Hypoallergenic Cats

A small California biotech company says it is ready to deliver the Holy Grail of the $35 billion pet industry: a hypoallergenic cat.



At the start of next year, the first kittens — which the company calls “lifestyle pets” — will go home to eager owners who have been carefully screened and have been on a waiting list for more than two years.

Since it announced the project in October 2004, the company, Allerca, of San Diego, says it has received inquiries from people in 85 countries seeking to buy a cat bred so that its glands do not produce the protein responsible for most human cat allergies.

Cats ordered now will take 12 to 15 months for delivery in the United States, 15 to 18 months in Europe. Cost: $4,000. And owners must pass Allerca’s finicky screening tests.

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School is NOT for everyone

In today's society, there are two truisms: You absolutely need some type of post-high school education to survive in today's work force, and not everybody is cut out for a traditional four-year college.
To get a feeling for the importance of any type of education beyond high school, look around. Many workers did well with a high school diploma for many years. Now, factories are closing down and businesses are cutting back on their work forces. The displaced workers are discovering that higher education means the difference between staying unemployed or snagging new jobs.

The Two-year Option
"A four-year school is not for everyone," says Erin Finn, dean of enrollment management at Harcum College. "A two-year school offers alternative opportunities."

Two-year colleges, technical schools and business schools will fit the needs of many students, yet these students often shy away from these alternatives. Some parents may make it clear that they have bigger goals and dreams for their children. Unfortunately, many parents see a bachelor's degree as the only appropriate start to a career.

Finn disagrees with this train of thought. "Certain careers simply do not need a bachelor's degree," she says. For example, a dental hygienist is a two-year degree.

Advances in technology have changed the scope of many traditional "vo-tech" classes, as well. Twenty years ago, a high school student wishing to be an auto mechanic went to vo-tech, graduated from high school with his skill and took a job at the local garage. Today, that high school student is getting an education at school, going off to work in a co-op program, and after graduation, he attends a technical college that provides a degree in auto mechanics. Today's cars are more sophisticated. Mechanics no longer tear an engine apart and put it back together. They must know about computer systems. The technological advancements of the automobile require the auto mechanic to further his education.

"Plus, an associate's degree is a great way to test the waters for a career, like the veterinary tech program," says Finn. "The student can get a good feel for a veterinary career and decide whether or not becoming a vet is the right career choice."

Other Options
What are the options available to young people who either aren't ready for traditional college or have no desire to get a bachelor's degree?

For students who eventually want a bachelor's degree but want a more low-key atmosphere, junior college may be the place to look. The campuses are usually small, and classes are geared toward general education credits, which can often be transferred to a four-year college. Many junior colleges have the amenities of four-year colleges, such as sports, Greek life and an active student life.

Two-year, post-secondary educational institutions offer certificate programs (less than two years of work), professional technical programs (terminal associate degrees) and transfer programs (associate of arts and associate of sciences degrees), as described by the University of Toledo.

Vocational or trade schools provide the most career-intensive training, such as to become automotive mechanics, cosmetologists or electricians. Art school may be the most logical choice for a young person who desires a career in animation or graphic design. For an in-depth look at the types of schools and certifications offered, do your research online at www.searchforschools.net.

Finn is quick to remind her potential students that for some careers, certification is necessary. When looking at trade, vocational or two-year schools, students need to ask if their program requires certification in addition to a diploma to begin working in the field.

Online colleges are becoming more popular and might look like an ideal choice to a new high school graduate who wants to work full time while earning a degree. However, online classes take a lot of discipline – most of the work is without face-to-face contact with professors or classmates. Some online colleges have age and employment requirements, as they are looking for adult learners as opposed to the traditionally-aged college student.

In the current job market, a job that requires a two-year degree may be easier to find. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in health and technology fields are in the top 10 careers in demand. These are also lucrative jobs. An associate's degree in a technical field can command starting salaries of $35,000 or more. With hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there, high school students can pursue their dreams with the post-secondary education best fitted for their individual needs.

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I have lived to see it all. They are coming out with designer clothes for dogs. This is so ridiculous! Word on the street is that the key to success is "humanization". That is to make the pets more like humans. To do this, entrepanurals are designing clothes to humanize dogs. How much will this cost you? Lets take a look.

Sweaters like those modeled by doggie mannequins in the window average about $50, or $129 for an upgrade to cashmere. Christmas shoppers can find a leash ($69), a monogrammed collar ($54), a leather pet carrier ($170 to $850), booties ($35 for the two pair), "hound hiking boots" ($79), or a "Furrari" bed designed like a sports car (why chase one if you can sleep in one? -- $249).

AND TO THINK, PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY BUYING THIS STUFF!!!

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I am back from my short, little, vacation and I am so glad that I went. I had a lot of fun. I just wish I were able to take more pictures. As soon as I can I will post the pictures.

On the first day we walked so much and went so many places that by 10pm I was ready to cry with pain. I could not take it anymore. As I retired to my bed after a nice HOT shower, my friend hit the JACKPOT on one of the machines. She came upstairs 1,800 dollars richer. Of all the lousey luck! ha ha. I am glad that she won because she is a good person. She took care of me after my surgery. That's my neesan!!

PICTURES TO FOLLOW!!

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So, my brother is getting married and I was not planning on going home for the wedding. But when I spoke to my mom on mother's day she told me that she wants me and my kids to fly home for the wedding. I was like huh? How am I going to afford that?? Well, her solution was for me to book the flight and she would pay for it!

I could stay with my parents but my sister and I thought we should share a condo rental together. Hawaii luxury vacations has this condo vacation website. I found this awesome looking 2 bedroom condo right in the waikiki area!! My sister can have one side and I can have the other. This place is a fully furnished two bedrooms/2.5 baths penthouse located accross the street from largest shopping mall on the island!

I found Hawaii luxury vacations website to be helpful and awesome. I was able to check out condos, extended stays, and airfare all on one site! The extended stays might end up being cheaper for me and there is a location right near my parents place.

If any of you plan on going to any of the hawaiian islands this is the one site to visit. I will be booking my vacation with them! It is called Hawaii luxury vacations. Click here to read their AWESOME reviews!

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The flight over was brutal. My back was really hurting and it was difficult to sleep. We sat near the restrooms so you can imagine the smell. It just seemed thtat the last hour in flight everyone decided to take a CRAP. That was the most horrible part of the flight.

Getting here to the house was great. It is sooooo much cooler here than it is back in Los Angeles. Jordan and I got to our room and there was this HUGE breeze and it felt soooo good.

We got up this morning and went to the local 24 hour fitness gym to workout. When we got back my dad had breakfast all ready. Awww man! This is the life! This IS vacation!!

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