Natural Microsystems

By Rachel Yoshida

Unless you happen to be one of the residents of many of the small towns along the Mississippi river that was flooded drastically in the past few months, it might be impossible to truly understand the scope of the damage that was incurred. These people had their whole lives literally brought to a stand still when so many smaller levees were breeched because they were simply unable to hold back the overflow of the river.

The largest cities along the mighty Mississippi were largely spared from the ravishment of the flood water because they had levees that were more substantial and designed to hold back higher levels of water, therefore causing less overall damage. What a bigger mess things could have been if these big city levees had been breeched on a larger scale as well. You probably can not tell the smaller towns that there was any luck at all involved since they are the ones who suffered the brunt of the disaster.

Just exactly how long will it take all of these small towns to recover emotionally as well as financially? This will be hard to determine. Many of the towns were flooded in the most active and business laden areas. For many small business owners in these areas, their livelihood stopped as they waited for the water to come and then to recede. For the insured, it will only be a matter of time until they can be back up and running. For those who might not have had any insurance coverage for their business, it could mean the end of them

Homeowners in these areas are probably still amazed at the event. So many were made to evacuate their homes and stay somewhere that was deemed safe while the flooding was going on. Not knowing what they could expect to find when they were finally allowed to return home, you can not imagine the terror they probably had to go through. Once again, those that were insured for flooding might have had a less traumatic ordeal knowing that help would be there for them at the end of it all, and once again, not so for the uninsured home owner.

Whether they were insured or not, it is likely to take many months to several years for all of the residents and businesses to return to some semblance of normalcy in these flooded small towns. It takes a while to clean up, move back in, and start all over again anytime a disaster of this magnitude occurs. We can only hope that another such flooding event does to happen in these areas anytime soon to hamper their reconstruction process.

About The Author

Rachel Yoshida is a writer in many fields.
http://www.water-damage-services.com/cities/miamiwaterdamagerestoration.html
http://www.water-damage-services.com/cities/orlandowaterdamagerestoration.html

By Alan Largo

With the recent increasing gas prices, more and more people have been looking into alternative ways in which to lower their fuel costs. They have also been looking for more ways to help the environment as studies have shown increasing amounts of greenhouse gases being released through the use of fossil fuels.

One of the alternatives to gas is hydrogen, which has brought the run car on water movement to a popular standing. There are two main ways to get hydrogen power into your car. The first is conversion and the second is to purchase a new vehicle that uses hydrogen. While there are no real disadvantages to using a conversion which is either homemade or a kit purchase, there is a disadvantage to purchasing a hydrogen powered vehicle.

Hydrogen is a highly flammable material that is heavier than gas. This could lead to a serious risk which is not as high in gasoline-based vehicles. The disadvantage of conversion is that these are hybrid vehicles. Even though you are creating them from your own vehicle, they are not hydrogen-based which mean that you are using gas as well as hydrogen.

If you are looking for the totally emission-free vehicle, you will need to look into purchasing a new vehicle that is designed to run specifically on HHO gas. If not, then you will have the disadvantage of still having to head to the pump. The good news is that you will be saving money because you will be able to extend the life of your tank of gas by 50-100%!

This means a longer amount of time between trips to the gas station and a greater distance on a single tank of gas! That is because people drive farther from their homes more than ever in order to find decent work, and with rising prices, being able to get more for your dollar is something to consider seriously.

If you are asking if there are disadvantages to run car on water, more likely than not your answer is going to be no! What few disadvantages there may be when it comes to using water as a fuel source, the advantages still far outweigh them. Water is a renewable source and in many cases, water that you may not consider drinkable can be easily used for fuel.

Chances are you may never run into a problem with running out of gas again. You can go farther and longer on the same tank, saving yourself the cost of anywhere from half a tank to a full tank of gas with every single purchase.

Hydrogen cars are more expensive just as any new type of vehicle is. Anything that is not mainstream as a result of conversions is more popular because it can be done easily in the space of a weekend from things that you can find at your local hardware store. There really are no serious disadvantages to using water as an alternative fuel source for your vehicle.

About The Author

Alan Largo is the creator and administrator of Fuel Trips and strives to assist others identify with their adverse gasoline situation through informative reviews. You”re invited to visit http://h2o4gas2.wordpress.com to read his most recent article review.

By Catherine Harvey

If more than one hippopotamus is called a hippopotami and more than one cactus is called cacti, then surely it follows that if you own more than one Lexus, then you own Lexi?

Lexus are forerunners in the bid to reduce emissions and save our planet with their range of hybrid vehicles and many people, particularly throughout the US, have been keen to give them a try. In the US, the public transport system is not quite as efficient as in Europe. People are spread out across the land mass and all are wanting to get somewhere as quickly as they can, whether it be the school run, gong to work, shopping for out for a super large McDonalds takeaway.

The Americans like their vehicles to be luxurious, comfortable and reliable, pretty much like the rest of us, which is why they have taken so well to the Lexus. In fact, they have taken to it much better than the Japanese who actually make the car and the Europeans who are not keen on paying so much for a method of getting from A to B when they have a pretty efficient transport system in place already.

One such American who wishes to reduce his carbon footprint by using a hybrid vehicle is Grateful Dead founder and front man, Bob Weir, who owns a 2007 Hybrid Lexus GS 450h. Environmentalist Weir purchased the car for its eco friendly qualities and ranks the car an eight out of ten. Although it is worth a full ten, Weir lives on a mountain side so doesn”t feel the full benefit of the car’’s economical aspects but fully appreciates the sound system. Apparently, the driver is cocooned in silence whilst driving allowing the vehicles superb sound system to completely envelope the driver.

Another celebrity eco-warrior is Sir Paul McCartney. His tireless campaign for anything environmentally friendly has been rewarded by the gift of a Hybrid Lexus Limousine. This was in recognition of the fact that he does all he can to enlighten the public to the need for ”green” cars. However, Sir Paul was not best pleased when he found out that the car was flown from Japan to Britain by jet. The carbon footprint for a jet is one hundred times that of a standard method of shipping and kind of defeats the object of a ”green” car.

The market for hybrid cars has been slow to take off. People want to do their bit for the environment but not many people can afford the price tag that comes with it. This is something that the government should be able to tackle. Maybe if they were to subsidise it then we could all afford to do our bit.

They also do not provide the same sort of power that drivers have been used to with standard fuel cars. Technology is improving all the time in a bid to find a means of transport that not only is not harmful to the planet but that also gets us around at the speed we are used to and is accompanied by sleek, good looks. Until recently, many electric or hybrid cars looked plain silly. Tiny vehicles that were painted in lurid colours may have been good for the environment but few people are willing to drive around looking and feeling silly.

All the top car manufacturers are working on eco-friendly cars and the results are getting better by the day. Hopefully, in time, this will result in the right car, with the right look, at the right price.

About The Author

Vehicle expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way Lexus are doing their bit for the environment. To find out more please visit http://www.inchcapelexus.co.uk/

By Peter Geisheker

During the warmer seasons you will notice that the bug population becomes much larger. Not only does it become larger, but it also becomes more apparent and annoying. Bugs that will eat your home and bite you are more than just a simple problem. They are a big problem that must be kept under control. Using chemicals to rid your home of pests could create quite a health problem for the human inhabitants of the house. They smell horrible and when they are breathed in they can cause respiratory problems.

One way to rid your home of insects and not cause yourself any health problems is the use of a bug blocker. These simple solutions have increased in popularity as people become more aware of the dangers of chemical pesticides. There are many bug blocker types to choose from if you decide to use one of these methods to eliminate bugs in your home. A window shield is one type of bug blocker that can work very well to keep the bugs from invading your home. They are ventilated to allow the air in your home to circulate and keep the bugs out at the same time.

Wire mesh that is installed over your doors and windows is another method that can be used to keep the insects out. Windows and doors are the primary ways that bugs enter our homes. They are simple to install and are very effective at stopping bugs before they get into the home.

Do some homework and comparison-shopping before you decide on the type of insect control device you are going to use in your home. You will have to consider the insect type that you are trying to eliminate and whether or not you have pets and small children in the home. There are devices that are very effective at ridding the home of mosquitoes and others that are good for a host of pests that could be running around your home, from cockroaches to mice.

The electronic devices that are used to rid a home of pests are very friendly to the environment and will not hurt any human inhabitants in your home. Some of them can be quite expensive and you should do some shopping around before you buy one. There are lower cost alternatives to the expensive devices that do just as effective of a job. The difference in the devices is the amount of time they take to work.

If you are having a difficult time with the insect population in your home you should go online and do some shopping for electronic pest control devices. You should be able to find various sites that have these devices for sale and at a very reasonable price. You can compare prices among the different sites and find the best price for the device that you want. You can usually order the device online and have it delivered to your home. It’’s a great way to go shopping.

Termites are one problem in the home that must be dealt with right away. At the first sign of termite damage you should begin looking for an effective way to get these insects out of your home before they cause more problems. You can usually find an effective poison for termites that can be used in and outside of your home. It is helpful to put the poison around your home so that you can keep them from getting in.

About The Author

Peter Geisheker is the CEO of The Geisheker Group marketing company. http://www.marketing-consulting-company.com

Peter develops and implements strategic marketing programs for businesses including termite control and electronic pest control. http://www.webugbugs.com

By Gary Transmeier

Laundry may be the one daily chore nobody wants to think much about. However, two of the larger energy consuming appliances in your home are in the laundry room. The clothes washer uses both energy and water, especially if you wash in hot water. The clothes dryer is a large heater blowing hot air through your wet clothes. The water heater accounts for 13% of the average US home’’s annual utility bill. Of that up to 26% can be due to washing clothes. Therefore, about 3.4% of your utility bill is for heating the water to wash your clothes. Read the following tips to stop wasting money from your clothes washer and dryer.

Wash in the lowest needed temperature and rinse in cold water. Most of the energy used for the clothes washer is consumed at the water heater, about 80 to 90%. Top load washers have tubs which can use 45 to 60 gallons of water per load. Front end washers use only about 17-26 gallons. If hot water is selected on the washer, then most of the above water comes from your water heater. Using the lowest water temperature is the best action to reduce energy consumption of your clothes washer.

Fill tub completely. If this is not possible, then adjust water level to the load. Waiting until there is enough dirty clothes for a full load will minimize the time the washer is used. However, overloading the washer may prevent sufficient cleaning of all the clothes. In the few cases some clothes must be washed, adjust the water level.

Use gentle cycle when possible. The washer also has an electric motor to spin the tub (drum) and agitator. Less energy is needed for a gentle agitation. Energy Star qualified front end washers do not have an agitator.

When buying a new washer, consider front end washers that are Energy Star qualified. Front end washers use less water and energy than top load washers. Energy Star qualified washers use over 40% less energy and water. Even if a washer is Energy Star qualified, energy use can vary between models and manufacturers. Always compare the yellow EnergyGuide tag posted on the appliance.

Dry your clothes outside on a clothesline. The clothes dryer has an electric or gas heater to dry the clothes. These heaters can be quite large, requiring a 240 volt connection in the US for electric heaters. Most of the energy used by the dryer goes into the heater. There is a fan to pull air through the drying clothes and out through a vent; and a motor turns the drum. The energy used by the clothes dryer is similar between models and manufacturers. Since there is little that can be done to reduce energy, they are not required to display EnergyGuide tags and are not included in Energy Star requirements. To save energy runtime must be reduced. The greatest reduction in runtime comes from drying clothes outside; let the sun do the work. Some homeowner associations do not allow or restrict the use of clotheslines.
Clean lint filter after every load. Lint in the filter slows the airflow and results in longer time to dry clothes. Make sure entire vent to the outside is clear of lint.

Using spin dry features of the washer saves drying time. Spinning your clothes in the washer pulls water from your clothes by means of centrifugal force. This uses less energy than the heater in your dryer. Energy star qualified washers spin clothes two to three times faster. More water is extracted which reduces dryer run time.

Do not over dry clothes. This runs your dryer longer than needed, wasting energy. When buying a new dryer, consider one with a moisture sensor.

Do not forget other devices that use energy. The use of the clothes iron is declining in our fast pace permanent press world but they do use energy when used. Irons can pull 1000 to 1800 watts. Use irons only when needed and make sure you do not leave it on. A sink may be used to aid in stain removal. Any use of hot water will use energy at the water heater.

To summarize, the major factor in energy use of clothes washers is water temperature. Try using warm water instead of hot water. Use cold water for colors and delicates. Rinsing can be with cold water. There is no advantage to rinse with warm or hot water. There is little control over the heat used by the clothes dryer; simply, do not run the dryer when it is not needed. These efforts will stop wasting energy when you do laundry.

About The Author

Gary Transmeier has worked over 25 years providing paying clients methods to save energy in their buildings. Now he offers ways to save energy to everyone. At http://www.homeenergyplace.com you will find details on over a 100 ways to save energy in your home.

By Rachel Yoshida

At this time of the year, water conservation is one of the most important issues, especially in areas where droughts are commonplace. Even if you do not live in one of these areas, you can save a large amount of water and money every month by following these simple tips.

One easy thing that you can do is take a Ziploc bag and fill it about halfway up with pebbles. Put this in the tank of your toilet to raise the water level, so you use less water with each flush. If you want to save even more money, you can replace your high water volume toilet with a model that uses significantly less water.

While you are waiting for the water to heat up when you take a shower, try catching the water in a bucket to use to water your plants or even your pets.

Checking for leaks in your toilet is also easy and you can lose more water every month than you think if your toilet leaks. Put some food coloring into the tank and if you come back a while later and the coloring shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.

Saving water is also easy in the kitchen. Washing dishes by hand is the best way to get it done, but often people use more water than they have to by leaving the water running for rinsing purposes. If you have two sinks, fill one up with rinse water and the other with soap water. Even better, if you have a spray hose attached to your sink, use that in short bursts instead.

If you have to defrost food from the freezer, you should do this by setting the item in the refrigerator for a while or by using the defrost feature of your microwave.

Outside, if you have a swimming pool, you can buy a cover for your pool which will reduce the amount of pool water that you lose to evaporation each summer.

When you water your lawn, it is best to do it in the early morning before the temperature rises. Watering in the afternoon when it is hot is wasteful, since much of the water that you use will evaporate before it is absorbed into the ground. Additionally, you should avoid watering your lawn on windy days. You can also use a screwdriver and push it down into your lawn to test how much water is in the soil. If it goes down easily, you can skip watering for the day.

About The Author

Rachel Yoshida is a writer in many fields.
http://www.water-damage-services.com
http://www.water-damage-services.com/cities/tallahasseewaterdamagerestoration.html

By Rodrigo Pocius

Ethanol fuel is already here. Ethanol provides a viable alternative to rising Gasoline prices. In the U.S., ethanol is currently mixed with the Gasoline at the pump, offering higher octane value and a renewable supplement to Gas.

Currently, the automobile industry is producing vehicles capable of burning a product known as ”E85” which is a mixture of 85% Ethanol and Gasoline. The ability to burn 100% Ethanol is not far off, and there are many kits available online which claim to convert any Gas engine to burn pure Ethanol as well. Take caution, however, and refer to your automotive policies before converting as conversion could void your particular warranty.

Ethanol is a renewable fuel, which can be made from various feed stocks of plant matter. Current Ethanol production relies on Sugar cane and Corn stocks. The use of Corn has it’’s controversies, primarily concerned about the impact on Corn based ethanol on food supply. Admittedly, this is an area of concern, and other non-food sources should be considered..

In Brazil, Ethanol makes up a large chunk of the Fuel Economy and it’’s large Sugar Industry is making Brazil a major supplier of Global Ethanol.

Getting ready for Ethanol

Ethanol can be produced at home with the right materials, and there already exists many home-brewing kits for sale online. It is also encouraged by the Government with special cash incentives and tax breaks.

There is a company called ”E-fuel”, and they are currently taking orders for a unique system which can be placed in the back-yard and produces Ethanol. Known as the ”Micro-Fueler”, it is the size of 2 washing machines, comes with a station style hand pump, and can produce Ethanol at about $1.25/ Gallon when taking into account various sources of base materials and Government incentives. This system will produce ethanol from sugar and can also make Ethanol from waste alcohol. The machine can produce about 5 gallons of Ethanol a day. The company is currently accepting orders and expects shipments by the fourth quarter of 2008.

Current Ethanol Use

Currently, the ethanol formula in wide use in the United States is called ”E-10”, which is a mixture of 10% Ethanol and 90% Gasoline. This mixture produces less C02 emissions, but more can be done. With car manufacturers making new technologies available and cars being designed to burn E-85 mixture, we are looking at a future getting closer to a goal- E-100.

Future of Ethanol

Using Ethanol fuel is a wise choice now and for the future. Ethanol can be produced cheap and in large quantities. Granted, more work is needed by auto industry to make vehicles attain higher miles per gallon, but action is also required by the individual. Ethanol offers a solution that the homeowner can also invest in, thus allowing people access to their own renewable source of Ethanol. Government incentives are already in place to encourage the switch. Action combined on all these fronts will go a long way to lowering prices of oil due to decreased demand.

Food supply issues should be considered in ethanol use. There are solutions which do not affect food supply and more investment is needed. Ethanol is easy to make. It is made from sugar, and the planet offers many renewable sources for Ethanol production.

We need to pursue a ”green” future, and Ethanol is one step in the right direction.

About The Author

The time is now to act. Rising fuel prices demand a change in the status quo. You can learn more about alternative fuels and sources of energy at http://www.thenextfuels.com

By Paul Hata

As global warming continues to be a major concern for the future of our planet, people are starting to turn to green living practices to help save it for future generations. Green living involves every aspect of our daily lives - from driving to work to mowing our lawns.

Making the switch to green living all at once might scare most people away from implementing those earth-friendly changes. However, there are many ways to ease into this practice and help save the environment.

Air pollution is a major problem in many cities. Massive amounts of pollutant have been generated by factories, but that is not the only avenue contributing to global warming. Automobiles give off a fair amount of pollutants into the air as well.

When you have a lot of cars driving around on the city streets, you are multiplying the amount of pollutants being emitted by each car that is destroying our ozone. If you want to save the environment, you can start by either carpooling, walking more instead of driving or even purchasing hybrid models that do not contribute much damage.

This small change can bring much relief for the environment for future generations. There are many ways to adapt green living into your life by taking a look at your home. What kind of light bulbs are you using?

The standard bulbs we use contribute to higher electricity bills and higher levels of carbon dioxide. If you switch at least some of your standard bulbs with the compact fluorescent bulbs, you can save the environment and at the same time save on your electric bill.

Make sure to seal any gaps around windows and doors to keep any cold drafts from blowing into the house, which can cost you more money. Make sure the house is well insulated to help cut down on those costs in the wintertime. The less the furnace or heater has to run, the better off everyone will be.

Take a look at your appliances. Are they devouring too much energy? If they are older models, the answer is probably yes. While some of the changes are in the appliances that you use, other ways to go green involve your own habits and actions.

Do you open the oven door several times to check and see if something is done? The harder an appliance has to work, the harder it is on the environment. If you keep opening the oven door, the temperature will drop almost 25 degrees. It will then have to work harder to get back to the original temperature.

Recycling is an excellent way to save our environment. Try buying products that can be recycled and avoid the non-recyclable items such as Styrofoam cups. The less trash that has to be burned - or buried into our soil - the better off our planet will be.

These small changes may seem like they are not able to help much for the environment, but in reality they can help tremendously. Every little bit we do is a much-needed step toward reserving natural resources for our future generations. Get involved with the environment and start to make a difference in the practice of green living for our earth.

About The Author

Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs aimed at providing education,health and jobs to all communities.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful multi-million advertising and publishing company.Paul can be reached at : http://www.earlyplanet.com

By Paul Hata

Each year more and more landfills are being opened up to handle the garbage that people are throwing out. The more garbage we send to these landfills, the more chances we have of increasing the greenhouse gases that are affecting the environment.

The best way to become eco-friendly and help protect our environment is by recycling. Recycling is the process of taking some of our garbage and re-use it again and again. This helps to eliminate the problem of landfill areas becoming filled with junk that could harm the soil as well as the environment.

Here are some simple tips to get you started on the right track with recycling your goods:

Check with your local recycling center and see what items they collect. The most common items recycling centers collect are paper products, plastic, glass, aluminum and tin cans. Designate an area in your home that can easily be reached to store your recycling products. Segregate these items by using recycling materials like paper or plastic bags.

In some cities, the recycling center will send someone to pick up your recycled items from you, while at others you have to drop off your products at the center yourself. If pick-up is available, make sure you know what day it is on and do not forget to place the recyclables on the curb for them to pick up.

If you drop off your products to a center, do schedule a day each week or every other week to get them there. If you forget to take care of the products, you are more likely to just throw them away to get rid of them.

If your city does not have a recycling pick-up option or a center to take your products to, then talk to your city officials. If you can get enough people interested in recycling their products to save the environment, they can contact the local recycling centers in nearby cities to find out how they can arrange a pick-up of your city recyclable goods.

Recycle some of the products yourself. Some craft items and even bird feeders can be made from materials you may already have at home. A plastic liter bottle can make an excellent bird feeder. Check your local library for books on making crafts and things from recycled material.

Donate some of the items you want to get rid of. Libraries may take some of those old books you have, if they are in good condition. Donate the good clothes to places like the Salvation Army. What may be junk to you, would be a nice treasure for someone less fortunate than you.

If you are not one to use the grocery store bags for other purposes, consider purchasing some nice sturdy canvas bags to take to the store with you when you shop for groceries. They can be reused for a long time and you will not have to worry about the space the plastic and paper grocery bags take up in your home or in the landfills!

About The Author

Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs aimed at providing education,health and jobs to all.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful multi-million advertising and publishing company.Paul can be reached at : http://www.tradeplanets.com

By Janet Winter

Here in the southeastern U.S, we”re all feeling the effects of the drought, but we can spare a little bit to make our birds happy. Here are some ideas for attracting birds without running up the water bill.

There is no better way to get birds flocking to your yard than a good source of fresh water. A bird’’s need for water through every season of the year is so strong that even species you never expected will be attracted to a strategically placed water source.

Having a birdbath is an advantage to anyone who enjoys observing nature in general and bird behavior in particular.

Location, Location, Location. The most natural spot for a bath is close to the ground, but water at higher levels not only appeals to some species, it reduces the bird’’s exposure to cat attacks. Soaking wet birds are no match for feline agility. Putting a birdbath near trees improves security against raptors. Plus, branches are an easily reached perch from which to preen in safety.

Locate your bath in a shady part of your yard. This will keep the water at a cooler, more refreshing temperature in hot weather.

To get birds accustomed to the bath, try placing a feeder within five feet of the bath. Birds will notice the water as they go to the feeder.

Birdbath water should be changed every few days to insure a fresh, clear supply. Birds - excluding pelicans - do not like deep water. One inch to 1.25 inches deep is about the maximum. This depth allows the bird to stand in the water and splash around - and not tread water!

Add motion. Motion on the water’’s surface or the noise of falling water is like a magnet to the birds. Drippers, misters, and small pump-driven fountains that keep the water moving have the added benefit of preventing mosquito eggs from hatching. Hummingbirds love to zip through the mist created by a mister. Besides hummers zipping through the mist you can attract warblers (who don”t normally visit feeders) and many other birds to stop by for a refreshing “leaf bath.” Watch how they use the wet leaves as a “wash cloth.”

How do birds drink? Most birds, like Cardinals, dip their bills and then tip their heads back to let the water run down their throats. Doves and Pigeons drink by immersing their bills and sucking up the water. Not all birds need to drink water. Hummingbirds, for example, have a largely liquid diet anyway, so they don”t drink from birdbaths. But they do enjoy “playing” in the water. Birds that normally inhabit areas with arid conditions can go for long periods of time without drinking.

Water in Winter. Birds need water all year round, particularly in winter, when many of their regular sources are frozen. About 70% of a bird’’s non-fat body tissue is water that needs to be maintained to avoid dehydration. Birds find some water in natural food sources: insects, berries, and even snow, but when those supplies dwindle, the water YOU supply is even more vital.

Open water in freezing weather will attract as many or more birds as a well-stocked feeder. Birds also use water to keep themselves warmer in winter. By cleaning their feathers and grooming them with natural oils, birds are able to help insulate their bodies for the cold.

You can keep water thawed with a submersible heater placed directly in the water. It’’s economical and safe, as long as you use a high-quality, outdoor extension cord to plug the heater into an electrical source. The best submersible heaters are thermostatically controlled, so they only operate when the water is near freezing.

In winter, use a rough-surfaced, plastic pan or saucer for a birdbath because ceramic and concrete one, though fine for summer use, will crack easily in frigid weather.

Keeping a birdbath supplied with fresh water is one of the simplest and most effective way of attracting many varieties of birds to your yard - year round!

About The Author

Janet Winter loves her wild birds and delights in providing helpful resources and unique products for feathered friends at http://www.WildBirdGoodies.com. She is a web designer, travel agent and writer on many topics including wild birds, babies and pampered dogs.