Posted: December 1st, 2008 | Author: Catherine | Filed under: Athletics | Tags: dna testing, fun, Michael Jordan, potential, sports, tiger woods | No Comments »
Good athletic ability as a teen may translate into a free education. Exceptional athletic skills may mean a lucrative professional contract. A first year contract in any professional sport may mean financial security for a lifetime. Many parents want athletic opportunities for their child and some will even take a DNA test to see which sport best suits their child:
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Posted: May 7th, 2008 | Author: Catherine | Filed under: Dogs and Dog Training | Tags: depression, dog obedience, dogs, fun, health, melancholia, mental stimulation | No Comments »
A tired dog is far less inclined to cause problems around the house. Most people will think that their ‘dog chores’ are finished with a couple of walks a day with their dog. However, what about taxing the thinking component of their canine pal? The daily walks take care of meeting some of the needed physical activity for the dog but it is necessary to keep the dog mentally stimulated. And, undoubtedly, some people will think that is total nonsense.
Although the dog may sleep a good portion of the day, it does need to have things to do - and things that make it think. Without that, the dog will create its own entertainment and that usually leads to breaking some of the house rules.
The extreme of the lack of mental activity is that the dog becomes depressed. - Yes, dogs do become depressed. - Although the physical needs of the dog may not be in question, if there isn’t the intellectual stimulation, the dog falls into a form of melancholia. A human parallel may be the phenomenon that some retired people experience. Although their physical needs may be fine, there is not the intellectual stimulation / challenge that required them to function at their best. It is unfortunate that, for many dogs, after learning the house rules as a puppy, there is very little teaching directed their way.
It doesn’t have to be that way. There are all sorts of ‘dog activities’ in your community that are just fun for you and your dog. Not only will your dog have some challenges, but you have the opportunity to meet other ‘dog people’ and their dogs. If you prefer to do less structured activity, teach your dog some obedience and/or some dog tricks. It only takes a few minutes every day - and you will be surprised at what this does for your dog’s well being… and perhaps yours too.
Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster
Posted: February 27th, 2008 | Author: Catherine | Filed under: General | Tags: banned, fun, grunting, lauryn edwards, maria sharapova, monica seles, tennis | 3 Comments »
Maria Sharapova grunts. Before Maria Sharapova, perhaps the most famous ‘grunter’ was Monica Seles. It may be that Lauryn Edwards is a bit too young to remember Ms Seles. However, Lauryn’s tennis activities may be limited:
“A 9-year-old Australian girl has been banned from playing tennis at her local club over the noise she makes while competing.
The Herald Sun of Melbourne, Australia, reported that Lauryn Edwards was told last weekend that she could no longer play after an opposing player complained about her grunting.”
link: Australian girl banned from tennis club for grunting
If professional super stars like Ms Sharapova and Ms Seles are allowed to play tennis with accompanying vocal expression, why can’t a young nine year old do the same? No tennis organization has dared to challenge Ms Sharapova nor Ms Seles on this. The lawsuits that would follow would be costly. And, undoubtedly, there would be a case made for freedom of expression.
Lauryn Edwards should be playing and having fun. She’s nine years old. Let her play. If grunting is to be stopped, then start with Ms Sharapova and her lawyers.
Catherine Forsythe
Director of Operations
FlyingHamster
