German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Dogs are a large breed of dog that comes from the farmlands of Germany, an environment for a dog that likes to work hard and have room to play. Captain Max von Stephanitz of Germany dedicated himself to refining and intensifying the best characteristics of these dogs: intelligence, stamina, structure and appearance. In 1899, Von Stephanitz wrote the original breed standard for the German Shepherd Dog.

Bred for herding and guarding sheep, German Shepherds are known for their strength, intelligence and propensity for obedience training. Thus, they are often employed by police and military forces around the world. Due to its loyal and protective nature, German Shepherds are held in high esteem by dog breeders and account for 4.6% of all dogs registered with the American Kennel Club.

The German Shepherd Dog was bred to herd livestock. Because of this, they will sometimes display the traits of herding, such a nipping at heels. These dogs have enormous energy and need a tremendous amount of exercise every day. If they are not kept busy, they will often create their own entertainment. This is not always a good thing. Some GSDs have a stronger need to stay active than others, but too often, a dog will end up in the animal shelter because the former owners wanted a laid-back "couch potato" rather than an active dog that requires a good amount of attention. A German Shepherd also needs human companionship and can be destructive if not given proper attention by its owner. A potential owner needs to be aware of the time, attention and energy this breed demands. Give these issues a great deal of thought!

Adult GSDs are very loyal and protective, active and quite intelligent. The German Shepherd Dog can also be quite willful. The owner must be able to assert himself/herself as "alpha" or leader of the pack. Your GSD wants you to be the leader and wants to follow the rules. Without proper socialization, training and routine guidance, they can become rambunctious and difficult to handle. It is up to you to teach your dog how to fit into your family's lifestyle and a structured routine will be very beneficial to good dog behavior. Training the dog is not a job that ends after a six or eight week obedience course. The training is an ongoing process that will continue throughout the dog's life - much like raising children. Please also give this issue a great deal of thought as well!

German Shepherds were bred specifically for their intelligence, a trait for which they are now renowned. They are considered to be the third most intelligent breed of dog, behind Border Collies and Poodles. In the book The Intelligence of Dogs, author Stanley Coren ranked the breed third for intelligence. He found that they had the ability to learn simple tasks after only five repetitions and obeyed the first command given 95% of the time. Coupled with their strength, this trait makes the breed desirable as police, guard, and search and rescue dogs, as they are able to quickly learn various tasks and interpret instructions better than other large breeds.

German Shepherd Dogs are among the top five most popular dogs in the United States according to American Kennel Club statistics and well-trained and socialized German Shepherd Dogs have a reputation among many as being very safe. In the United States, one source suggests that German Shepherd Dogs are responsible for more reported bitings than any other breed, and suggest a tendency to attack smaller breeds of dogs.

German Shepherds are highly active dogs, and described in breed standards as self-assured. The breed is marked by a willingness to learn and an eagerness to have a purpose. Shepherds have a loyal nature and bond well with people they know. However, they can become over-protective of their family and territory, especially if not socialized correctly. They are not inclined to become immediate friends with strangers. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and obedient. Some people believe they require a "firm hand", but more recent research into training methods has shown they respond better to positive, reward based training methods. (Adapted from Wikipedia)

 

German Shepherd Synopsis

• Country of Origin: Germany
• AKC Group: Herding
• Life Span: 11-14 Years
• Grooming: Brush Daily
• Shedding: Year Round
• Exercise Needs: Long walks, Daily Play Time
• Watchdog ability: Outstanding
• Character: Intelligent, Friendly, and Loyal
• Trainability: A Joy to Train; Eager to Please
• Home environment: Needs plenty of space
• Good with Children: Yes
• Good with Other Pets: Yes
• Attitude Toward Strangers: Reserved, Aloof  (Source) 

More about Dogs

• Dogs as organic home security systems. This page considers aspects of dog ownership such as feeding, house training, etc.
• Cesar Milan teaches humans how to handle themselves around dogs. His method is to teach a pet owner how to act like a confident pack leader whom his dog will gladly follow.
• Rottweilers are large dogs that make great home companions and security guards.
• The Labrador Retriever is a very popular large dog breed.
• See German Shepherds for Dummies for a highly rated introduction to the German Shepherd.

The Cat in the Hat Beginner Book Dictionary (I Can Read It All by Myself Beginner Books) by P D Eastman

 

A - a. Aaron - above - about - accident - across - after - again ... Each word has a funky little Dr. Seuss type picture to help children ages 4-8 years bolster their vocabulary. 

 

A silly book with a serious purpose—to help children recognize, remember, and really enjoy using a basic vocabulary of 1350 words. Written and illustrated by P. D. Eastman—with help from the Cat (Dr. Seuss)—this decades-old dictionary pairs words with pictures that carry their meaning, making it simple enough even for nonreaders to understand. A wacky cast of characters reappears throughout the book, making this perhaps the only dictionary in the world that is actually fun to read! 

 

133 pages of words and images for a small child who is learning to read.

 

DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner: 25 Ways to Build a Self-Reliant Lifestyle

DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner: 

25 Ways to Build a Self-Reliant Lifestyle 
by Betsy Matheson

 

Do you dream of a perfect sun-ripe tomato fresh from the garden? Would you love a flavorful, more nutritious option than boneless, skinless chicken breast from the supermarket that tastes just like the foam tray it's packaged on? Does it trouble you to pay more and more for energy that consumes resources and creates pollution? You're in luck. The time has never been better to take charge of the things you consume. From farmer markets to fine dining, the growing appeal of locally produced food is making it easy to find seedlings, supplies and DIY information. Call it green, call it sustainable, call it small-footprint... whatever the name, the tools you need to step back from the grid and become a more independent provider and consumer are right in front of you. In fact you are looking at one of them now. 

 

DIY Projects for the Self-Sufficient Homeowner is your first step toward participating in the fast-growing self-sufficiency movement. Even if you live on a small urban lot, you can take steps to gain a little more control over the things you consume. Build a chicken ark and harvest enough fresh eggs to feed a family of four all year long from one pair of laying hens. Learn to make productive use of clean household waste water. Take those first few steps to a simpler lifestyle so you'll rely less on big box supermarkets and more on your own two hands. 

In this book you'll find specific plans and information on around 25 well-chosen projects you can do to become a more self-sufficient homeowner. You can: 

• Build a moveable chicken ark

• Create a raised vegetable garden

• Make a root cellar in any corner of any basement

• Craft a solar hotbox that can help heat your home

• And much more! 

 

Getting Started Knitting Socks

Recycling may be applied all the way to the very clothes you wear. Getting Started Knitting Socks by Ann Bud will teach you how to recycle your old socks. In addition, Ann's book will teach you how to knit new socks. Perhaps you may even want to sell some socks you knit. You could start a home business knitting new pairs of socks. If not for sale, colorful home knitted socks make excellent Christmas gifts or baby gifts. You may also knit socks for your own family. The best hobbies are ones that provide practical benefit as well as satisfy your artistic impulse.

From cast-on stitches to binding off, this handbook details the simple steps needed to turn seemingly complicated sock knitting projects into easy and enjoyable activities. Helpful photographs and instructional drawings ensure that even inexperienced knitters will be able to produce high-quality socks and handle more complicated techniques, such as the Kitchener stitch at the toe.


Using instructions for five different sizes—from child through adult large—at five different gauges, knitters can produce styles ranging from delicate dress socks to thick and furry slipper socks. More adventurous knitters can add variety and flair by following one of 16 unique designs or trying one of the dozens of rib, cable, and lace patterns provided. With plenty of tips and a handy stitch dictionary, this guide unleashes the creativity and fun of sock knitting.

The Shift: The Future of Work Is Already Here

Lynda Gratton, interviewed above, is a professor at London Business School and the author of Hot Spots and Living Strategy. She has been hailed by the Times as one of the top 20 business thinkers in the world today, esteemed by the Economist for "leading the world's top 200 business minds to predict the future of work," and the Financial Times called her the business thinker most likely to make a real difference over the next decade.

In her timely book, The Shift: The Future of Work is Already Here, hot off the presses in July 15, 2011, Lynda Gratton makes the case that work is a defining, all-consuming part of our lives. Now, more than ever, the speed at which the nature of work is changing is having an extraordinary impact on working lives everywhere. Lynda Gratton's groundbreaking book looks at the five forces that will fundamentally change the way we work in the next 10 to 15 years: globalization, society, demography, technology, and energy. It remains to be seen whether this will be a bad thing or a good thing. The invaluable advice that Lynda imparts, however, is that there are three key shifts that individuals can make to prepare themselves in this fast-moving world of work. What are those three key shifts? Look here to learn more.

XPower Powerpack - Solar Powered - Portable Generator

 

Xantrex 802-1500 XPower 1,500 Watt Portable Powerpack

Solar Powered Generator with no noise, no fumes, no moving parts

Provides electricity for camping, tail gating and home power outages

Good for the environment & good for YOU!

XPower Powerpack Description

The XPower Powerpack 1500 is a portable power system that produces household electricity for products rated at 1500 watts or less. A clean and quiet alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack integrates a 60 Amp/hour AGM battery with a 1500-watt inverter and produces a 3000-watt surge. This system is built to run a range of appliances such as a standard size refrigerator and microwave oven, and office equipment such as a computer, monitor, and fax machine. 

XPower Powerpack Specifications

• Supplies up to 1,500 watt household electricity
• 1,500 watt inverter and 60Ah AGM battery
• AC and DC plug included
• Portable, wheeled design
• Excellent alternative to generators

Read 53+ customer reviews here.

The XPower Powerpack 1500 consists of a battery pack that stores electrical energy, state-of-the-art electronics that convert 12 volts from the battery pack to household power, an AC power panel that contains two standard outlets, and a DC power panel that is used to run 12 volt products. These components are packaged into a rugged "cart" with a removable waist handle that allows XPower Powerpack 1500 to be wheeled from room-to-room or outdoors over rough terrain.

An excellent alternative to a generator, the XPower Powerpack produces no noise or fumes and has no moving parts. With the accessories provided, you can easily recharge the XPower Powerpack using standard utility power from your wall outlet, your vehicle, or from a solar panel.

The XPower Powerpack can be used to produce power for numerous applications. For power emergencies it can run essential appliances like refrigerators, cordless/mobile phones, radios, fireplace fans, table lamps, or microwaves. For work sites, you can power your drills, belt sanders, circular saws, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, vacuums, computers, large monitors, fax machines, and inkjet printers. For plain old fun, you can use the power source to run blenders, video games, TV and VCRs, satellite equipment, coffee makers, portable coolers and more.

The XPower Powerpack features a built-in 1500 watt inverter and sealed, non-spillable 60 Amp-hour AGM battery. Dual AC outlets allow operation of multiple products, and a built-in battery level indicator confirms the charge level. A high surge protection and automatic over-temperature and overload shutdown keeps the Powerpack running safely and efficiently, while a low voltage alarm and shutdown prevents deep battery discharge. You can recharge the Powerpack from home (up to 15 hours), or your vehicle (6 to 8 hours). A padded grip towing handle removes easily for storage in tight places, and built-in handles on sides allow for easy lifting.

The XPower Powerpack measures 14.8 x 15.6 x 12.3 inches (HxWxD), weighs 60 pounds, and is backed by a 1-year limited warranty.
                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                  

DIY Plug-In Electric Vehicle

 

Build Your Own Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (TAB Green Guru Guides) by Seth Leitman  Written by Seth Leitman, longtime green vehicle/sustainability expert, this 275-page book provides an overview of the technology and the issues in doing a vehicle conversion, and it works well as a different way into the opensource material that can be found at http://www.eaa-phev.org or the easier-to-remember http://www.priusplus.org." See CalCars.org for more info.

DIY Electric Bicycle

 

• Build Your Own Electric Bicycle (Tab Green Guru) by Matthew Slinn

		Filled with do-it-yourself project, this hands-on manual gives you all the technical information and easy-to-follow instructions you need to assemble and customize an electric bike.  Build Your Own Electric Bicycle gets you on the road on a reliable, economical, environmentally friendly ride. Inside, you'll find complete coverage of every component, including motors, controllers, batteries, and frames, as well as details on soldering, electrical wiring, safety, and other essential skills. The book covers commercially available electric bicycles and shows you how to make modifications and upgrades for improved power, speed, range, and safety. Pictures, diagrams, and charts illustrate each step along the way. With this how-to guide on hand, you'll be riding your own tricked-out electric bike in no time!  Build Your Own Electric Bicycle covers: Energy savings and environmental benefits Electrical, battery, and road safety Long-range, folding, and high-power bikes Hub motor kits Motors, controllers, and batteries Electrical connections and wiring Brakes Troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair Performance and safety modifications

DIY Electric Motorcycle

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle (Tab Green Guru Guides) by Carl Vogel

What could be cooler than owning an electric motorcycle? Showing your friends how you built it yourself. Here is a step-by-step guide to building an electric motorcycle from the ground up.


Written by alternative fuel expert Carl Vogel, this hands-on guide gives you the latest technical information and easy-to-follow instructions for building a two-wheeled electric vehicle--from a streamlined scooter to a full-sized motorcycle.

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle puts you in hog heaven when it comes to hitting the road on a reliable, economical, and environmentally friendly bike. Inside, you'll find complete details on every component, including motor, batteries, and frame. The book covers electric motorcycles currently on themarket and explains how to convert an existing vehicle. Pictures, diagrams, charts, and graphs illustrate each step along the way. Whether you want to get around town on a sleek ride or cruise the super slab on a tricked-out chopper, this is the book for you.

Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle covers:

1. Energy savings and environmental benefits
2. Rake, trail, and fork angle
3. Frame and design
4. Batteries and chargers
5. DC and AC motor types
6. Motor controllers
7. Accessories and converters
8. Electrical system and wiring
9. Conversion process
10. Safety, maintenance, and troubleshooting

Brother Computerized Sewing Machine

Brother Computerized Sewing Machine

Easy To Use and Fully Featured 

The sewing functions of the CS6000i are controlled with a simple to use LCD display. This allows computerized stitch selection. You simply select one of the 60 built in stitches you want to sew on the display, and the machine sews that stitch automatically. There are a wide variety of utility and decorative stitches to choose from. The LCD also displays the length and width of each stitch. Both stitch length and stitch width are adjustable using the key pad on the machine. The stitch width can be adjusted up to 7mm. This display also guides you to the appropriate foot to be used for each type of stitch. Upper thread tension is adjustable by dial so you can adjust as desired for various types of thread and fabric.

Sewers can use either the included foot pedal to operate the machine or the start/stop button built into the machine.

Reverse stitching is also built in with the reverse sewing button. Reverse sewing at the beginning and end of each seam will allow you to lock in your stitches so that they do not unravel. The sewing area is brightly lit with dual LED lighting so you can easily see your seam and needle placement.

The CS6000i is a freearm sewing machine. You simply remove the freearm attachment to sew small items such as cuffs and sleeves or leave it in place for a flatbed work area. This machine also comes with a large extension table to give you more room to work on large projects such as quilts, tablecloths, or when working with bulky fabrics.

This sewing machine is packaged with a wide assortment of sewing feet. The CS6000i comes with a bonus quilting foot package which includes a walking foot, quilting guide and spring action quilting foot. It also comes with a hard cover to safely store your machine when not in use. The sewing machine comes with a wide assortment of accessories, including extra bobbins, needle set, extra spool pin, twin needle, seam ripper, cleaning brush, eyelet punch, screw driver, and assorted types of snap-on presser feet. The feet included are Monogramming Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Blind Stitch Foot, Overcasting Foot, Zipper Foot, and Button Fitting Foot. Additionally, a power cord, foot control and instruction manual are packaged with the machine. This item is covered by a limited 25-year warranty.

SentrySafe 500 FIRE-SAFE Box

 SentrySafe 500 FIRE-SAFE Box

Product Description

Compact and versatile, Sentry®Safe Fire-Safe® Chests are the most popular in the world. For a modest, one-time investment, a family's most important papers are protected from the average house fire 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week.

Features: Key-lock provides privacy in daily use and prevents the lid from opening in the event of a fire ETL Verified 1/2-hour fire protection for CDs, DVDs, USB drives and memory sticks up to 1550°F Proven UL classified - 1/2-hour fire protection Lifetime after-fire replacement guarantee Finish: Black Dimensions: Exterior: 12 3/16"(W) x 10 1/4"(D) x 6 1/8"(H) Interior: 9 23/32"(W) x 7 9/32"(D) x 3 3/4"(H)

Product Specs

• FIRE-SAFE Box

• UL classified 1/2 hour fire protection and ETL verified 1/2 hour fire protection for CD's, DVD's, USB drives and memory stick up to 1550ºF

• Privacy key lock

• Exterior dimensions: 6 1/8"H x 12 3/16W x 10 1/4" D

• Interior dimensions: 3 3/4"H x 9 23/32"W x 7 9/32"D

Makita Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit

Product Description

The perfect addition to any tool box or tool belt, the Makita 10.8V Ultra-Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit delivers pro power and pro speed in an ultra-compact design. The LCT203W includes two cordless tools for drilling, driving, and fastening, and each tool is powered by Makita's 10.8V Ultra-Compact Lithium-Ion Battery and the ENERGY STAR rated Makita Charger.

Makita Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit

Product Specs

• Ultra compact driver-drill and impact driver offer best power-to-weight ratio 
• 2-Speed Driver-Drill (0-350 / 0-1,300 RPM) delivers 200 in.lbs. of Max Torque in an ultra compact size of only 1.9 lbs. 
  Variable speed Impact Driver (0-2,400 RPM) provides 800 in.lbs. of Max Torque in an ultra compact design of only 2.0 lbs.
  Makita Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
  3-year warranty on tools and 1-year warranty on batteries and charger

The Great Reset

The Great Reset

We've weathered tough times before. History teaches us that periods of "creative destruction," like the Great Depression of the 1930s, also present opportunities to remake our economy and society and generate whole new eras of economic growth and prosperity. In The Great Reset, bestselling author and economic development expert Richard Florida provides and engaging and sweeping examination of these previous economic epochs, or "resets," while looking toward the future to identify the patterns that will drive the next Great Reset and transform virtually every aspect of our lives. He distills the deep forces that alter physical and social landscapes--how and where we live, where we work, how we invest in individuals and infrastructure, how we shape our cities and regions--and shows the ways in which these forces, when combined, will spur a fresh era of growth and prosperity, define a new geography of progress, and create surprising opportunities for all of us.

Hey R.L. how bad is this economy?!

How bad is this economy?

You don't need me to tell you. You already know that.

In such desperate times as these the Blues songs shine through.

Thus does R.L. Burnside sing It's Bad You Know.

This ain't no white boy Blues wannabes like Eric Clapton or Mick Jagger.

R. L. Burnside is the real thing. North Mississippi Hill Country Blues at its best.

Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit

The Sunforce 50048 60-Watt Solar Charging Kit gives you several more reasons to love the sun. It provides the power you need, while helping you save money and protect the environment. This kit is ideal for cabins, recreational vehicles, remote power, back-up power, and 12-volt battery charging. It comes with everything you need to start producing up to 60 Watts/4 Amps of clean, free power in all weather conditions. Solar energy is good for the environment and it is good for you as a resilient person.

William Faulkner -- Light in August

Rowan Oak

William Faulkner's home

in Oxford, Mississippi

August is the eighth month of the year. It is back to school in the United States. This is the time when school aged children and college students return to class after a summer break. August is typically a hot month in many parts of the United States.

August is particularly hot and humid in the Deep South in August, especially in Mississippi with its high humidity and lack of wind. Mississippi is the setting for Light in August, a 1932 novel by the American author William Faulkner.

Get a glimpse into life in the Deep South one hundred years ago with this earthy, sweaty, intensely psychological book by one of the South's seminal authors: William Faulkner -- Light in August.

Seen it all -- done it all -- lived to tell the story

Gratitude is an attitude. Here is a woman who has suffered much. You can see it in her eyes. Yet she has persevered. She has family. She has love. She has life. She is resilient. Resilience resides in the city as well as the country. It lives in women and men who pick themselves up off the ground when they get knocked down. Like the lady in this video, You ARE resilient.

Here is Lucinda Williams new album, "Blessed," in which she shares stories of resilient people: Their hopes, their fears, what makes them tick.

About this blog

You ARE resilient. You crave resilient things. You find them here. Resilient things for resilient people.