Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster

~!Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster!~
ROTFLMFAO!!! YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS ONE

Open Letter To Kansas School Board

I am writing you with much concern after having read of your hearing to decide whether the alternative theory of Intelligent Design should be taught along with the theory of Evolution. I think we can all agree that it is important for students to hear multiple viewpoints so they can choose for themselves the theory that makes the most sense to them. I am concerned, however, that students will only hear one theory of Intelligent Design.

Let us remember that there are multiple theories of Intelligent Design. I and many others around the world are of the strong belief that the universe was created by a Flying Spaghetti Monster. It was He who created all that we see and all that we feel. We feel strongly that the overwhelming scientific evidence pointing towards evolutionary processes is nothing but a coincidence, put in place by Him.

It is for this reason that I’m writing you today, to formally request that this alternative theory be taught in your schools, along with the other two theories. In fact, I will go so far as to say, if you do not agree to do this, we will be forced to proceed with legal action. I’m sure you see where we are coming from. If the Intelligent Design theory is not based on faith, but instead another scientific theory, as is claimed, then you must also allow our theory to be taught, as it is also based on science, not on faith.

Some find that hard to believe, so it may be helpful to tell you a little more about our beliefs. We have evidence that a Flying Spaghetti Monster created the universe. None of us, of course, were around to see it, but we have written accounts of it. We have several lengthy volumes explaining all details of His power. Also, you may be surprised to hear that there are over 10 million of us, and growing. We tend to be very secretive, as many people claim our beliefs are not substantiated by observable evidence. What these people don’t understand is that He built the world to make us think the earth is older than it really is. For example, a scientist may perform a carbon-dating process on an artifact. He finds that approximately 75% of the Carbon-14 has decayed by electron emission to Nitrogen-14, and infers that this artifact is approximately 10,000 years old, as the half-life of Carbon-14 appears to be 5,730 years. But what our scientist does not realize is that every time he makes a measurement, the Flying Spaghetti Monster is there changing the results with His Noodly Appendage. We have numerous texts that describe in detail how this can be possible and the reasons why He does this. He is of course invisible and can pass through normal matter with ease.

I’m sure you now realize how important it is that your students are taught this alternate theory. It is absolutely imperative that they realize that observable evidence is at the discretion of a Flying Spaghetti Monster. Furthermore, it is disrespectful to teach our beliefs without wearing His chosen outfit, which of course is full pirate regalia. I cannot stress the importance of this enough, and unfortunately cannot describe in detail why this must be done as I fear this letter is already becoming too long. The concise explanation is that He becomes angry if we don’t.

You may be interested to know that global warming, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are a direct effect of the shrinking numbers of Pirates since the 1800s. For your interest, I have included a graph of the approximate number of pirates versus the average global temperature over the last 200 years. As you can see, there is a statistically significant inverse relationship between pirates and global temperature.

In conclusion, thank you for taking the time to hear our views and beliefs. I hope I was able to convey the importance of teaching this theory to your students. We will of course be able to train the teachers in this alternate theory. I am eagerly awaiting your response, and hope dearly that no legal action will need to be taken. I think we can all look forward to the time when these three theories are given equal time in our science classrooms across the country, and eventually the world; One third time for Intelligent Design, one third time for Flying Spaghetti Monsterism, and one third time for logical conjecture based on overwhelming observable evidence.

Sincerely Yours,

Bobby Henderson, concerned citizen.

P.S. I have included an artistic drawing of Him creating a mountain, trees, and a midget. Remember, we are all His creatures.

Christmas ,Relaxation Techniques for Anxiety & Stress

Just Did Sum Digging and this is what I found.

How Stress Affects the Body
Your emotional and physical reactions to stress are partly determined by the sensitivity of your sympathetic nervous system. This system produces the fight or flight reaction in response to stress and excitement, speeding up and heightening the pulse rate, respiration, muscle tension, glandular function, and circulation of the blood. If you have recurrent anxiety symptoms, either major or minor lifestyle and emotional upsets may cause an overreaction of your sympathetic system. If you have an especially stressful life, your sympathetic nervous system may always be poised to react to a crisis, putting you in a state of constant tension. In this mode, you tend to react to small stresses the same way you would react to real emergencies. The energy that accumulates in the body to meet this "emergency" must be discharged in order to bring your body back into balance. Repeated episodes of the fight or flight reaction deplete your energy reserves and, if they continue, cause a downward spiral that can lead to emotional burnout and eventually complete exhaustion. You can break this spiral only by learning to manage stress in a way that protects and even increases your energy level.

Techniques for Relaxation
Many patients have asked me about techniques for coping more effectively with stress. Although I send some women for counseling or psychotherapy when symptoms are severe, most are looking for practical ways to manage stress on their own. They want to take responsibility for handling their own problems observing their inadequate methods of dealing with stress, learning new techniques to improve their habits, and then practicing these techniques on a regular basis.

I have included relaxation and stress reduction exercises in many of my patient programs. The feedback has been very positive; many patients report an increased sense of well being from these self help techniques. They also note an improvement in their physical health. This chapter includes fourteen stress reduction exercises for women with anxiety. They will take you through a series of specific steps to help alleviate your symptoms. The exercises will teach you the following helpful techniques: focusing and meditation, grounding techniques (how to feel more centered), exercises that help you to relax and release muscle tension, erasure techniques (how to erase old programs), healing the inner child, visualizations, and affirmations. These techniques will help you cope with stress more efficiently, make your thoughts more calm and peaceful, and help you learn to relax, while you build self esteem and self confidence. Try them all; then decide which ones produce the greatest benefits for you. Practice these on a regular basis.

Cute Kid Monster Pic

Used Car INFO ( Do Not Buy That Used Car If...)

Q:What are good questions to ask when buying a used car not from a dealer?

Click The Pic If You Need An Truthful Salesmen

A:Do Not Buy That Used Car If...

These are the top mistakes made by used car buyers. Don't let this happen to you!
• The 17 digit VIN#'s on the door, hood, engine, dashboard do not all match exactly
• You failed to have a mechanic check out the car on a lift
• You did not run the Experian AutoCheck Vehicle History Reports on the car's VIN# prior to purchasing
• The title still shows a lien holder with no "Lien Satisfied" stamp on it. It means they still owe the bank
• The AutoCheck report shows evidence of odometer rollback or title branded as junk, flooded, stolen, etc
• There is no VIN# on the dashboard, or it has been filed down or altered in any way
• The seller does not let you drive the car first
• The seller does not back up every verbal promise IN WRITING!
• The seller is NOT the owner of the car. It means they are a dealer's agent
• The seller has no written bill of sale identifying the car, VIN#, and stating the title has not been rebuilt, etc.
• The seller does not give you copies of anything you ask for
• It's parked along the side of the road with a For sale sign, unless you can verify they are the owner
• The seller has no drivers license, title, and registration for the car. Assume the car is stolen
• You have not verified the seller's name on their drivers license is the same person on the car title
• The seller refuses to let you take the car to a trusted mechanic for inspection
• The seller's asking price is suspiciously far below market value
• The seller makes you sign a power of attorney, or only wants cash
• The seller tells you to pay now, and he'll get you the title tomorrow, it's locked up at the bank


General Info And Features
What is the year, model, and color of the car? ________________
How many miles are on the car? ________________________________
Is the car manual or automatic transmission? __________________
What options are on the car? __________________________________
Are the seats vinyl, cloth, or leather? _______________________
If the seats are electric, are they working normally? _________
Does the car have an alarm and does it work? __________________
Does the car alarm ever false trigger? How often? _____________
______________________________________...

Ownership And History
Why is the owner selling the car? ____________________________
How many owners has this car had? __________________________
Was the car driven by a person who smokes? __________________
Has the odometer ever been rolled back? _____________________
What is the 17 digit VIN# of this car? _______________________________
(Get this info and obtain a AutoCheck Vehicle History Report)
Does the car have an extended warranty? _________
If so, is the Extended Warranty transferable to a new owner? _________
(This can only be verified in writing from the existing policy. Word of honor is not good enough).
Has the title been branded by an insurance company as junked, flooded, totaled, etc.? ______
(In some states they are required by law to disclose this in the ad).
Has the car ever been in an accident, and if so, was there frame damage, and how much was the repair? __________
Has the car ever been repainted? _______________
How often was the car waxed? __________________
Has the car been used for hire as a taxi or limousine? ________
Does the seller have the title in their posession for inspection?_____________
Is the seller acting on behalf of a dealer?_____________
______________________________________...

Maintenance And Condition
Do they have all maintenance records, proof of tune ups, and oil change receipts? ________
What are all the major problems with the car? ________________________________________...
______________________________________...
What is the condition of the paint on the car? _________________
Are there any major scratches, dents or dimples in the paint?________
Is there any rust on the car? __________________
How is the condition of the interior, seats, the dash, roof? __________________________
Are there any transmission problems such as slipping, not changing gear, etc.? ______
If manual transmission, when was the clutch last replaced? ________
Does the A/C blow cold and does the heater blow warm? ____
Is the battery, alternator, and starter in good condition? ______________
What electrical problems are there with the car? ____________________
Does the Radio work? ________________________________________...
Does the car have an oil leak, transmission leak or radiator leak? ______
When was the last time the radiator was flushed? ___________________
When was the last time the A/C system was worked on? _______
Does the car burn oil or have white exhaust? ____________________
What EXACT month was the last oil change? ____________________
When was the last tune up or fuel injector cleaning? ______________
How old are the tires and when were they last replaced? __________
If the car has headlight motors do they work properly? _____
Do the power doors and power windows work? _________________
Is the dashboard cracked? _____________
Is there a CD changer or tape player and is it working? ______
Any skipping problems with the CD player? ___________________
Are all speakers working and are any of them cracked? __________
Does the water pump make any strange rattles or noises? __________
When was the battery or alternator replaced last? ________________
Batteries last only about 2 years on average.
______________________________________...

Drivability Issues
Does the car drive straight or does it pull to the right or left? __________
When was the last time the tires were aligned? ______________________
Any problems with excessive wear and balding on the tires? ________
______________________________________...

Logistics
How low in price is the seller willing to go? _____________________
When can the car be picked up by the buyer? ___________________
Can the car be brought to a mechanic for an inspection? ________
Does the seller have the title to the car? ________________________
Does the seller have proof that the car is theirs to sell? _____
Does the seller have a valid driver's license to prove ownership? ______
Is any money still owed to a bank for a loan on the car? ___________
How many people have looked at the car? What are the offers? _______

Ghosts or Strong Hitchhiker Video

A car accident happened in Sintra Portugal and police authorities found a DV camera that shows what happened before the incident. Well, this is a short created by a number of Portuguese students and has done a pretty job with the suspense and horror.

The Short Version US Subtitles


Longer Version US Subtitles


Here is a Show I think From the UK Ghosts On Tape it is a bit long tho injoy~!

After Affects , Dragon Ball Z ,Anima

Really Really Cool After Affects Video.

BaBy Names

Baby Names Ok Well I Randomly Found This Site About Baby Names I am about to have a Boy and Me and my Wife found this site and wow we have narowed it down a bit but still hard to pick one if you have any Ideas Please Let Me Know.
Here Is The Site Click Here

Navy Numa Numa

The Best Numa Numa I have Seen Gotta Love The NAVY

I don't know but do they let you have crack on the ship? (J/K)

Alsome vid guys keep up all of the hard and good work and keep haven fun.

I Will Not Pay - Music Video ( Numa Numa ) & The Mean Kitty Song

I love Mister Safety




Mean Kitty Song

Alicia Keys - No One

Real Music Video Click Here

Battlestar Galactica Razor

BLACK FRIDAY

BLACK FRIDAY
CLICK ON ANY PIC FOR THE DIRT,SALES, AND MADNESS FOR BLACK FRIDAY
(GOOD LUCK)
P.S. LEAVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS AT HOME

Star Trek Home Theater

Star Trek Home Theater

Someone thought it would be a good idea to model their home theater after the Enterprise NCC-1701D from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The result is super geeky, but actually rather cool. Named the best theme theater installation at CEDIA 2007, this Palm Beach County, FL home features motion-activated air-lock doors with series sound effects, and a “Red Alert” button on the Crestron TPMC-10 controller to turn all of the LEDs bright red and flashing.

Guitar Hero 3

You know darn well when it makes it to South Park then the USA is Hooked

Myspace "Scared Straight"

This Is Creepy

Bust 1

Bust 2

Bust 3

Victoria Schattauer

Victoria Schattauer Bad Cheerleader

15 year old cheerleader and a assistant coach had nude photos taken which were circulated on the internet.

The Clermont County school district has been rocked by scandal after this naked picture of a Goshen cheerleader and her coach Victoria Schattauer turned up. Charges could be filed this week against Schattauer.

Car Tips

Car Tips

Keep your car tuned up. Cars in poor running condition use more gasoline.

Keep your windows closed when traveling at high speeds.

Open windows cause additional drag and lower your gas mileage.

At high speeds, an open window can use more gas than many air conditioners (especially if they are on a low setting).

Check your tire pressure.

Stop and go traffic hurts your gas mileage.

If you are stuck in traffic and you don't think you are going to go

anywhere in the next five minutes, you may want to turn your car off.

Try to accelerate slowly when leaving the stop light..

If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the

cost of commuting to work.

When the price is sky high, don't fill up. Wait for the price to go down

before you fill up your tank.

It is also a good idea to take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.

Put an extra car key in your pocket. A number of motorists have locked themselves out of their cars when warming it up in the morning.

Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles and for snow equipment.

When stalled, stay with your vehicle and try to conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to any possible exhaust or monoxide problems.

Unsecured Personal Loans

What Is A Personal Loan?

A personal loan is a way of borrowing money from a bank or building society or some other financial services provider.

Typically you receive a lump sum and agree to pay back the loan over a fixed period with agreed monthly payments.

Are Personal Loans Secured or Unsecured?

Usually a personal loan is unsecured - as opposed to a secured loan where the borrower provides a security against the money, usually their home.

A personal loan is based on the borrower's ability to repay, based on such factors as credit rating, income, financial outgoings.

With a personal loan, credit is normally offered for personal use as opposed to business use.

How Much Can You Borrow On A Personal Loan?

In the UK you can usually borrow up to about £25,000 with a repayment period of anything between half a year and ten years. The more you borrow the lower the interest rate is.

What Is The Term Of Loan?

This is the fixed period - say 12 months - in which you agree to pay back the loan by making agreed monthly payments.

What Will A Personal Loan Cost Me?

You will have to pay interest at a fixed rate on the amount you borrow. All the interest charges throughout the term of the loan and the repayment of the amount borrowed are added together and then divided into equal monthly payments.

There may also be an arrangement fee when you take out the loan. Weight this up against the cost of the loan and any alternative loan offers you receive. You may also decide to take out Personal Protection Insurance (PPI) so consider the costs of this carefully as well.

What's PPI?

You may also decide to pay extra for Payment Protection Insurance (PPI). This insurance pays your monthly payments for you if you are unable to work because of illness or unemployment. Loan protection insurances can also cover things like accidents and hospitalisation. Think carefully about taking out PPI. Work out how much you will pay overall for this service and consider your wider finances and decide whether you really need it. If you do decide on PPI check the small print and see if the insurance covers your specific needs. Does it cover you for the exact type of work you do? PPI is not compulsory so don't be pressured into taking it out if you find it too expensive or you are confident you will not need it.

What Things Should I Watch Out For?

Check the terms carefully if there's a possibility you may want to repay early. Many lenders will charge you most of the interest that you would have paid during the full-term.

Some loans are restricted to particular uses such as home improvements.

Some lenders may require you open a current account with them if you are not already an existing banking customer. Although payment protection insurance is usually optional in some cases the loan provider may insist you take this out.

Watch out for personal loan lenders trying to persuade you to add to your loan half way through its term.

Try to be realistic about the repayment period. Is it appropriate? Do you want to be paying off a holiday for the next ten years?

Note that the cheapest deals may be for customers with the best credit or for large sums only. Always shop around to get the best rates and obtain several quotes.

Can I Settle Before The End Of My Repayment Term?

You can usually pay off a personal loan before the end of the term but check what charges are made if you decide to pay off the loan early.

Often there will be a charge equal to at least part of the interest you would have paid had you kept the loan for its full term.

How Do I Work Out The Charges On A Personal Loan?

What you pay for a personal loan is usually expressed via an APR - Annual Percentage Rate. However note that different lenders calculate their APR differently. An APR takes into account the interest you pay and when and how you pay it.

APRs show the cost of borrowing on a standard basis so you can compare one APR with another. Basically, a loan with a lower APR should be cheaper than a loan with a higher APR.

The APR does not always take into account though charges you might have to pay such as arrangement fees, any insurance, early repayment fees etc. So you need to add those up separately to compare your costs. Use the APR as a starting point to compare loans. The APR is a result of a complex calculation and not clearly defined. There is no substitute for an estimate of how much you actually pay back. Total Amount Repayable (TAR) offers more of an accurate figure of how much you pay back.

What Are The Risks With A Personal Loan?

They can be expensive and they lack flexibility. The main risk is though is that you cannot keep up the loan repayments.

Some personal loans are also secured - usually against your home. This means that, if you do not keep up the payments, the lender can sell your home to recover the loan.

Most personal loans are unsecured but if you do not keep up the payments the lender can take you to court. The court may then order you to pay off the loan in instalments but you could be forced to sell your possessions to recover the loan. This may affect your ability to take out a loan again by running up a bad credit rating. You will probably find it hard to borrow elsewhere once court proceeding are brought against you.

What Are The Main Advantages Of An Unsecured Personal Loan?

Easy To Arrange

If you have a bank account your bank will normally give you one instantly.

Simple Repayment Schedule

A fixed schedule enables you to budget easily and your debt will be paid off within a set time so no confusion there.

Good Rates

Many lenders currently offer very competitive interest rates.

Good Alternative

Personal loans for many are a good alternative to credit cards and overdrafts.

Lump Sum

You walk away instantly with a large lump sum which you can spend on your home, holidays, a new car etc.

Confidence

You should be fairly confident you can repay if you have a steady income. Staggered payments make it easy and you can always take out protection insurance if you are worried about this.

So It's OK To Take A Personal Loan?

Of course it is. Personal loans can be a sensible way to borrow a substantial sum. Some lenders may also allow you to defer your first monthly payment for up to three months.

Where Can I Get A Personal Loan?

Most people arrange a personal loan with their bank or building society although other banks and financial institutions also offer personal loans. A personal loan can also be arranged with a retailer when you are buying a substantial item such as a kitchen or a car.

In fact, the variety of lenders offering personal loans has never been greater. There are around 70 different types of personal loan lenders. Even your supermarket will offer you one.

Is The High Street The Best Place For A Personal Loan?

It may be the most convenient but be warned the high street may not be the cheapest place for a personal loan. High street banks and building societies are the traditional way of taking out a personal loan in the UK and offer comfort and familiarity and you can probably expect good levels of customer service.

What Are The Other Alternatives?

Supermarkets, shops and Post Offices are increasingly offering good deals amongst a range of financial services. Again these business's locations offer convenience but they may also tempt you with some real bargains.

Where Are The Best Personal Loan Deals?

Online banks have the lower overheads so they usually charge less for personal loans. In fact, most of the lowest loan rates around are from online banks. As well as banking online, you'll also be able to phone the loan company if you have problems or need advice. Another advantage is that you do not have to be in the UK to manage your loan. Read Review Centre reviews and follow links for online loan providers recommended by consumers.

What Are Borrowing And Lending Exchanges?

Borrowing and lending exchanges are co-operative which offer low cost personal loans.

They can do this because their costs are low compared to high street banks. People lend and borrow from one another directly and enter into a legally binding contract. The lending exchange manages the collection of repayments and uses exactly the same sort of recovery processes as the high street banks. Amounts borrowed or loaned are spread between over 50 plus borrowers and lenders to further reduce any risk of losses.

Lease vs Buy

Why not Both?

Do you think is better to lease a car or just buy one?

The question of whether to lease or buy your next car can always be a little tricky. Of course, most experts on the subject will advise you that it depends on your financial circumstances and goals, and to “run the numbers” with a Lease vs. Buy Calculator, suggestions that you should definitely heed. But here’s a slightly different spin on the matter, a little something extra that you may want to add to the mix.
If your main purpose in leasing is to drive a new or nearly-new car year after year, then this probably won’t apply to you. But if you’re looking to own a somewhat more expensive car than you might normally be able to purchase, consider this: because of the general oversupply of cars of all kinds, from all manufacturers, it’s likely that rebates and discounts will continue to be offered for the foreseeable future. And although sticker prices continue to rise (just like prices on everything else), carmakers are offering lease deals that can’t be beaten. At the end of the lease the company financing the transaction will likely sell the vehicle on the open market if you don’t purchase it. However, it will probably sell at a loss to the company because they’ve initially inflated the car’s residual value (the amount that the car is worth at the end of the lease) unrealistically. So instead of someone else getting a great deal, why not buy the car yourself and transfer their loss into your bank account as money saved?
Lease deals usually reflect discounts by being “subsidized”. To do this, at the beginning of the lease the financing company increases the estimated residual value of the car. Calculating lease payments using a higher residual value makes the lease price more attractive than those of competitors, thus lowering the monthly lease payment.
Because of the abundance of cars available, and due to the fact that labor contracts are a huge expense for car manufacturers in the U.S., it is imperative for the car industry that they move vehicles. Increasing residual value to lower lease costs is a strategy that’s been used for years to lease (or “sell”) more cars, and it’s likely to continue. However, the market value of the off-lease vehicle has almost always been less than the contracted residual value and the vehicle was sold in the wholesale market, many times at a loss of several thousand dollars. A number of major lease financiers, including Chrysler, some New York banks, and others have each lost several million dollars in recent years due to this fact.
The labor contracts of automakers include major financial benefits, health and welfare compensation, and pension obligations for current and retired employees. Added to that is the fact that there are many more manufacturing plants worldwide that are making cars. And if China’s automobile industry enters the U.S. market in the near future, (as has been proposed) with a vehicle built using Chinese wages, the situation is likely to only get worse. At least, for the automakers; this continued trend is an advantage to the car-buying public. The glut of new cars will likely persist and subsidized leases will continue to be offered for the next few years at least.
So if you want to ultimately own your dream car, minimize its cost by leasing it first. Let the finance companies subsidize your monthly payment. Several months before the lease is up, check the used car lots and find out what your car is being offered for. Then at lease end, buy the car and save yourself several thousand dollars.

Download Music The Newest One

The latest Program for download music and movies and all that P2P stuff.




FrostWire

Features:

	Completely Free & open-source		Firewall-to-firewall transfers		Turbo-Charged Download Speeds
	Absolutely NO Spyware or Adware		Connects to more sources		Creative Commons license support
	Max. speed network connections		Junk Result Filters		Community Chat Rooms
	iTunes Integration		BitTorrent Support		Proxy Support

Animal Shelter

Click Any Of the Pictures For a like to locate Animal Shelters Neer You!!!

New Idea for a TV show based

off of Prison Brake ( The Pound Brake )

Animal Shelters
Approximately 8-12 million companion animals enter animal shelters nationwide every year and approximately 5-9 million are euthanized (60% of dogs and 70% of cats). Shelter intakes are about evenly divided between those relinquished by owners and those picked up by animal control. These are national estimates; the percentage of euthanasia may vary from state to state.
Less than two percent of cats and only 15-20% of dogs are returned to their owners. Most of these were identified with tags, tattoos or microchips.
25% of dogs that enter local shelters are purebred.
Only 10% of the animals received by shelters have been spayed or neutered. 75% of owned pets are neutered.

Pet Overpopulation
The average number of litters a fertile cat produces is one to two a year; average number of kittens in litters is 4-6.
The average number of litters a fertile dog produces is one a year; average number of puppies is 4-6.
It is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the US; estimates for cats alone range up to 70 million.
Owned cats and dogs generally live longer, healthier lives than strays.
Many strays are lost pets that were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification.

Pet Ownership
About 60% of all households in the United States have a pet.+
About 60 million dogs and about 75 million cats are owned in the United States.++
About 65% of pet owners acquire their pets free or at low cost.
The majority of pets are obtained from acquaintances and family members. 15 - 20% of dogs are purchased from breeders, 10 - 20% of cats and dogs are adopted from shelters and rescues, and 2 - 10% are purchased from pet shops.+++
At least 20% of cats are acquired as strays.
Over 20% of people who leave dogs in shelters adopted them from a shelter.· The cost of spaying or neutering a pet is less than the cost of raising puppies or kittens for one year.
The average cost of basic food, supplies, medical care and training for a dog or cat is $400 to $700 annually.

Thanksgiving Recipes

• Mega Turkey
• Thanksgiving Cheese Ball
• Home-style Turkey
• Rosemary Roasted Turkey
• Perfect Turkey
• Gourmet Pumpkin Pie

Mega Turkey Recipe

• PREP TIME - 25 Min
• COOK TIME - 4 Hrs
• READY IN - 4 Hrs 25 Min
• SERVINGS & SCALING - Original recipe : 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (12 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 1/2 cups toasted bread cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 apples, cored and halved
• 2 cups apple juice

COOKING DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).


2. Gently loosen the turkey skin on the breast by sliding your hand between the skin and bird. Insert pieces of butter between the skin and breast.


3. In a medium bowl, toss together the celery, bread cubes, and onion. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stuff this mixture into the cavity of the turkey, and place the apple halves inside with it. Place the turkey into a roasting bag, and pour the apple juice over the inside and outside of the turkey. Close the bag, and place turkey into a large roasting pan breast side up.


4. Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours in the preheated oven, or until the internal temperature is 180 degrees F (85 degrees C) when measured in the meatiest part of the thigh. Open the bag, and remove turkey to a serving platter. Let stand for 20 minutes before carving.

Thanksgiving Cheese Ball

INGREDIENTS

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 tablespoon diced onion
• 1 tablespoon chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix together the cream cheese, pineapple, onion, bell pepper and seasoning salt.


2. Form into a ball and roll in chopped pecans. Chill and serve with butter crackers.

This variation on a classic appetizer, two bricks of cream cheese are transformed into a slightly sweet spread for crackers by the addition of pineapple, green pepper and spices.

Home-style Turkey, the Michigander Way

• PREP TIME -10 Min
• COOK TIME - 5 Hrs
• READY IN 5 Hrs 10 Min

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (12 pound) whole turkey
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons chicken bouillon
• 2 tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 2 tablespoons seasoning salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Rinse and wash turkey. Discard the giblets, or add to pan if they are anyone's favorites.


2. Place turkey in a Dutch oven or roasting pan. Separate the skin over the breast to make little pockets. Put 3 tablespoons of the butter on both sides between the skin and breast meat. This makes for very juicy breast meat.


3. In a medium bowl, combine the water with the bouillon. Sprinkle in the parsley and minced onion. Pour over the top of the turkey. Sprinkle seasoning salt over the turkey.


4. Cover with foil, and bake in the preheated oven 3 1/2 to 4 hours, until the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C). For the last 45 minutes or so, remove the foil so the turkey will brown nicely.
   

Rosemary Roasted Turkey

• PREP TIME - 25 Min
• COOK TIME - 4 Hrs
• READY IN - 4 Hrs 45 Min

"This recipe makes your turkey moist and full of flavor. You can also use this recipe for Cornish game hens, chicken breasts or roasting chicken. Select a turkey sized according to the amount of people you will be serving."

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt to taste
  
• 1 (12 pound) whole turkey

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).


2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, rosemary, basil, Italian seasoning, black pepper and salt. Set aside.


3. Wash the turkey inside and out; pat dry. Remove any large fat deposits. Loosen the skin from the breast. This is done by slowly working your fingers between the breast and the skin. Work it loose to the end of the drumstick, being careful not to tear the skin.


4. Using your hand, spread a generous amount of the rosemary mixture under the breast skin and down the thigh and leg. Rub the remainder of the rosemary mixture over the outside of the breast. Use toothpicks to seal skin over any exposed breast meat.


5. Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven 3 to 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the bird reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).
   

Perfect Turkey

"A perfectly seasoned and juicy turkey. My friend from France taught me to cook turkey like this, but she never measures anything so use your own judgment for vegetable amounts, etc. I usually err on the side of 'more is better'!"

• PREP TIME - 30 Min
• COOK TIME - 4 Hrs
• READY IN - 17 Hrs
• SERVINGS & SCALING - Original recipe yield: 1 (18 pound) turkey

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 2 cups kosher salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 stalks celery, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cup dry white wine

DIRECTIONS

1. Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt. Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.


2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.


3. Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.


4. Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Gourmet Pumpkin Pie

• PREP TIME - 10 Min
• COOK TIME - 55 Min
• READY IN - 1 Hr 5 Min
• SERVINGS & SCALING - Original recipe yield: 1 -9 inch pie

INGREDIENTS

• 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch single crust pie
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 3 2/3 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).


2. When making your favorite pastry for pie shells add 1/4 cup of the finely chopped pecans to the flour before mixing.


3. Blend the egg, pumpkin and condensed milk. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie shell.


4. Combine the brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans, butter and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle streusel mixture on top of pumpkin mixture.


5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 50 to 55 minutes or until a knife inserted in near the center comes out clean. Let pie cool before serving.