LinorStore.com July 27, 2007 News

Hello Subscribers,

It’s been awhile since I’ve written because I’ve been into Harry Potter events and book. It’s almost 1 wk. and I’m about half way through the book and I really like it.

Harry Potter
Downtown Oak Park, IL is transformed into Diagon Alley with wizards and games afoot when a new book is released. There were several dressed as Harry, Ron and Hermione, complete with Griffindor ties and/or scarves, many women dressed in black, including hats. Teenagers and younger children had cloaks or other costumes. This was my third year attending and, unfortunately, it didn’t have as many fun things for adults.

The movie is fantastic; it has funny moments if you go with people with a sense of humor. I highly recommend you see the IMAX, 3D version.

LinorStore News from our Gem Shop
On August 18-19, visit our craft booth at the South Elgin Riverfest. You’ll be able to see and purchase hand-made jewelry and place custom-designed gemstone orders. Tell your friends. You may qualify for a free gift item or discounts.

AA for Astronauts? An independent panel reported that flight surgeons have raised concerns about astronauts flying while intoxicated. Three days before launch, astronauts are quarantined at Kennedy Space Center, but are not cut off from alcohol consumption.

Flight surgeons expressed concerns to higher officials, but launches were not postponed, nor were specifics given about any particular flights.

“The eight-member panel included experts in aerospace medicine and medical legal matters, nd clinical psychiatrists . . . The panel said that NASA is not set up in such a way to deal with alcohol use by astronauts.” Source: http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/07/27/725336.html&cvqh=itn_nasa

Bush: Strong Economy President Bush reports that the U.S. economy grew 3.4% in the second quarter of 2007. “ … A large, flexible, resilient economy… We have benefited from increased exports, with U.S. products and services being sold overseas. Then, it means Americans are more likely to find a job in America.

Wages increasing … so Americans should take a good look at the world economy, that is strong because we are strong. We will keep your taxes low, and be wise about how we spend your money – to balance the budget in 2012.”

Linda’s Comment: “D’oh.”
Source: AP News

The Simpsons Movie is Here! Simpsons, the Movie is now at local theatres. I’ve seen promos at the Taste of Chicago and on TV. John wants to see it , so I'll post more later.

Pet Safety
In the summer, it’s important to keep a fan or air conditioner running to keep your cats or dogs cool. Their fur coats may be lighter because of shedding, but if you find your cat lying on its back, he/she is too hot.

Give them fresh water a couple times of day and put an ice cube in the water to keep it cool longer.

Elgin put out a brochure on the “Dos and Don’ts of Animal Care and Control, which is about dogs.
Some tips are -
Don’t:
Leave your dog alone in an enclosed car
Don’t let your dog wander around without a leash unless it’s on your own property
Let your dog chase, frighten or bite anyone

Cats (by Linda)
Don’t:
Ignore them or you’ll get nasty surprises in your shoes
Let them outside – they can pick up diseases
Let them rule the household. I know, it’s easier said than done.

Traumatic Vet Visit
Nova, our 10-year-old orange cat, had diarrhea for several days and I could tell he wasn’t feeling well. I arranged a vet visit to find out what’s wrong.

We got Nova about a year ago and this was our first visit to the vet. I had to put him into the carrier, tushie first, because he wouldn’t put his head and body in together.

He cried all the way to the vet (10 minutes, tops). I vet’s assistant put a face mask on him to draw blood, but he started hyperventilating and his heart beat went up dramatically. They had to put Nova into a “cat bag” to prevent him from moving and getting hurt to take blood.

I feel terrible about this event. The vet seemed to be “frightened of being scratched” by a 9 lb. cat. I’ve been taking our pets to him for a number of years. Last year, my husband John took our 20-pound cat, Stubbers, to a new vet within walking distance of our house. The new vet talks to the cat, pets him and is very gentle. The other vet is very clinical and does what’s needed, holding the cat by the scruff of the neck.

Nova is on antibiotics and seems to be doing better. His blood work came back normal except for his red blood cells indicating that he has inflammation or an infection. It’s tough to give him the drops, but I manage on my own once a day.

I know that I probably won’t return to the “old” vet. It’ll be less traumatic for the cat - can walk with the cat in a carrier and see a kinder, gentler vet.

Need subscribers’ responses:
Do you have pet insurance? Have you experienced similar situations? Do you take your cats for car rides to get them used to it?

Please send an email to linor06 at comcast.net and tell me your pet or vet stories.

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Watch for our next issue with new offers.

Linda Blatchford
Writer, Etailer, Web designerchic, Jewelry Wizard www.LinorStore.com