mr.d

junk - Nothing like having a backup plan !!

How to Light a Campfire Without a Match No matches? No problem. Using some items you may already have at your campsite, like a soda can and some chocolate, you can get a fire going. Just be sure you

Raccoons showing signs of canine distemper in Blair Co. ALTOONA, Pa., SEPTEMBER 7, 2015--------- Some strange behavior coming from some wildlife in the area has wildlife experts reminding people to stay alert. The Department of Natural Resources said around this time of year, raccoons get a disease that looks a lot like rabies, but often it is an illness called distemper. Experts said a raccoon with distemper is often times easy to spot.

Campfire biscuit s'mores take your s'more experience to the next level TODAY FOOD AND WINE, SEPTEMBER 1,2015----Whether you're camping in the woods or in your backyard around the fire pit, nothing caps off a summer night like s'mores. Try these biscuit campfire s'mores from Food & Wine for a hearty, upgraded s'more experience. SEE VIDEO; http://www.today.com/food/campfire-biscuit-smores-take-your-smore-experience-next-level-t41696

Lettuce is the first food grown in space August 10, 2015, 1:48 PM| ------For the first time astronauts have grown food in space. The experiment was designed to examine the viability of growing food for long-term missions. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood talks about space history with CBSN. SEE VIDEO; http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/lettuce-is-the-first-food-grown-in-space/

There is always the exception (me)

5 indoor houseplants you can't kill (unless you try really, really hard) TODAY HOME, AUG.7, 2015-------Houseplants are making a comeback. Adorning your home with ferns, figs and other plants used to trigger memories of going to grandma's house, but now it's rolling back around as a major trend. For those who weren't born with a natural green thumb and are catching up on how to care for a plant, there's hope for you yet. amantha Okazaki / TODAY Eliza Blank, owner of the plant shop The Sill in New York City, is sharing five plants you'd have to work pretty hard to kill. Here are the details on each one. We promise you can handle this. Pothos plant Samantha Okazaki / TODAY This is a popular plant mainly because it's so easy to take care of, Blank told TODAY. Here's what you need to know: Sunlight: The Pothos can handle a wide range for lighting situations, from low light to bright light. Just keep it out of the direct sun and it should be fine. Water: Give this bad boy four to six ounces of water once a week. Yes, only once a week. You can do it! Size: Young Pothos plants are about 6-inches tall, but it sure can grow. Without trimming, it can trail 10-feet long. Trim back as you see fit for your space. Find out more about Pothos plants here. Snake plant Samantha Okazaki / TODAY "This is the most indestructible house plant," Blank promised. It's thick, stores water, can stick in the same pot for years and it can thrive in dark corners. Give your confidence a boost with this one. Sunlight: Snake plants can tolerate any level of light, except intense, direct sunlight. There really is no excuse to not have this plant in every room of your home. Water: If you're not great at watering, this is the plant for you. It needs to be watered with four to six ounces of water once every 10 days during the spring, summer and fall, and only once a month during the winter. Size: While some varieties can reach up to 4-feet high, most will remain under 12-inches tall. Find out more about the Snake plant here. Ripple Peperomia Samantha Okazaki / TODAY If you buy this plant because "Peperomia" sounds like "pepperoni," we won't judge you. If you buy this plant because it's non-toxic for pets and has fun foliage, we'll respect you. Here's what you need to know about this beauty: Sunlight: The Ripple Peperomia thrives in medium-to-bright light and can even tolerate low light environments. Keep it away from intense, direct sunlight and it will be happy. Water: During the spring and summer months, water this plant as soon as the potting mix begins to dry out. You can test it by sticking a toothpick in the soil. If it's wet when you pull it out, hold off on adding more water. During the fall and winter, allow the soil to dry almost completely before watering. Size: This plant stays small, growing only to be about 8-inches tall. Bird's Nest fern Samantha Okazaki / TODAY Its flexible lighting conditions and periodical watering needs make this one a winner. Here's what to know for your Bird's Nest fern: Sunlight: While it's not suited for intense, direct sun, medium light will do just fine. Water: Give this plant four to six ounces of water once or twice a week. If it is sitting in an area with more sunlight, water twice a week. Less sunlight? Once will do. Size: The Bird's Nest fern can grow to be roughly 2-feet tall, so trim as needed. Find out more about the Bird's Nest fern here. ZZ plant Samantha Okazaki / TODAY Buy it because its name reminds you of ZZ Top. Keep it because it's so easy to care for. "You can literally stick this plant in a closet," Blank said. Low light? This plant can take it. Not a fan of watering? This plant doesn't care. Just follow these guidelines: Sunlight: Put your ZZ plant in low, medium or bright light and it will be just fine. Keep it out of intense, direct sunlight though. Water: You only need to water this plant once every two weeks. In fact, Blank even recommends erring on the side of dryness so you don't overwater it. Size: It's slow to grow, but the ZZ plant can reach 16 to 28 inches. SEE; http://www.today.com/home/5-indoor-houseplants-you-cannot-kill-t37256

Why is hogweed so dangerous? CBS NEWS, AUG. 5, 2015(CBS)------Though the giant hogweed plant looks appealing to the eye with a tall green stem and white flowers on top, it's not a plant you want to touch. Doing so could lead to serious health problems, including blindness. The plant was recently spotted in Calhoun County, Michigan, and authorities there are advising residents to take precautions. "Hogweed has a toxic compound in it that is sun sensitive," medical contributor Dr. Holly Phillips told CBS News. "So if you get the sap on your skin or in your eyes and are then exposed to light, it can cause very serious reactions." 8 Photos Giant hogweed: 8 facts you must know about the toxic plant Giant hogweed is a menacing plant that can burn, scar and blind you - and now it's spreading across New York. Here's what you need to know Though not as well known as poison ivy or poison oak, hogweed can be even more toxic. After touching hogweed, people can experience symptoms of severe burning and blistering on the skin, sometimes requiring a skin graft. If the sap gets into the eyes, it can cause long-term sunlight sensitivity and even blindness. Hogweed can grow to 14 feet or more. It has long green stems with small red or purple spots and a spray of white flowers up top. "It's actually very pretty to look at," Phillips said. In addition to the recent sighting in Michigan, giant hogweed has been found in New England, the Northwest, and the Mid-Atlantic region in the U.S. and is also very common in England. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, it grows along streams and rivers and in fields, forests, yards and roadsides. Though the plant prefers open areas with abundant sunlight and moist soil, it can grow in partially shaded areas, too. If you see a giant hogweed plant, don't touch it. But if you realize you've come in contact with the plant, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and stay out of the sun for 48 hours. If you notice any rashes or blistering, see your doctor as soon as possible. "There are medications, both creams and oral medications you can take to lessen your reactions," Phillips said. SEE VIDEO; http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-is-hogweed-so-dangerous/

Dog flu a growing concern STATE COLLEGE, Pa. , JULY 27, 2015-------- The worldwide outbreak of avian flu has raised questions and concerns about various animal-borne viruses and diseases. Those issues extend to questions about family pets, and as it turns out, there

Remedies to keep mosquitoes, other summer pests from biting TODAY HEALTH and WELLNESS, JULY 25, 2015------Summer is in full force, and that means more mosquitoes, ticks, and other creepy crawlies that bite, sting and suck. The great outdoors becomes, for many, one great big picnic

Bleach goes bad? When to toss out common household products TODAY HOME, JULY 16, 2015------Best-by dates on most food products make the decision to keep or pitch a no-brainer. And sometimes we don't even need dates: Milk smells funky? Bye! But other common household products aren't so easy. For instance, how long should you keep a disposable razor? Do pillows have a limited life? What about bleach? Does it go bad? Shutterstock Yes, thanks to a handy roundup from the folks at Mom.me, we know that even bleach

Recent pet deaths renew calls for regulation of pet grooming industry TODAY PETS and ANIMALS, JULY 10, 2015-----Allison Marks never thought she was putting her golden retriever in danger when she dropped him off for a recent grooming appointment. But when she called to check in, she was directed to an animal clinic. "I can't breathe. I feel like I lost my best friend," she told TODAY about her beloved pet, who likely died of heat stroke, according to a veterinarian New calls for regulation of pet grooming industry Play Video Colby's death, along with several recent others, have ignited calls for government regulation over the $6 billion pet grooming industry. In addition to Colby, who died after being dropped off at a Petco in Virginia, other deaths include a toy poodle in California and an Airedale terrier in New Jersey. At least three states

DIY ways to fight weeds and more answers to your gardening questions TODAY, JUNE 17, 2015------There are few things that gardeners can't bear to see upon revisiting a recently planted bed of flowers: an invasion of weeds, or even worse, the absence of beautiful petals. But frustration will soon be a thing of the past with these easy tips, guaranteed to help you repel those common gardening issues. Jamie Durie, horticulturist and host of "Outback Nation" visited TODAY Wednesday to tackle all of your growing concerns. How to keep animals from eating your garden Play Video Q: Can you suggest some natural solutions to fight weeds? Go organic if you can! Don't apply too many chemicals. Try the natural weed killer recipes below. Spray the mixture on your weeds and they should soon curl up and die. Recipe 1 Mix four cups of salt in one gallon of water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and use on weeds. Recipe 2 Mix equal parts of vinegar, cheap gin, lemon juice and water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and use on weeds. Q: What advice can you offer to deter animals without harming them? Look for plants that either discourage animals or taste bad to them. They'll be less likely to nibble next time. Fish fertilizer is another easy fix

31 Foods You Should Never Refrigerate By Sarah Lipoff You just hit the grocery store, and your fridge is overflowing. But do all those things actually belong in the refrigerator? The thing is, most fresh fruits and vegetables can survive without refrigeration

Dog That Had Mouth Taped Shut Making 'Miraculous Recovery' After Surgery Abused Dog With Muzzle Taped Shut to Get Surgery NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA, JUNE 3, 2015------A 15-month-old dog recently found with her muzzle taped shut in North Charleston, South Carolina, is making a "miraculous recovery" after surgery today, according to Charleston Animal Society. The Staffordshire terrier mix named Caitlyn was found last Wednesday morning on the porch of a local resident, who dialed 911 after seeing the pooch, said Aldwin Roman of Charleston Animal Society. Roman, who directs anti-cruelty outreach at the center, told ABC News today he was on the scene with police responding to the 911 call. "This is the most malicious case of animal abuse I have seen in my entire career," Roman wrote on Facebook. "To leave this dog in pain, unable to eat or drink and to now leave her in the position where her life is at stake because she may lose her tongue is heartbreaking." 'No Heat' Used in Grooming of Dog That Died at Virginia Store, Petco Says Dog Dies After Being Left in Petco Dryer, Owner Says Dog Seen Chasing After Pickup Truck That 'Abandoned' It Gets New, Loving Home Caitlyn's tongue was a solid black color, and her lip and mouth area was "cartoonishly swollen" because the electrical tape was wound so tightly, Dr. Lucy Fuller told ABC News today, adding that it appeared the muzzle had been taped on approximately 24 to 26 hours before. Fuller is Caitlyn's primary physician, and she directs veterinary care at Charleston Animal Society. WCIV PHOTO: Caitlyn recovering after having her mouth taped shut. "The electrical tape was so tight that it cut off blood flow to her nose," Fuller said. "And without blood, the tissue there didn't get enough oxygen. Those cells go into shock, so they slow down, stop and eventually die. We were hoping to treat her before the actual death of the cells." For the past week, Caitlyn has been receiving hyperbaric oxygen chamber treatment and laser treatments that promote healing by increasing oxygen in cells, Fuller said. Caitlyn also received cosmetic surgery today to fix the swollen folds on the side of her face, Fuller added. Thanks to the medical treatment, Caitlyn's prognosis now looks good, Charleston Animal Society spokesman Kay Hyman told ABC News. {C}WCIV{C} PHOTO: Caitlyn recovering after having her mouth taped shut. "She just came out of surgery, which took about two hours -- a little longer than expected -- but she's doing so well," Hyman said. "Even though her tongue now looks like a maple leaf, we don't think she'll lose any more of it. She's making a miraculous recovery, especially thinking about how far she's come in just a week." Caitlyn's apparent owner, William Dodson, was arrested by North Charleston police on Monday and is facing a charge of cruelty to animals, in addition to separate gun and drug charges, according to court records. {C}WCIV{C} PHOTO: William Leonard Dodson, 41, is pictured here in a booking photo. Dodson is currently in Charleston County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to booking records online. A clerk for Charleston County Court told ABC News today it's unclear whether Dodson has a lawyer. His next appearance in court is set for Oct. 9, according to court records online SEE VIDEO REPORT; http://abcnews.go.com/US/dog-mouth-taped-shut-making-miraculous-recovery-surgery/story?id=31499313

Pa. Senate advances 4 bills aimed at protecting animals HARRISBURG, Pa., JUNE 3, 2015 (AP) ------- Bills to restrict tethering of dogs and other animal protection measures are moving forward in the Pennsylvania Legislature. The state Senate on Wednesday voted for a bill that would prevent people from tethering their dogs in severe weather or when it would deprive them of food, water and shelter. They're also approving bills to prevent serious Dog Law violators from running kennels with another family member's name, to impose more serious penalties on people who harm animals in the context of domestic violence and to protect horses from cruelty. The proposals are now in front of the state House for its consideration. http://www.wjactv.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.pa/2942dd9b-www.wjactv.com.shtml#.VXA5V7B8OUm

Brakelights Yucca Brakelights

All Birds Banned From Fair Due To Flu Outbreak No birds will be allowed at the county fair this summer because of avian flu worries. CLEARFIELD,MAY 19, 2015(AP)------ - There are hundreds of animals each year at the Clearfield County Fair, but this year some of them have been banned after a major bird flu outbreak in the Midwest. This agricultural disaster is playing out in America's poultry farms. An outbreak of bird flu has killed or has forced farmers to destroy almost 37 million chickens and turkeys in 15 states. Iowa and Minnesota were hit the worst. Minnesota alone has lost an estimated $310 million in poultry production. Now, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is requesting no petting zoos or other displays with live poultry, saying the last outbreak in 1983 and 1984 resulted in the loss of $65 million worth of birds. Poultry usually shares a show barn with rabbits at the Clearfield County Fair, but not this year. "The rabbits will be there in themselves this year, but it's the state order," says Fair Board publicity and marketing director Brenda Morgan. The Department of Agriculture recently informed the State Association of County Fairs that no bird competitions will be allowed at any county fairs in 2015 or at the Pennsylvania Farm Show next january because of the risk of the avian flu known as H5N2. "I would rather see them alive and well and reproducing than put their health at risk to show them at the fair," says Morgan. According to a Biosecurity: Protecting Your Poultry worksheet provided to the fair by the state, recent outbreaks in Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas mean the bird flu threat is much closer to the east coast. "That's why the Department of Agriculture has put out this order that they not be exhibited, so that we can prevent it from spreading across Pennsylvania," says Morgan. "Because of the flu and stuff, I think that is a good reason not to have them," says Lori Coble from Philipsburg. And it's not just fairs. The bird flu could affect your wallet. Palumbo's Meat Market in DuBois says their suppliers will be okay with the supply of poultry, but expect a slightly higher price for chicken. Since there is an anticipated shortage of poultry, the store tells us the price of pork has risen with the higher demand. Meantime, fair visitors in August will have to make do. "There's lots of other stuff, the cows," says Coble. "I don't like to see them take it away, because the next year it'll be something else and something else," says Brad Billotte from Clearfield. "I know there some people that really look forward to seeing em and they will be disappointed but it's for the best interests of their health and their well-being," says Morgan. So what about the kids who were planning to show birds? The Department of Agriculture letter says Penn State Extension is now recommending they make posters or do birdless showmanship instead. SEE VIDEO; http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/all-birds-banned-from-fair-due-to-flu-outbreak/97732/uWdB59TFp0eyoyJpQRTP9Q

Shocked to hear about her passing. Prayers for family and friends.

What's that bug bite 1 of 25

Bigfoot Crossing: Strange Signs In PA Do you know of any unique signs in our region? We've been looking for them, and we tracked down the owner of one of the strangest signs you might ever see. CLEARFIELD, MAY 12,2015(AP)------- - One of the most unique signs in our region does more than warn of a Bigfoot crossing. The sign was dreamed up by Carol Turner and John Crissman. It brings a bit of life to Elliot's Park, along the banks of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield. John Crissman and many others say they've seen a real Bigfoot around here over the years. So when he built Elliot's Park for the community, he made it a kind of mascot, and got a costume. Eleven years ago, diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, he lost more than his jaw. Some kids were now afraid of him. Carol, his loving partner of 25 years, says he got something back when he found the costume. She says, "He just has a way about him with everybody, little kids, elderly, he knows how to talk to people and interact. He puts a Bigfoot costume on and it just elevates his likability." John says when he puts the mask on, he feels uninhibited. He loves taking pictures with families and talking about the park's namesake, his chocolate lab Elliot, who died during his recovery. He doesn't like to dwell on the tough times, his eight percent chance of survival, or what he used to look like. He says "Yeah, it's tough but you can't feel sorry. You just have to pull the bootstraps up, and go after it." Clearfield's Mayor, James Schell, says his story, and his spirit, has had an impact on the town. "John's gone through some tough medical times. He kinda threw himself into this. This park has become an attraction for this area and town. People visit. It's just one of those stories where one guy has truly made a big difference." As you near Elliot's Park in Clearfield, you'll see this Bigfoot crossing sign, asking you to slow down, and pay attention. If you're not careful, you might miss the town's secret hero. A man who has learned how to love each day as if it was his last. Visit Elliot's Park in Clearfield if you get the chance. Who knows? You might just see Bigfoot. You can share pictures of other interesting signs in the region on our WTAJ Facebook page. SEE VIDEO; http://www.wearecentralpa.com/story/d/story/bigfoot-crossing-strange-signs-in-pa/23695/UdAobkEvd0Gt00DnUPUSPQ

Had hummingbird buzzing around last night. Had hummingbird feeder out for over a week. Couple of days ago put Baltimore Oriole feeder and some orange slices out.

'Never give up hope': Louisiana dog, reported missing 3 years ago, found in Iowa TODAY PETS, APRIL 30, 2015 ---------A dog named Sam who went missing in Louisiana three years ago was found in Iowa this month, and reunited with his family with help from Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control. Courtesy of Greg BuelowRescued in Iowa, a 10-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Sam returned home to his family in Louisiana three years after he was reported missing. "This was such an uplifting experience for all of us at the shelter," Michelle Johnson, a Cedar Rapids animal-control programs specialist, told TODAY.com via email. "We all feel so good that we are able to make something special happen for a family and their dog. Sam is now home with a family that missed and loved him." Sam, a now-10-year-old Yorkshire terrier, was believed to be stolen from the front yard of the Lambert family's suburban New Orleans home. On April 14 this year, Sam turned up in "fair condition" at the Cedar Rapids shelter, according to a press release issued by the city. Weighing just 5

30 Spring Cleaning Hacks ----SEE VIDEO -- http://www.wtae.com/news/31718186

Kids plant milkweed to feed butterflies JOHNSTOWN, PA., APRIL 25, 2015-------Over two dozen kids and their parents met up with local organizations to plant milkweed in Johnstown's Stackhouse Park. Milkweed is the primary food source of the endangered monarch butterfly. The children got their hands dirty while learning about nature and the butterflies through various activities. Organizers said it a great activity to pass along the knowledge of nature to the next generation. One of the organizers, Leanna Bird, said, "A lot of us are educators and we work with the kids a lot in the classroom but to see them actually out in the park getting their hands dirty doing something good for the park, the environment and community that really makes my day." The different organizations have planted milkweed twice before in Stackhouse Park. In the future they hope to continue planting the butterfly food in other local parks. http://www.wjactv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/kids-plant-milkweed-feed-butterflies-5905.shtml?wap=0&