Olympic torch greeted by royals at Buckingham Palace

The torch is on the 69th - and penultimate - day of its journey around the British Isles

The Olympic torch has been welcomed to Buckingham Palace by members of the royal family, including Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge. Large crowds gathered across London to see the flame on the penultimate day of its journey around the British Isles.

The torch relay also passed through Downing Street, where it was greeted by Prime Minister David Cameron. Mr Cameron earlier said the London Games would show the world "beyond doubt that Britain can deliver".

The flame ended the day in Hyde Park where the final torchbearer lit a cauldron in front of 60,000 people who have gathered for a celebratory concert. London Mayor Boris Johnson wished the crowds a "wonderful" Olympics, and thanked them for their support.
"Are we ready? Yes we are," Mr Johnson said, in a rallying cry to the audience.

On Friday, the Olympics will be officially opened by the Queen and the torch's journey will come to an end during the opening ceremony.

A unanimous decision has been made over who will light the Olympic Stadium's cauldron but it will be kept secret until the ceremony.

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I am a high school student , and I have been playing the piano for 10 years . It is something that I enjoy .

I got a new piano teacher this year , she is a smoker , and her breath is the worst smoker's breath I have ever smelled before . It never used to be this bad !

She sits next to me while I play , and when she talks the smell is nauseating . I try to hold my breath but this makes me mess up . When I mess up , she yells .

How do I tell her that her breath smells so much that it is impacting my piano playing without hurting her feelings ?

Nauseous

Dear Nauseous,

I think there is a diplomatic way to handle it .

Drum up the courage to speak to your teacher before you sit down at the piano .

Apologize for having difficulty playing properly sometimes . Tell her that you want to share something with her that makes you uncomfortable.

With her blessing , tell her that you have noticed that she is a smoker , and that, unfortunately , the strong smell of smoke on her breath distracts you when you are playing .

She will likely be embarrassed . Hopefully , she will either brush her teeth before you come to class or not smoke close to your arrival . As good as this teacher may be , you may need to look for someone else to teach you who is a nonsmoker .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

My son is getting married , my husband and I are paying for the rehearsal dinner . My mother is adamant that all out-of-town guests be invited .

My son and his fiancee prefer to keep the guest list to the wedding party , parents and grandparents . Otherwise it risks becoming too large . And if we include out-of-towners from our side , we also have to include those from the bride's side .

Is it normal protocol to invite out-of-town guests to the rehearsal dinner ? Could we invite only some of them ?

Rehearsal Blues

Dear Blues ,

If there are large numbers of out-of-town guests , you do not have to invite them to the rehearsal dinner , although you should provide some type of refreshment when they arrive , either in their hotel rooms or by way of a hospitality suite . If there are people traveling a great distance who are special to the family , you may invite them individually , but I don't recommend including most of the groom's side and none of the bride's.

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I was at my friend's house the other day and saw a medication he was taking that is used for venereal disease . I was shocked . Then again , I don't know anything about his sex life . What I do know is that he recently started dating a girl and is super excited about her . I have a feeling he is going to have sex with her soon . I like this girl he's dating and I know her a little bit . I wonder if I should talk to her about what I found or tell the guy to take it slowly? I would hate to be the person who knows a terrible fact but didn't do anything about it . How should I proceed ?

In Doubt

Dear In Doubt,

Your friend's sex life is now your business . That you saw medication does not confirm his health status .

It is best to mind your own business .

If you feel compelled to find out , tell your friend directly . Tell him you saw a medication of his that made you concerned about him and his new date . If you want to step in his business , you could ask him if he has the disease in question and if he uses protection .

I do not recommend that you go to the new date . In these times , people should know to use protection . You are not the protection police and it is not your role to try to get your friends to behave responsibly . It is up to them.

Maxy

Aunty Acid...Chuckles

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I would like to ask some questions of married women . What makes you think that your family is more impoertant than your husband's ? Why do you want him to ignore his family and "cleave" unto yours ? How did you convince him that his mother isn't hurt by this ?

My son has been married for 30 years , and in all that time , he's ignored me and spent time with his in-laws . I hold my tongue because it would make thing worst if I did not . Everyone thinks my son and his family are the greatest . She and her family is shrewed , and my son is spineless and blind . Worse , the grandchildren think I do not deserve to be treated any better .

My son has siblings , nieces , nephews , aunts , uncle and cousins who are all ignored . Of course they know where we are when they want a gift . But there is never a thank you note or even so much as a photo of the children .

Venting

Dear Venting ,

The best way to make sure you stay close to your children is to ingratiate yourself with their spounces . I am so sorry you've had such a bitter experience , and I hope your words will mean something to our married readers .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

My guy friend recently confessed his love for me , I thought he was gay our entire friendship , so naturally this came as a huge shock . I don't feel the same way and don't think I ever will . I responded very awkwardly to his confession .

Is there any nice way to say "sorry" and I don't love you back ?

Weirded Out

Dear Weirded Out ,

Isn't it interesting the way our beliefs can color the way we interact with others ? You felt safe being close friends with this man because you never thought of him as being a potential suitor . Now the tables have turned .

You owe it to your friend to be honest. Tell him how much you value your friendship . Acknowledge that he expressed his love for you . It's very important for you to let him know that you heard him and recived aht what he had to say . Tell him that you like or love him , too , but not in that way . Explain that you have always considered him as a dear friend but your affection for him has been and is now platonic .

I also would tell him that you had assumed he was gay . If you have any specific reasons for thinking that , you may need to be ready to tell him that , if needed .

Ultimately , you need to get your sentiment across ... that you appreciate his friendship tremendously and that you are not interested in being his girlfriend .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

My friends are really unsupportive of my relationship with my girlfriend . We've been dating for more than a year , and they still get mad at me if I hang out with her instead of them or sometimes even if I hang out with her after them . It's completely irrational , and it's like I have a bunch of girlfriends now , all demanding my time . They also aren't very nice to her if we hang out in a group . How can I fixed this ?

Frustrated

Dear Frustrated ,

Sit your friends down and talk to them . Tell them that you care deeply for them AND your girlfriend . Lay it out for them that they have been behaving in a childish and unnecessary way . You do not want to have choose between your friends and girlfriend . You would appreciate them giving her the basic respect they would desire for their partners .

Ask them directly why they have been acting so unkindly . If they have a beef with your girlfriend , urge them to tell you exactly what it is . Of course , when you are dating , you divide your time . But id they continue to be rude , you may have to choose to step away from them .

Maxy

Cooling Off the Hard Way

The Grossest Thing in the Bathroom: Your Toothbrush

"If you have your toothbrush too close to the toilet," microbiologist Charles Gerba, PhD, says "you are brushing your teeth with what's in your toilet." He explains that when you flush with the lid open, contaminated water vapor settles on surfaces in your bathroom. And that's not the only way germs pollute your toothbrush.

Brushing your teeth removes bacteria, food debris, and blood and saliva that might be infected with a virus. If you don't rinse the bristles properly, you will be putting these contaminants right back into your mouth the next time you brush. Many families store their toothbrushes jammed together in a cup or holder, which can also cause cross contamination.

The average toothbrush harbors 10 million microbes, including germs like influenza viruses, herpes simplex I, streptococcus, staphylococcus, as well as bacteria that cause gum disease and cavities. Because of the sheer variety of germs, they can harbor more pathogens than the average toilet seat. Some of these microscopic creepy crawlies can survive for days. "Your toothbrush is the perfect breeding ground for these bugs," Dr. R. Tom Glass, professor emeritus of oral pathology at the University of Oklahoma states. "There is food and water, and the brush itself provides the portal of entry into your body." Basically, he says, "Your toothbrush is an enriched Petri dish on a stick."
It's important to brush your teeth twice a day to prevent decay.

 These tips will help keep your toothbrush-and mouth-free of harmful bacteria.

• Don't share toothbrushes and store different family members' toothbrushes at least an inch apart.
• Rinse thoroughly after using.
• Allow toothbrush to air dry after each use, preferably in an upright position. This will keep bacteria from breeding. Don't store in a small, moist, closed container.
• Replace your toothbrush after having a cold or the flu.
• If you have a compromised immune system, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before you clean your teeth. This can reduce the germs passed to your toothbrush.
• Get a new toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or more frequently if you notice the bristles breaking down. While this won't reduce bacteria, it will ensure the best cleaning power.

What about sanitizers? The American Dental Association (ADA) says there is no evidence to show that commercial sanitizers completely sterilize toothbrushes although soaking in an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce the prevalence of microorganisms..

Pritty Pichers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fall is not too far away and it might be a welcome relief from this heat

Inactivity 'Killing as Many as Smoking'

 

A lack of exercise is now causing as many deaths as smoking across the world, a study suggests. The report, published in the Lancet to coincide with the build-up to the Olympics, estimates that about a third of adults are not doing enough physical activity, causing 5.3m deaths a year. That equates to about one in 10 deaths from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and breast and colon cancer.

Researchers said the problem was now so bad it should be treated as a pandemic. And they said tackling it required a new way of thinking, suggesting the public needed to be warned about the dangers of inactivity rather than just reminded of the benefits of it. The team of 33 researchers drawn from centres across the world also said governments needed to look at ways to make physical activity more convenient, affordable and safer.

It is recommended that adults do 150 minutes of moderate exercise , such as brisk walking, cycling or gardening, each week. The Lancet study found people in higher income countries were the least active with those in the UK among the worst as nearly two thirds of adults were judged not to be doing enough.

Case study

From Monday to Saturday, the streets of the Colombian capital of Bogota are packed with cars. The city - one of the largest in South America - is a teeming metropolis, home to more than seven million people. But on a Sunday vehicles are nowhere to be seen. Instead, the streets are taken over by pedestrians, thanks to Ciclovia, a traffic-free streets initiative run by the city authorities.

The scheme, backed by successive mayors, has been running in one guise or another since the mid-1970s. It now covers nearly 100km of roads in the centre of the city on Sundays and public holidays.  But as well as making Bogota a quieter place to roam, the ban on cars also has a health benefit.

Research has shown about 1m residents regularly walk around on a Sunday, a fifth of whom say they would be inactive if it was not for the ban on vehicles. Dr Michael Pratt, who was involved in the Lancet research on physical inactivity, said the Bogota scheme was a "wonderful example" of how governments could be encouraging more exercise.

Although the researchers admitted comparisons between countries were difficult because the way activity was estimated may have differed from place to place. Nonetheless, they said they remained confident that their overall conclusion was valid. Pedro Hallal, one of the lead researchers, said: "With the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games, sport and physical activity will attract tremendous worldwide attention."

"Although the world will be watching elite athletes from many countries compete in sporting events... most spectators will be quite inactive. The global challenge is clear - make physical activity a public health priority throughout the world to improve health and reduce the burden of disease."
 Prof Lindsey Davies, president of the UK Faculty of Public Health, agreed:
"We need to do all we can to make it easy for people to look after their health and get active as part of their daily lives.
"Our environment has a significant part to play. For example, people who feel unsafe in their local park will be less likely to use it." 

 But others questioned equating smoking with inactivity.
While smoking and inactivity kill a similar number of people, smoking rates are much lower than the number of inactive people, making smoking more risky to the individual. Dr Claire Knight, of Cancer Research UK, said: "When it comes to preventing cancer, stopping smoking is by far the most important thing you can do."

APEX PREDATOR..Produced by Shayne Allum...My Grandson

Published on Jul 3, 2012 by TheMrAdrianG

IN MEMORY OF MR. GIANFRANCO PIRO.
~The Year-End Video Crew presents a Piro Pictures film in association with Studio 122 Productions~

Synopsis: Mind-reading. Invisibility. Teleportation. Fire manipulation. Superstrength. What do these have in common? They represent the powers of five Cardinal Newman students, each from a different path of life. When strange things start happening around the school (teachers and students changing, disappearing), they must come together with one common purpose: To strike down evil within their school. "Apex Predator" follows the lives of these heroes as they discover the truth about this darkness, and develop their powers far enough to defeat it.

Starring: Michael Kerr, Julian Blasioli, Adriana Skender, Justin Messier, Justin Gill, Justin Satosek.

Director - Adrian Gentili
Director of Photography - Nicholas Grguric
Producer - Shayne Allum
Sound Coordinator - Robert Lamanes

Kids Say The Darndest Things 'Free For All'

Have you every wondered what kids think about what their parents do for a living ... especially their fathers ... here are a few cute ones straight out the mouths of babes .

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*** What do your father do ?

Washes rags .

*** Is that a good business ?

Well we know who has the dirtiest rags in town . But I'm not supposed to tell .

*******************************************************************************

My daddy spreads joy.

*** To whom ?

To anyone that can pay for it .

*** I don't understand what kind of job he has .

He's a bartender .

*** I'll bet someone put you up to this .

My mother . She's always joking and drinking beer .

***( And there the joke turned on dear old mom).

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My father a school teacher .

*** That's a fine profession . Does he like it .

He only have one thing to complain about .

*** What's thast ?

The kids .

**************************************************************************

My dad's a professor of English at a college .

*** What does he think of the students ?

Well , he tell me the best student in his class ia a beautiful blonde girl with blue eyes and a tight sweater .

**************************************************************************

My father's a nurseryman and raises flowers. *** What sort ?

Algerians .

*** Algerians ? I repeated foggily .

Yes . Red ones , white ones and pink ones .

*** Don't you mean geraniums ? I corrected her .

Yes . Algerians .

***************************************************************************

My father's a physigist . It's something with electrons .

*** How do they work ? Do you know ?

Well , it's like two coke bottles with stuff inside them so that when it comes out and goes across between them , all of a sudden there's nothing .

*** Oh . That must be interesting work . And how about your mother ?

She's the Dean of Women at the college .

*** Is that a difficult job ?

She just goes to faculty luncheons .

*** Whith all this brain power in your family tree , what profession will you follow ?

A plumber .

*******************************************************************

My father's an electronics scientist.

*** Would you like to explaain futher ?

Well , I have to be careful of my pronunciation . He's a thinker .

*******************************************************************

*** So your Dad's a minister . Is he a good minister ?

He mush be a pretty smooth talker .

*** Why ?

Because on Sundays almost everybody goes to sleep but me and mother .

*** Doesn't that make your dad mad ?

Not nearly as mad as the collections . He gets two offering and the trouble is he's got a cheap congregation and most of them put in pennies .

*********************************************************************

*** What's your name ?

Rudigore Sitka .

*** With that kind of name , what kind of blood do you have in you ?

Red .

I mean where did your mother and father come from ?

Well , on my mother and father's side there a little Chicken-slovakian , some Jugosolavian , some French , a small hunk of Jewish and English and Scotch and I think there is one drop of Cherokee Indian .

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I am one of three sisters . Our mother is 93-years-old and has Alzheimer's . For the past 4 years , my 44-year-old son has been her full time care giver . He shops , cook,, does her laundry , make sure she takes her medications and is up half the night helping her use the bathroom . He listens to her complaints on a regular basis . He truly loves his Grandma .

My older sister is in charge of Mom's money . A year ago , I suggested that my son be paid for his care -giving services , and she decided he was worth # 250 a month . Because my son takes care of his grandmother , he cannot work full time else where . This is his primary occupation . He has put his life on hold because he doesn't want his grandmother to go into a nursing home .

I don't live close , but I see my mother every three weeks and stay with her overnight . Neither of my sisters will spend the night , so they don't see the whole picture in terms of what my son has to deal with . I told my sister he needs a raise , and she said reluctantly , that she will give him $ 500 a month. However , doing so has caused friction between us , and now I am not speaking to either of them . I'll reconsider when they often to spend a couple of nights there .

I know my son is saving Mom a lot of money because no one in the family would do what he does . His care is worth a million dollars to me , and I love him so much for taking on this job , yet he gets no praise from either of my sisters . Am I wrong to resaent them ?

In The Middle

Dear Middle ,

Holding grudges and being resentful solves nothing . Make a few calls and find out how much a hired caregiver would cost in Mom's area . Present this information to your sisters so they have a better understanding of the value of the job . They may be unwilling or unable to pay your son what he's worth , and your son may not insist on it . But tell them they can make it up to him by being more appreciative of him .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

One of my biggest pet peeves is when friends or family members know they are stopping by to see you , and on there way they stop to get something to eat . They do not mention this or bring anything for you . They come by and eat in front of you . I think this is rude and ill-mannered , even if they offer to share . What do you say ?

Second , if you're a vegetarian and you're inviting non- vegetarians to a party , is it worng to serve only vegetablarian food .

Geoff

Dear Geoff,

Perhaps your open-door policy has no boundaries attached , there fore , your family members and friends don't think before they act . It's OK for you to speak up . You don't have to get angry . Just say , "Next time you come over , if you plan on bringing food , please call me to ask if I want something ." Really . You may need to teach them how to behave .

Regarding hosting , you can keep your party vegetarian , but you may want to add heartier dishes that taste like meat .

Ther are plenty of vegetarian recipes for hearty entrees that meat-lovers often love .

You really can tend to everyone if that is your intent .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I sold a friend two holiday gifts that I had made , and ne asked to pay me back the next day because he didn't have cash with him at the time . It's summer now , and I still haven't gotten my money .

I have called and emailed but mostly he ducks me . Once I was able to get him on the phone and he apologized , promising that the money would be forthcoming .

But it hasn't been .

What can I do ? I made those gifts by hand so that I could earn extra money . I am so angry .

Duped

Dear Duped ,

The most important thing for you to know for the future is not to give people credit when they are making purchases from you ... regardless of your relationship .

As far as this man goes , send him a formal invoice with a 10 percent late fee . You may not get paid , but you will have followed up professionally .

Maxy

How to Make a Fascinator Headpiece

Materials Needed:

• Plastic or Metal Hair Comb
• Assorted Feathers
• 1 Rhinestone or Decorative Shank Button
• Hand Sewing Needle
• Thread
• 1 Package of Glass Seed Beads

Instructions:

Step 1. Gather the feathers in a cluster, with all of the feather stems together at the bottom. Holding the stems in between your thumb and forefinger, arrange the feathers so that they are spread out at the top, like a bouquet.
Step 2. Once you have the feathers arranged, use a needle and thread to wrap around the stems and hold them together. You may need to pierce larger feather stems with the needle and thread to secure them. Start at the bottom and work your way up, winding the thread and re-arranging the feathers as needed to achieve the desired look. Tie off the thread and clip off the excess.
Tip: Work with a double-ply thread for extra strength – if you use single-ply, you'll need to wrap and tie off twice as much to achieve the same thing. It's even better to use silk thread, as long as you can find a color to match your feathers so all of the stitching is invisible.
Step 3. Hold the comb so that the straight edge is on the left side and the teeth are on the right. Place the feather cluster at the straight edge of the comb, with the tied-off stems at the base and the feathers running along the edge, covering the comb.
Step 4. Using a needle and thread, attach the feathers to the comb by wrapping the thread around the stems and comb. Work your way up the entire length of the tied-off stems, wrapping the thread in between the teeth of the comb as you go. Wrap up and down this section as many times as needed, until the feathers are securely attached. Knot off the end, but DO NOT CLIP THE THREAD.
Tip: If you're concerned about the knots holding, use a dab of fabric glue or clear nail polish over each knot to really secure them. Be sure to allow each knot to dry before moving on to the next step.
Step 5. Place the rhinestone button at the base of the feathers, covering as much of the wrapped thread as possible. With the needle and remaining length of thread that are still attached to the comb, sew the button to the feather base, being sure to stick the shank of the button deep among the feathers to get the button flush with the stems. Sew as many times as needed to keep the button from straight and securely attached. Knot off the end and clip the thread.
Step 6. If there are still some feather stems showing from underneath the button, you can use threaded seed beads to cover them. With a needle and new length of thread, secure one end of thread through the stitching on the back of the comb. Thread seed beads onto the thread and wrap this beaded thread around the remaining stems, covering them. Do this as many times as needed to cover all of the stems. When they are all covered, knot off the thread at the back of the comb before clipping off the excess.
Tip: You can wrap beaded thread around the front and the back of the comb, but it's better to have the beads only in the front. Since the comb will be flatter in the back without them, it will hold in your hair better and possibly be more comfortable. Try it in all colors. You will be surprised how pretty they are and how lovely they will look in your hair as a perfect accessory to your outfit.

Placemat Purses...So easy ...So Pretty

How to make a Placemat Purse

Materials Needed:

• 1 Fabric Placemat
• 1/2 yard of Lightweight Fabric for Lining
• 1/2 yard of Fusible Craft Interfacing (optional)
• Pair of Handbag Handles (wood, plastic, leather, etc.)

Transform a basic household placemat from a flat, two-dimensional table covering to a hip and imaginative fashion accessory. The wonderful thing about placemat purses is the sheer variety of materials available: ribbed cotton, vinyl, tapestry, microfiber, straw, faux leather, brocade, novelty weaves and more. Oval, rectangular and octagonal shapes create an instant variety of purse shapes to choose from.

Instructions:

Step 1. If the placemat requires a bit more body, cut fusible interfacing to the size of the placemat, less 1/2 ” all around. Center the interfacing over the wrong side of the placemat and fuse, following manufacturer’s directions.
Tip: If you want to add even more personality, you can embellish the placemat with appliqués, beads, embroidery or rhinestones. If you are sewing on your embellishments, the best time to do this is before attaching the lining, so all any stitching on the wrong side of the placemat will be covered by the lining.
Step 2. For handle tabs, cut four pieces of lining fabric, each measuring 3” long by 1 1/2” wide. Fold each piece in thirds, lengthwise; adjust the final width of the tabs to fit through handle rings. Stitch lengthwise through all thicknesses down the center of each tab.
Step 3. Slip a tab through each handle ring; with raw edges of the tabs even, stitch across the tabs 1/2” from raw edges.
Step 4. Center each handle along the short sides of the placemat, with tabs against the wrong side of the placemat. Place tabs so that raw edges extend 1/2” in from edge of placemat. Stitch across tabs to attach them to placemat. Stitch again to reinforce.
Step 5. Cut lining fabric to the size of the placemat. Turn under 1/4” on all sides of the lining, and press in place.
Tip: To add a handy inside pocket or two, cut pocket(s) from the lining fabric, approximately 5” X 5” square. Turn under 1/2” on each side, and top stitch in place. Position the pocket on the right side of the lining as desired; sew along the sides and bottom of the pocket.
Step 6. Position the lining, right side up, over the wrong side of the placemat and covering extended edges of tabs. Stitch the lining to the placemat along all edges, close to the pressed edge of the lining. You can use either machine stitching or invisible hand stitches, depending on your preference.
Step 7-to Create a Purse with Squared-Off Corners: Fold placemat in half, with right sides together. Sew sides with a 5/8” seam allowance. To create the width at the bottom of the purse, flatten the bottom corners, centering the side seams. Turn handbag right-side-out, and you’re ready to go!
Step 7 - to Create a Flat Purse with Pre-Bound Edges: For this style, use a placemat with pre-bound, finished edges. Fold placemat in half, with wrong sides together. Sew sides with a 1/2” to 5/8” seam allowance, depending on the width of the placemat binding, so that stitching is at the inner edge of the binding.
Tip: If desired, finish the purse with a closure of Velcro, a button and tab loop or handbag snap.

Age Old Question : Why Dogs Chase Their Tails ???

Why do dogs run in circles and chase their own tails? This dizzying behavior makes dog lovers curious. What could possibly cause a canine to twirl around this way, nipping at part of his own anatomy?

Tail chasing is a common habit for dogs, according to veterinary experts

even if it confounds humans. At least five causes may lead canines to trail their own tails.

1. Boredom

Natural predators, dogs often seem to operate on two speeds: asleep and alert. A canine may catch sight of his own wagging tail and suddenly jump up to give chase. This game also offers relief from boredom, particularly for a non-working or off-duty dog or a canine confined for too long.

This sort of tail chasing may signal the dog's owner to the pet's need for increased exercise.

2. Desire for attention

Along with the need for activity, dogs require affection and attention from their humans. Without this, a canine may resort to tail chasing, especially if this behavior has drawn petting or treats in the past.

3. Anxiety

Some dogs begin chasing their tails as a nervous habit. Stressful situations, sudden noises or constant surprises may even lead to obsessive compulsive tail chasing, as the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) points out. Other compulsive behaviors among canines may include excessive self-grooming, imaginary prey hunting, overeating, and pacing.

4. Itching or irritation

Occasionally, a physical problem may cause a dog to chase his tail. Parasite infestations, such as fleas or ticks, can cause itching around the base of the canine's tail. Worms, rashes or dry skin may produce similar symptoms. A professional dog grooming or veterinary visit may be necessary.

5. Medical issues

Certain dog diseases and neurological disorders like epilepsy may encourage tail chasing. In such cases, the underlying veterinary medical concerns must be addressed before a dog may be trained to stop chasing his tail.

If you are bothered by your dog's taking off to run rings after his own tail, you can try to distract or occupy him by playing with him, taking him for a peppy walk, or offering him a favorite toy or treat. Under no circumstances should you pull the dog's tail to encourage chasing.

Of course, a dog that suddenly becomes obsessed with his tail may need veterinary attention.

Most often, however, tail chasing is normal doggy demeanor and not a genuine concern. Frequently, dogs naturally outgrow the whirling weirdness of chasing their own tails in time.

Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

I have been with "Jim" for eight years . We are in our 40s and have been through a lot together . When I moved in with him three years ago , two of his kids lived with their mother , and the older boy was in prison . I was supportive of Jim's visits to "Lloyd" and also wrote letters myself .

Lloyd got out of prison 18 months ago and was paroled to our home . He is not supposed to frequent bars , but his drinking has increased , and he constantly violates the terms of paarole . Two months ago he was arrested .

Lloyd refuses to abide by our curfew . He wakes us up when he strolls in drunk at 3 a.m. Thwice he left the refrigerator open and let the food spoil .

We've given Lloyd chance after chance . We pay all the bills , including the ones for his cellphone service . I've told Jim that Lloyd needs to respect our rules or find somewhere else to live . Jim keeps telling Lloyd to straighten up , but there are never any repercussions , so it never happens .

Lost in Love

Dear Lost in Love ,

Jim thinks he is protecting his son , but he is only reinforcing Lloyd's behavior . The best thing for Lloyd would be to get a job ( try the Safer Foundation at http://saferfoundation.org) and move into his own place . Also try Al-Anon (http://al-anon.alateen.org)

Maxy

Dear Maxy,

I'm a 62-year-old widow and have no children . In the past three years , five people close to me died , leaving me alone , except for two nieces and one nephew , and none of them is speaking to me .

When my husband passed , we had no money due to longstanding financial problems . Before my sister died , we were trying to work through her feelings about me . She never liked me and had a great deal of anger toward me . At the time , I was still having finanical difficulties and could not attend her funeral or send flowers . My nephew offered to pay for the trip , but I didn't feel comfortable accepting .

I have written letters to them explaining the problems in our family . I have sent handmade presents to my nephew's two little girls and mailed them cheerful Christmas greeting . No thank you notes . Nothing.

I'm at the point where I'm ready to give up all contact . Is this the end ?

No Family

Dear No Family ,

I think your nieces and nephew are unhappy because you neither called nor sent a card when their mother died . I understand you were unsure of what to say , but your silence reinforced the negative impression they already had from their mother . You need to apologize . Beyond that , there are no guarantees .

Maxy

Dear Maxy ,

A co-worker told me in confidence that she plans to call in sick to work so she can purchase tickets for an upcoming concert . Every time someone calls in sick , our individual workload increases . I'm wondering if I should tell my manager the truth .

Potential Whistle Blower

Dear Whistle Blower ,

Going to to the manager about this seems extreme . Instead of helping , it is likely to create negativity in the workplace for you and your co-worker .

If you feel so strongly that she is compromising your workday or that of your co-workers , tell her directly . You can say that you understand how excited she is about the concert but that you hope she understands how much of a hardship her absence will be on the team . You can tell her that you will cover for her during her time off and that you hope she do the same when someone else , you included , needs a break . You will have her back so long as she doesn't make this a practice .

Maxy

Kids Say The Darndest Things 'Free For All'

Have you ever wondered what Parents , teachers tell kids not to say or do in public ... well , get a load of the sweet gems .

*** Do you have any instructions from anyone today ? Here are a few choice samples .

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My mother told me to pay no attention to all the crazy things my dad told me .

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My mother told me to be sure not to tell what the neighbors are saying about us .

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My mother told me to be sure to show you my new pink pants that tinkle .(They had bells)

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My dad told me just one thing ; to keep my pants up . (five year old boy).

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My mother told me to keep my legs together . (five year old girl).

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My mother told me not to say that the last thing she said was to go to the toliet before I went on the program .

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Nobody told me anything . My dad was late for work and was gulping down his breakfast . My mother was washing her hair . Grandmother had a stomach-ache . Everybody was too busy to tell me anything .

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*** Sometimes the parental instructions are a bit more involved . Here are some typical samples .

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*** What did your mother tell you not to say ?

She told me not to tell that she works on a coach.

*** What kind of work does she do on a couch ?

She cleans them , so I don't know what is wrong with that .

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*** Did your parents give you any instructions ?

My mother said to be funny and my dad told me to order an expensive steak.

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My mother told me to be sure not to act off today .

*** What do you mean "act off?"

That means not to tell any bad jokes .

*** I wouldn't think you knew any bad jokes .

Sure , I know lots of them . My brother tells them to me , like the one , "Help ! I can't swim !" "Why ?" "I'm not in the water !"