Your doodle must understand who the "alpha" of the pack is…YOU.

Goldendoodles are gifted with an incredible sense of smell. They also love a challenge. The "treasure hunt" game is great for dogs who love treats. Very few of them will turn down a tasty treat. With some practice over time, your Goldendoodle will learn to use his or her nose to spot his or her toy or treat. Hiding treats in bushes or near shrubs and then walking your doodle near the area so he or she can pick up on the scent is a fun game for your doodle. Walking them on a leash near the planted treats and then walking them away from them on the other end will increase their excitement. If allowed, let them go to the area off leash and see if they can find their "treasure".

Many Goldendoodles love playing fetch. They love running after thrown toys and if trained properly, they can retrieve those objects and bring them back. Some doodles, regardless of size, love to chase after tossed toys, but they don't want to bring them back! If this happens, you can take a tennis ball and tie a piece of sturdy rope to it. Hold onto the end of the rope and move the ball in all different directions to keep your doodle's interest. Toss it in the air or move it around in huge circles. Your doodle will love the interesting variations.

Lastly, make sure you follow the etiquette guidelines when you take your Goldendoodle outdoors. Always ensure your doodle is current with his or her vaccinations including the bordetella vaccine. Dogs touch noses when they meet and greet. Your doodle can easily catch kennel cough or the dog flu unless he or she is properly updated on their vaccines. Never take your adult Goldendoodle to a public place unless you know he or she has learned social skills. If you are taking your puppy to public places, you will want to use this time to teach him or her the necessary social skills needed to behave properly. Always make sure your doodle comes to you when called. Don't have your Goldendoodle off leash unless the public area is fenced in or you know the area is completely safe. Leave your Goldendoodle's collar or harness on at all times. Always supervise your doodle when outdoors in public places. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Keeping Your Dog Safe on Your Vacation

Being able to take a vacation is a treat for most people. It is even more of a treat for your dog. It is rare that your pet will be able to get out of the same area and explore new regions of the world that he has never seen before. However, keeping your pet safe while taking a vacation is very important. Planning ahead for any potential problems can keep everyone happy, your dog safe, and your vacation fun. There are steps that can be taken to ensure this is taken care of. Making sure that your dog is in perfect healthy and fit for travel is at the top of the list of things you need to do before leaving.

Any lengthy trips can mean a lot of travel. If you plan on traveling by car, there are fewer issues that can arise, but it is still good to be prepared. Making sure that your dog is up to date on all of his shots and vaccinations will prevent the possibility of him contracting a disease while he is with you on vacation. It is also good in case you need it for proof of vaccination. In order for a pet to travel by plane a recent update in their vaccinations is needed upon boarding. Having this certification performed no more than two weeks before traveling is needed if you are taking your pet out of the country.

Other ways to ensure your dogs' health and well being on a vacation trip is to make sure that you travel safe. Do not leave your pet in the back of a pick-up truck during the trip as he can be injured if you need to stop suddenly, or if you get into an accident. Also, a dog can jump out of the back of the truck if they are left in the back for too long. Keeping your pet in the back seat of a car is a good idea, but make sure that your pooch has an empty stomach before you leave. Feeding your pet just before, or during the trip can lead to car sickness. However, keeping a bottle of water around is a very good idea. It is important that your dog has plenty of water while they are traveling.

A bored dog can become a distraction for a driver, making him rather dangerous to have in the car. It is very important to keep your dog well entertained during the trip. Stopping every so often to stretch your own legs, as well as to let your bridled buddy out to go to the bathroom, can give you an excuse to play a game with your pooch and make the remainder of his trip as enthusiastic as possible. It is also a smart idea to keep a few of his favorite toys and plenty of tasty treats on hand to keep his mind busy. This will help ease his boredom and make him a little easier to have in the vehicle.

If your dog does not particularly care for car rides, you may need to have dog crates for your pet to stay in while on the road. This will make him a little less of a danger to himself, and to his owners. Make sure that you buckle in the crate to ensure that it does not slide in the vehicle, or can be thrown free of the vehicle in an accident. There are special seat belt attachments for cars and mini-vans that work for this purpose. It is much safer to have your pooch tied in then to be free in the vehicle, where he can be thrown about and receive serious injuries. Simply being prepared for everything that may come can help you keep your pet safe and happy on your vacation.

10 Amazingly Smart & Productive Animals Humans Can Learn From

Humans have proven themselves to be the planet’s most dominant species, due to our highly developed communication, critical thinking and predatory skills. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t have any competition. There are plenty of animals that we can learn from by watching the ways in which they communicate and learn from each other. While you struggle to become a more efficient student for your online college classes, try taking a cue from these 10 amazingly smart and productive animals.

1. Octupi and squids: Cephalopods — octopi, squids and cuttlefish — may be some of the smartest animals in the ocean. After studying them, scientists have deduced that cephalopods are always trying to stay busy, as they hate being bored. They use tools, are efficient eaters, and can learn new skills.

2. Dolphins: Dolphins may love humans just as much as humans love dolphins. The highly collaborative marine mammal is also incredibly intelligent and communicative and may actually be the second-smartest animal in the world, just after humans. Their brains are 4-5 times larger than other animals’ brains who have similar sized bodies. They also have a well developed neocortex which helps them process emotion, recognize themselves in a mirror, demonstrate an ability for cultural learning, and understand abstract concepts.

3. Pigeons: Although they’re often associated with dirty, crowded urban environments, pigeons are productive animals with high intelligence. They have highly developed memories, recognize themselves in a mirror, and can identify even subtle differences between different objects.

4. Pigs: Pigs are known to compensate for their mud-slinging, trough-eating ways by demonstrating high intelligence, but did you know just how smart pigs are? They’re very social and even emotional animals that can "play" computer and video games at least as well as chimpanzees. They have an excellent sense of direction and learn from each other, when they’re not trying to trick each other.

5. Rats: Rats may be one of the most abhorred creatures on Earth, but they’re still pretty smart and very resourceful. Rats are extremely adaptable and can almost always find an escape route, which is why they’re so resilient.

6. Squirrels: A slightly cuter version of the rat is the squirrel, another cunning rodent. Squirrels sometimes trick spying animals by pretending to hide their food in one spot, and then really finding a safer place for it when no one’s watching. After months have passed, squirrels can remember the exact place they stored their food, sometimes using clues to help themselves.

7. Crows: Crows may have annoying calls and scare away other, more attractive birds, but they’re so smart that even humans could learn something from them. Crows are very resourceful animals that turn all kinds of objects into usable tools for getting food from hard-to-reach places. They also have great respect for their elders, and watch older birds when they want to learn a new skill.

8. Bees: Bees have shown scientists that they are very in tune with the natural world, not just including pollinating flowers. They use the sun for direction, are punctual, and also have the ability to learn colors, sounds and even exact places. And if you’ve ever noticed a bee’s seemingly erratic flying pattern, you’ve actually watched it communicate to other bees the specifics of the food they’re finding.

9. Dogs: Scientists are still discovering just how smart dogs are. They’ve already proven to be loyal, good communicators and may have decent memory, and now scientists believe that dogs may have the ability to understand someone else’s point of view. Through tests, dogs have also proven to understand concepts and form real perceptions of things.

10. Elephants: Elephants are widely regarded as smart, efficient animals that use tools, groom themselves, and have even inspired robotics. A new robotic arm was modeled after an elephant’s trunk, which can pick up nearly any type of object and seamlessly move it and use it as needed. Elephants also have large brains — weighing around 5 kilos — and use objects to protect themselves, either as weapons or to intimidate their attackers.