The Associated Press is reporting on the continuing grim outlook for the economy in the U.S., highlighting the reluctance of consumer to spend any spare cash the more fortunate ones may have.

Kasey Doshier, a graphic designer in Chicago, said the recession taught her to rein in her spending. The key moment came early last year, when her employer cut her pay 15 percent to avoid layoffs.

“I just lived paycheck to paycheck and had a good time,” said Doshier, 32. “It’s kind of scary to think that I am a paycheck away from being homeless.” [Read more →]

From section: News by Sean Curnyn
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The first rule of gun safety is “never point your gun in an unsafe direction.” And yes, that does and should include leaving it lying on a seat pointing in your direction, loaded or not.

So, we have just another dog-shoots-man story, from New Zealand, as reported [Read more →]

From section: News by Sean Curnyn
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From the indispensable book How to Raise a Dog in the city and in the Suburbsby Dr. James R. Kinney with Ann Honeycutt (illustrated by James Thurber, 1953 edition):

IF YOUR DOG HAS A FIT ON THE STREET

If your dog has a fit on the street, throw a coat over him and get him into a doorway, into a small shop or house, or into a taxi, if that is possible, and just sit there with him until the fit subsides. But get him off the street. [Read more →]

From section: Care and Health by Sean Curnyn
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The story is from Pennsylvania and WPTZ: Dog Left In Hot Car Honks For Help.

[Owner Donna] Gardner said she took [11 year-old labrador] Max with her when she ran an errand, but forgot the dog was still in the car when she returned home. [Read more →]

From section: News by Sean Curnyn
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These recalls always expand, right?

Previously mentioned was a recall affecting Pro-Pet Adult Daily Vitamins, certain lots of which were apparently contaminated with salmonella. [Read more →]

From section: News by Sean Curnyn
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