Barbara Joan Baxter
Barbara Joan is a freelance writer/editor/publisher/webhead and the proud guardian of ten dogs and cats. Books of poems and a memoir are in the works.
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- 4/26/2007
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BA in Spanish, TESL certificate, world traveler, animal advocacyInterests
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Displaying Results 1 - 154 (of 154) for All Content
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Venerable Verbiage IVHere's a a little word quiz for the medical dictionaryphiles.
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Venerable Verbiage IIIIf You Enjoy Odd or Anachronistic Medical Words, This Series is for You
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Venerable Verbiage IIIn my second installment of Venerable Verbiage I discuss medical transcriptionists, phobias and neuroses, and other eccentricities.
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Venerable Verbiage to Convince Yourself You're GagaThe medical world has always been endlessly creative when it comes to dreaming up unusual mental maladies.
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Good Vet, Bad VetWe pet guardians like to think that all veterinarians are dedicated and compassionate doctors who adore animals. Unfortunately, that's not always so.
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What's it like to Have Asperger's Syndrome?Psychological labels tend to depersonalize the struggles of those whose brains are organized differently from others. This is what it's been like for one Aspie.
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PerfectSome actions are inevitable.
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I Highly Recommend Being an Only ChildBeing the one and only son or daughter can be a highly desirable experience if you're the self-reliant type.
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Care and Feeding of GerbilsNot everyone wants a cat or dog as a pet. So how about a gerbil, or better yet, two?
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Aspies March to a Different DrummerAsperger's syndrome, a mild form of autism, is not a handicap if you embrace your differences and learn how to deal with others.
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What Exactly is Yoga?The practice of yoga has become very popular in Western society, but few are familiar with its background and its many branches.
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Life is a DreamWho hasn't tried to figure out what life is all about? Some of the world's greatest minds have tried to come up with the answer, but maybe the truth is more fantastical than we've imagined.
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Is "The New Yorker" Anti-Vegetarian?I take exception to the pro-meat bias of "The New Yorker" in its choice of letters to the editor on its review of Jonathan Safran Foer's "Eating Animals", and also take Mr. Foer to task about his ethical wimpiness. -
Why Dairy is Scary and Green is QueenIf you think that drinking milk or eating dairy every day will keep you healthy and provide you with the calcium you need, think again. -
Dementia and DietIt's looking more and more like the development of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia is intimately related to one's dietary choices.
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Why Care About Animal Rights?Animal advocacy is a thankless task that nevertheless is pursued by those of us who believe that if we don't learn to respect the rights of our fellow animals, we ourselves are doomed as a species.
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Meditating on Dog PoopAll things being equal, scooping the poop can be a downright enlightening experience. -
Chopping Patients Up into Little Pieces: Modern Medicine's Approach to HealthThe jigsaw puzzle-approach to health is harming rather than helping humans and their fellow animals.
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Are Low-Carb Diets the Cure for Feline Obesity and Diabetes?Are we killing our carnivorous cats with commercial grain-heavy diets, and if so, what can we do about it? -
Greening the Grease: the Eco-Atkins DietTimes are changing, and people are finally getting the message that high-animal fat diets just aren't good for them. Here's a healthy twist on a familiar weight reduction regimen.
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Why Bacon Has Gone Viral (As in Swine Flu)Who's really bringing home the bacon, and how does it affect your health? -
Five Reasons to Avoid High Fructose Corn SyrupThere is sugar, and there is sugar. Why high fructose corn syrup should be on top of anyone's "To Avoid" list.
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"Me Cheeta: My Life in Hollywood"A spoof of a Hollywood tell-all mixed with a faux memoir and a cunning animal rights manifesto, this entertaining book about the life of Tarzan's Cheeta has it all!
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Arthritis Treatment Options for Senior DogsThere are many choices for improving joint health and relieving pain in your older dog with osteoarthritis. -
Can Vitamin D Prevent Breast Cancer?Studies have shown that this important vitamin may play a role in the prevention and treatment of this all-too-common cancer.
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What Does a Stroke Look Like?Strokes have many warning signs and can be devastating to a family, so it's a good idea to educate yourself on what to look for.
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Remedies for Fungal Nail InfectionsFungal nail infections are among the most common of conditions and can be very unsightly. But don't despair! There is hope.
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Cholesterol Can Be Healthy!Learn the difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol and stay healthier longer.
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Remedies for Dry MouthXerostomia is a common condition with a myriad of causes and some simple treatments.
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney StonesYou can't ignore a kidney stone attack because it hurts so much. But what can you do about kidney stones? -
A Cat Fostering PrimerIf you love cats but don't want to commit to one permanently or you already have enough kitties of your own, fostering is another rewarding option.
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Is Raw Food Safe for Your Dog?The original canine diet had nothing in common with dry kibble and canned food. Learn how you can improve your dog's health by serving him raw foods and bones.
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How to Support Your Local Animal ShelterThere are many ways you can help your animal shelter, from volunteering to walk the dogs to leaving it money in your will. -
Can You Overdose on Vitamin C?Vitamin C has impressive health-enhancing properties and is absolutely vital to our well-being, but don't overdo it.
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Put Vitamin C- Rich Camu-Camu in Your Health RegimenCamu-camu, a fruit from the Amazonian rainforest, has been credited with being an effective treatment for everything from colds to depression. Are the claims true? -
Symptoms and Treatment of Rabies in Animals and HumansThe rabies virus is treatable in humans if it's caught before symptoms occur and can be prevented in animals through vaccination. -
Don't Take Depression LightlyDepression comes in many shapes and sizes, and there are numerous ways to fight it once you determine what type of depression you suffer from.
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Can Echinacea Really Conquer the Common Cold?Echinacea, touted as a cold and flu remedy, may not be a cure-all but it's well worth keeping in your medicine chest. -
Antibiotic Overuse is Dangerous for Your HealthThere are times when taking antibiotics is appropriate, but these over-prescribed drugs are often useless and even harmful.
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Antidepressant Safety Pros and ConsDo the sometimes dangerous side effects associated with taking antidepressants outweigh their psychiatric benefits?
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NaturalTreatments for HemorrhoidsPeople of all ages suffer from the pain and swelling of hemorrhoids, which can be treated herbally and homeopathically and prevented with exercise and a high-fiber diet.
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Natural Treatments for Ear InfectionsEar infections often don't need to be treated with heavy-duty antibiotics. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are also worth a try.
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What Causes Ear Pain?Ear pain is a symptom that can signal many different disorders, from relatively minor to serious, so don't ignore it.
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Gluten Allergy Symptoms and TreatmentThe autoimmune disorder gluten allergy, also known as celiac disease, is inconvenient but easily treatable with a careful dietary regimen. -
Stress and IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you need to learn how to decrease stress in order to reduce your symptoms. -
How to Detox Your LiverThe liver, one of the most hard-working organs in our body, will function more efficiently with a nutritious diet and the judicious use of herbs.
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Autoimmune Disorders Can KillAutoimmune disorders are widespread and often difficult to diagnose, but they should never be ignored.
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Spider Bite Allergies and Toxic ReactionsAllergic or toxic reactions to spider bites are relatively rare but serious, and it's smart to be familiar with the symptoms of both. -
Valerian and Chamomile, the Anti-Anxiety HerbsThe herbs valerian and chamomile are useful in treating anxiety, headaches, insomnia and flatulence.
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Parvo Symptoms, Diagnosis and TreatmentCanine parvovirus is highly contagious and potentially deadly, but it's very controllable in vaccinated dogs.
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Feline Distemper Symptoms, Diagnosis and TreatmentAlso known as feline panleukopenia, this highly infectious, contagious and often fatal disease is preventable with vaccination. -
The Ancient RhinocerosRhinos come in different shapes and sizes, but they're all in peril of disappearing from the planet.
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The Link Between Cancer and a Meat-Based DietScientific research increasingly indicates that a high-meat diet is a major factor in developing prostate, breast, colon, rectal, and ovarian cancers.
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Try Meditation Instead of Medication for AnxietyA great way to reduce stress without drugs is through meditation.
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Are You Allergic to Your Tattoo?Tattoos are wildly popular as body art, but not everyone can tolerate getting their skin inked.
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Natural Treatments for BruisesHome remedies for unsightly and painful bruises, or ecchymoses, may be sitting in your medicine chest or kitchen cabinet.
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Is it Safe to Give Your Dog NSAIDs like Aspirin?Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve pain and swelling in dogs, but they come with a hefty price.
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Bladder Control Problems in DogsCanine Incontinence is messy but treatable.
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Salivary Gland Disorders in DogsSalivary gland dysfunction in dogs has a number of causes and can be serious.
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Canine Distemper is a Deadly but Preventable DiseaseDistemper kills more dogs than any other infectious disease.
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Canine GastroenteritisGastroenteritis in dogs can be caused by a myriad of factors, and its treatment depends on the cause.
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Hypothyroidism in Dogs is Incurable but TreatableDoes your dog suffer from lack or energy or obesity? It could be hypothyroidism.
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Hyperthyroidism in Cats is a Common but Treatable DisorderMany older cats suffer from an overactive thyroid gland, but diagnosing the problem can be tricky.
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Zoonotic Diseases Are a Serious Threat to HumansAnimal-to-human disease transmission is more common than you think.
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The Story of a Stray CatThe feline formerly known as Furry Purry finally found a family.
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Tapeworms in DogsHow to prevent and treat the various types of canine tapeworms.
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Kidney Infections in CatsPyelonephritis, or kidney infection, can lead to kidney failure in cats, so don't ignore it.
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Got Almond Milk?Almond milk is a healthy alternative to cow's, soy and rice milk, and homemade almond milk is even healthier.
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Treat Cold Sores the Natural WayYou don't have to hide out if you suffer from cold sores. Try these home remedies.
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Natural Treatments for TinnitusRinging in the ear is a common, annoying manifestation of inner ear damage that you can often minimize with home remedies.
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Why Soft Drinks Are Hard on Your HealthDiet versus regular soda: Is one "healthier" than the other?
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How to Treat Postnasal Drip and Sinus Infections NaturallyBacked-up mucus in your nose is no fun. Here's how to get rid of it.
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Constipation Cures for CaninesCuring constipation in dogs depends on what's causing it in the first place.
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Obama Versus McCain Teams in the Presidential RaceLooks matter to voters. So who's hot and who's not, of the Democratic and Republican candidates and their spouses?
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Aural Hematomas in Dogs: Symptoms and TreatmentThis relatively common ear condition has a number of causes and choices of treatment.
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What Causes Hair Loss in Cats?A number of disorders can lead to hair loss and alopecia in cats.
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Feeding a Healthy HeartJust a few tweaks to your diet and you could save yourself from an early death due to heart disease.
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What Makes Your Dog Crazy?What to do when your dog suffers from sensory overload.
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When to Save Baby BirdsRescuing a baby bird depends on its age and condition.
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Surprising Findings About Fresh and Frozen VeggiesIt may sound counterintuitive, but frozen vegetables can be more nutritious as their fresh counterparts.
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The Unvarnished Truth About Cat DeclawingIf the condition of your furniture is more important to you than the welfare of your feline, I would suggest that you consider finding another home for him and adopting a stuffed animal.
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The Cat's Meow and Other NoisesCats are highly eloquent creatures who are easily understood if you know what to listen for.
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Save Animals: Support Animatronics!Wild animals don't have to be exploited anymore for TV and films, thanks to animatronics.
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The Humane Slaughter Act Ignores Chickens and Endangers PeopleIncredibly, chickens raised for their meat and eggs are not protected under the Humane Slaughter Act.
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High-Energy Veggie FoodsWhen you need that extra physical boost, consider plant-based foods first.
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How to Kill Your CatIndoor, outdoor, or somewhere in between? Your decision is crucial.
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Support Our Troops: Bring Them Home Now!I support our troops. I don't want them killed and injured in a preemptive, needless, illegal war.
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Baby Birds: I Find Them in the Oddest PlacesBird parents can be very creative when it comes to choosing the right spot to hatch and raise their young.
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Christmas Versus Feast of the SacrificeReligious holidays and animal sacrifice often go hand in hand, even in the 21st century.
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Pluto, Persephone and Big Mama Work it OutWhile you're busy enjoying the holidays with your family, pity poor Persephone trapped with Pluto in Hell with no cell phone signal.
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Orpheus and Eurydice in HellSo who said Heaven is the best place to go to have fun?
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Fur-Free Friday is the Day After ThanksgivingFur-Free Friday protests are more important than ever because the fur of domesticated dogs and cats are ending up on fur-trimmed items in the U.S.
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Hearing Aids: Great Little Gadgets for the Right PersonI've learned a lot about hearing aids through my mother's experience with them.
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Don't Be Scared of Anxiety AttacksAnxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, can hit anyone at any time, but there are effective ways to deal with them.
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Lemons Are Good for Your HealthCitrus limonum, the common lemon, can be used in a myriad of ways to make you feel better.
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Lower Your Blood Pressure NaturallyHigh blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can often be treated without drugs.
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Animals and the Full Moon EffectDo full moons influence animal behavior, or is that just a fanciful myth?
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How to Protect Birds from Cats and Vice VersaYou can have the best of both worlds-the company of your pet cats as well as wild birds-if you follow some simple rules.
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What You Can Do About Cat PoisoningIt's crucial that you know what's toxic for your cat and how to treat her if she swallows these products.
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Use Pet Identification to Protect Your Pet: An Overview of Current ID ChoicesCut down on the sad statistics about lost and stolen pets by making sure your pet has some form of identification at all times.
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Shirley MacLaine Hires, Then Fires MeI recently did some work for the actress formerly known as Charlemagne's lover.
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My Close Encounters with Ali MacGrawThe beauty of Santa Fe attracts many celebrities, and I've had the privilege of meeting one of them, the actress, animal advocate and yoga practitioner Ali MacGraw.
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Kucinich Watch: Why Dennis Should Never Be PresidentWho does Dennis Kucinich think he is, running for President of the United States (again)?
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Kid Nation was Filmed in My NeighborhoodThe New Mexico ghost town Bonanza City comes alive for a new and controversial TV reality show.
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American Animal Advocacy Today: 50 Famous Movers and ShakersAnimal advocates are a motley group with widely divergent opinions. Here is a sampling of influential individuals and couples in the field.
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The Burning of Zozobra Kicks Off the Santa Fe FiestaOld Man Gloom has been burned at the stake in Santa Fe since 1924 to the delight of scores of spectators. This year it happens on September 6th.
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Facts About Animal ResearchConsumer information about the use of animals in product and drug research.
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The Animal Cruelty and Danger Behind the ERT Drug PremarinThe oldest and most widely prescribed estrogen replacement drug has been responsible for the suffering and deaths of millions of horses over the decades.
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Kucinich Watch: Presidential Candidate Who Can't Win Keeps WinningDemocratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich is capturing the hearts, minds and funny bones of the public.
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What You Can Do to Stop Animal Cruelty and Domestic ViolenceYou can be proactive when it comes to saving animals from abuse.
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Animal Cruelty and Human Violence Are LinkedKids who torment and kill animals can go on to commit violent crimes.
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Zoos Are Prisons for Innocent AnimalsIf you love wildlife, don't patronize zoos.
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The Cruelty of Animal CircusesAnimal circuses are exercises in animal abuse masquerading as entertainment.
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Facts About Hunting and FishingBlowing away nature is a sadistic and stupid way to enjoy yourself.
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Facts About Animal-Derived Clothing and AccessoriesThe clothes and accessories you choose reflect animal kindness or animal cruelty.
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Facts About FurThere is no excuse to wear another animal's hair, and every reason not to.
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Dionysus: The Original Party AnimalReincarnation is what happens when you're busy doing something else.
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Hearing Loss in Cats Has Multiple CausesI've been researching the possible reasons why my cat Maya has lost her hearing.
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Gas and Oil Producers Buy Mineral Rights in Santa Fe, New MexicoLocals of diverse political backgrounds get together when gas and oil producers become interested in drilling in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Rattlesnake Roundups Are Cruel to SnakesRattlesnake roundups are exercises in human sadism and stupidity as well as ecological idiocy.
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Kucinich Watch: Dennis Kucinich Blasts Clinton-Edwards ThoughtsTruth teller Dennis Kucinich exposes the hypocrisy of Clinton, Edwards, and Chertoff.
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Buffalo Herds Roam and Pronghorns Play Near Santa Fe, New MexicoAs I drive past the buffalos and Pronghorns on the way into town, I think about how they used to number in the millions until they were almost extincted by humans.
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Rodeos: The Macho Cowboy MythThere's nothing romantic or manly about cowboys and rodeos, or the ranching business they represent.
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Kucinich Watch: Dennis Kucinich on the Ahmadinejad Comment and Health CareTwo more reasons why Dennis Kucinich is the best candidate for president.
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Ruffled Feathers: Why the Endgame for Cockfighting in the U.S. Isn't Over YetDespite anti-cockfighting laws, cockfighting continues to flourish underground in a number of states.
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Raising Vegan or Vegetarian PetsVegetarian cats and dogs can be healthy if you have sufficient knowledge of their nutritional needs. Raising vegan cats and dogs is more problematic.
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Twenty Tips for Better Pet NutritionYou can create a healthier diet for your pet with a little bit of practical knowledge.
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Coyotes: Intrepid Survivors Triumph Over Human PredationThe intelligence and adaptability of coyotes has saved them from extinction, despite continuous persecution by ranchers and other interest groups who consider them "varmints".
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Prairie Dogs Don't Have Much of a Prairie AnymoreThe five species of prairie dogs endemic to North America have been severely decimated because of human encroachment.
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Tarantulas and Tarantula Hawks: A Duet to the DeathTarantulas may look ferocious, but their nemesis is a benign-looking wasp who survives by cannibalizing them.
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Pet Food Ingredients Can Kill Your PetsRecalls are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to questionable pet food quality.
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Sobering Statistics About Factory FarmingFactory farming is a lose-lose-lose for the environment, the animals, and your health.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine and Feeding Your PetAnimals can benefit from the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, just like people.
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Allergies and Food Preferences in PetsWant to feed your pets a natural diet rather than commercial pet food? Great idea, but you need to observe their reactions to the foods you introduce.
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Kucinich Watch: Does America Deserve President Dennis Kucinich?Dennis Kucinich is widely considered a joke by the media, his own peers, and the American public, even though he's really the best choice for President.
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Veganism is a Slam-DunkMy experience with veganism has shown that it's a win-win for personal health, the environment, and for the animals.
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What Do a Dead Corgi and Stranded Humpback Whales Have in Common?Two whales and a corgi eloquently communicate the message that humans as the most powerful species should protect their fellow animals, not exploit them.
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Feed Veggies to Your Pets for Better HealthBoth dogs and cats benefit from eating vegetables and some fruits.
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Review of Toyota Scion XB 2006 ModelBased on personal experience, the Scion xB is an eminently practical and distinctive-looking vehicle that drivers of all ages should consider.
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Kucinich Watch: Why He's the Best Political Animal for PresidentA comparison of current Democratic candidates for President regarding their animal advocacy and human rights records leads me to conclude that Dennis Kucinich is the most promising choice.
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The Raven Proves Black is BeautifulRavens are survivors and fun lovers who have established their place in myth and poetry as well as nature.
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Why Not Pet Pigs Instead of Eating Them?Pigs are highly intelligent animals who are more appropriate as pets. Farming them for food is cruel, terrible for the environment and personal health, and hard on taxpayers.
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Does Hepatic Lipidosis Sound Yummy to You?Why a gourmet product with a chic name should be shunned by the true cognoscenti.
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Why Don't Lobsters Get Any Respect?Lobsters are fascinating animals who deserve better than to be tortured to death by humans.
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What's the Big Deal About Veal?Why it's a good idea to continue not to eat veal.
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Writers Should Know How to WriteTo write or not to write: That is the question!
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Alternatives to Animal Research (Vivisection)Effective animal research alternatives have always been out there and should be utilized more by scientists.
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Ruby and Maggie: The Plight of Zoo ElephantsRuby and Maggie symbolize the sad lives of elephants as zoo attractions.
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Animal Rights Protests:They Bring Out the Best and the Worst in PeoplePeople react in all sorts of ways when they encounter animal rights protesters.
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Spay/Neuter: The Answer to the Pet Overpopulation CrisisDo the math, then do your part to save our dogs and cats.
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Vivisection is for Losers: Why Animal Research Hurts Humans TooContrary to popular belief, research using animals is a lose-lose proposition.
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Wanted: More Good Mothers Who RecycleThere's more than one way to be a mother.
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Respect for Animals: It's in the Words, Stupid!PETA's suggestion to the AP to change its wording when referring to animals is not a trivial one.
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Liberation: It's Not Just for Humans AnymoreLiberals and animal rights should be a natural fit, no?