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Solo practitioners who became veterinarians to provide friendly, community-based service now must answer to bean counters at headquarters. By  Jim Hightower  | October 20, 2021 Question: What does a packet of M&M’s and your local veterinarian have in common? Answer: Both are owned by Mars Inc., the global candy monopolist. Since the 1980s, we’ve seen massive consolidations in industry after industry — from airlines to newspapers, the internet to candy. These monopolists run roughshod over consumers, workers, communities, suppliers, and our nation’s commitment to the common good. And now the corporate attitude seems to be, “why not let monopolization go to the dogs?” That’s right — they’re coming for your local vet. This change has been led by private equity groups. They are corporate-takeover sharks that borrow billions of dollars to buy out, plunder, then sell off the remnants of established businesses. They target enterprises that can be grabbed on the cheap but have ass...

Many homeowners decide to remodel their bathrooms every year. Do you want to be one of them? Other homeowners wish to update their bathrooms but never do so. Distrust is one of the reasons. Like you, many homeowners ponder if remodeling their bathrooms will be beneficial. The final decision is yours, but you will find that remodeling your bathroom has many advantages. One of the numerous advantages of upgrading a bath room is an increase in property value. This is a significant but sometimes overlooked feature of bath room remodeling. Many homeowners are unaware that upgrading their bathrooms can boost their home's worth. While most bathroom remodels boost property value, not all do. The value gain, if any, will depend on the type and quality of bath room remodeling done. That's why you might want to hire an expert to redesign your bathroom. Another motivation to redesign your bathroom is what a bath room remodeling project can accomplish for you. If you are considering remodel...

It used to be the first choice of most borrowers, since the total payments were spread over a longer period of time. The interest rate is set for the entire period of time of the mortgage. 30-Year Home Loan rates are an industry standard. But is it the right Option for you? Today this is the first choice of most home owners. If you have the willpower to invest the savings from your monthly payments, a 30-year mortgage might still be a good option. Especially if you can find an investment whose long term payments equals or exceeds what you would save on a 15-year mortgage. Another matter to consider is how fast you want to build equity in your home. 30-year mortgage loan rates take longer to generate equity. As we mentioned, the lining of a 30-year home loan is the lower monthly payments. This attraction is tempered by the fact that it pays thousands of additional dollars in interest. But, your interest is 100% tax deductible, which reduces your after-tax cost. It offer you flexibilit...

  Tips to feed squirrels and birds to create harmony in your backyard (Family Features) Countless backyards are battlegrounds between die-hard homeowners and squirrels fighting over bird feed. Squirrels need not be an inevitable element of bird feeding; even though keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is an age-old problem, there are ways to thwart these thieves. One common tactic is stocking feeders with seed squirrels dislike, such as safflower, nyjer, white proso millet and seed infused with capsaicin, a compound derived from hot peppers that makes mammals’ tongues smart. An option like Cole’s Hot Meats features nutritious sunflower meats infused with fiery habanero chili peppers. They’re a no waste, no mess feed, birds enjoy but squirrels’ dislike. Some people find squirrels adorable, fascinating to watch and have nothing against them, even allowing them to share seed with birds. The real problem begins when squirrels take their share and then some. To combat this,...

  (Family Features)  When most people think about air quality, they’re typically thinking about outdoor pollution. However, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air inside your home can be as polluted, or even more so, than the air outside. The concentrations of some indoor pollutants can be as much as 2-5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. This is partly due to increasingly energy-efficient home construction and the growing use of synthetic materials in furnishings and interior finishes. The air inside your home also contains pollutants from everyday activities like cooking, bathing and cleaning. A family of four can produce the equivalent of 22-30 pounds of moisture per day from normal activities, according to the Institute of Specialist Surveyors and Engineers, while household cleaners and products like paint, upholstery, carpeting and plastics can release chemicals containing volatile organic compounds. Pets and dust mites als...

  (Family Features) Modernizing critical rooms like kitchens and bathrooms is a popular goal of house renovations. Modernizing your spaces isn’t just about the aesthetic, although that is a major advantage, especially when it comes to resale value. Updating your kitchen and bath is also an opportunity to introduce new technology and enhancements that improve the function of these high-traffic rooms. Modern styles simplify everyday living and can make contemporary entertaining more enjoyable. The sleek lines of modern design lend themselves to a clean look, which is supported by hidden features that make organization easier. Smart Technology Although the idea of a connected home isn’t new, technology is steadily improving. This means smart features are now often more affordable, easily integrated into the rest of your home and available to help manage a wider range of household items. In the kitchen, you can add smart technology in numerous ways, from appliances and c...

  (Family Features) Now that you have closed on your first house, you are officially a homeowner. But, before you get comfy in your new place, you need to move in. If you have never moved into a new house, there are things you may not be aware of. As you make plans to move into a house for the first time, consider these tips as you begin to get settled. Have the House Cleaned You have two options: either roll up your sleeves and do a complete top-to-bottom cleaning before moving in or hire a cleaning service. While both options work, one will save you money and the other will save you time. Tackle Any Small Projects If you already know you want to make some changes, it’s best to do that before you move your things in. Your home inspector can go over your entire house and suggest possible renovations and improvement projects. Meet Your Neighbors Even if you’ve never taken the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors before, you’ll likely want to get to know the fol...

(Family Features) In the after-effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, work lacks and accessibility to certain materials affects many sectors, including remodeling. Also, after added time at home and hold-ups caused by the pandemic, certainly there is higher demand for home renovation projects.  If you’re intending a house remodel or building forecast, look at these ideas from professional remodelers to prevent disappointment and make sure your dream comes to lifespan.  Perform Investigation and Planning Ahead  Mapping out your project very early and thoroughly can assist you prevent problems. This is actually essential when it comes to materials, stated John Brown of Bliffert Lumber and Equipment.  “The quicker a house owner make selections, the quicker our experts can get it on order and also get it in,” Bliffert claimed.  Some professionals contractors are in fact readjusting the way they move toward intending to balance out hold-ups. For example, choosing products...

  (Family Features) There’s no better time than the present to upgrade your house with space-saving door hardware. Swapping out traditional swinging doors for smooth-gliding, wall-mounted sliding door hardware can add up to 14 square feet of floor space, which leaves more room for spreading out toys and games while giving a spacious feel to nearly any room in your house. Making the switch also allows for more flexibility in furniture arrangements, which means even the smallest nook in your house could turn into a cozy space. An option like Johnson’s 2610SC Soft-Close Wall Mount Sliding Door Hardware can be used with virtually any metal or wood door from 1-1 3/4 inches thick, up to 60 inches wide and weighing up to 165 pounds. The wall mount includes hardware that gently slows the door’s travel speed to softly pull it into the fully open or closed position. It works like a cabinet door closer, enabling doors to open and close quietly and securely. The hardware also pre...

(Family Features) Whether you're a fashion stylist who selects each garment or laid-back type who can rock the first outfit you find each morning, the closet serves as an inspiration. Turning a drab closet into a truly eye-catching room necessitates some forethought and DIY ingenuity. Make a plan. Your ideas are the starting point for designing the ideal closet space. Consider the specifics, such as how you want the space to look and the amount and type of storage you require. Consider everything, from the colors and finishes to the overall shape. Concentrate on utility. After you've imagined your ideal closet, compare it to the space you have available and adjust your plans to fit your footprint and budget. This step allows you to get creative with ways to maximize your space and use every available inch to create a closet that provides you with the functionality and aesthetic you want. Maintain order. A beautiful closet won't mean as much to you if it isn't functional...

  (Family Features)  When arranging a potential home redesigning project, the rundown of choices to make may feel almost perpetual. At last, you might track down the main choice is picking a dependable group of experts to follow through with the task. For instance, a professional association such as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) assists homeowners in locating skilled, professional remodelers and contractors. These seven ideas might assist you in navigating the selection process and making an informed decision that meets your needs. 1. Investigate Locally Local remodelers have a vested interest in providing high-quality work that satisfies their consumers in order to maintain a viable business. That is why word-of-mouth referrals can be very beneficial in locating nearby possibilities. Inquire of neighboring family, friends, neighbors, and business colleagues about finished projects and the pros they engaged. Additional resources could include conta...

  (Family Features)  Your home is a mirror of who you are, and the decor should reflect that. With a few simple home improvements, you can create the ideal interior for you and your family, regardless of how your design preferences evolve over time. “When we’re designing our ideal home, too often we may only think about what we want others to see and enjoy when they visit,” said Jack Goldman, president and CEO of the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA). “The reality is visitors account for less than 1% of your in-home time.” Consider these ideas to get started: Add a Fresh Coat of Paint One of the easiest home improvement projects, a fresh coat of paint can change the entire look of a room. Whether you choose to paint the entire space one new color, opt for an accent wall in a vibrant shade or simply freshen up the trim, paint can go a long way toward adding visual appeal and reflecting your personality. Patterned wallpaper, board and batten, stone and tile ...

The pH miracle diet is a new way of looking at how you eat. By targeting each food, beverage, supplement and additive by its acidic or alkaline signature a balance can be negotiated. Our body functions according to the pH scale, which operates on a range of 1 to 14. A range of 1 on this scale denotes a high level of acid, while a range of 14 indicates that there is a high concentration of alkaline present. A range of 7 on the pH scale represents neutrality in pH. Blood in the human bloodstream is regulated at the level of 7.35, which is slightly alkaline. The pH miracle diet advocates keeping food intake in the body in line with this optimal level. The method of implementation is quite simple: by coordinating a structured eating plan around a comprehensive list of foods and supplements, an effective strategy for reducing the body's acidity can be created.  Alkaline intake will counteract this stored acidity as it is metabolized and neutralized at its source. With balance as the ben...

The pH diet emphasizes a balanced diet. By reducing acidic foods and increasing alkaline foods, one can achieve optimal health. Sugar is a significant factor in the fight against acidic pH levels. Sugar is a pandemic in today's world. The average American consumes between 2 and 3 pounds of sugar per week, which equates to more than 135 pounds per person per year. This alarming figure is attributed to sugar's widespread popularity as an additive. Sugar is present in everything, albeit in a variety of forms. Sucrose, dextrose, and high fructose corn syrup are present in every processed food and condiment. Due to their widespread acceptance as a "necessary evil," these highly refined sweeteners leave a bitter taste in the mouths of those beginning the pH diet. Sugar's radical effect on insulin levels leaves the body defenseless against the damage. When insulin levels fall, the release of growth hormone also decreases. These growth hormones suppress the immune system,...

  (Family Features) You don’t have to be a design expert to create an inviting living space, but with some simple tricks, you can create a home that looks like it’s been styled by a pro. One way to make a room feel more inviting and comfortable is identifying a focal point to anchor the decor and create a natural, beautiful flow. Without a focal point, a space can feel awkward and disjointed. These inspirational ideas for using focal points in three popular living spaces can add comfort and beauty that makes you feel right at home. Kitchen As the heart of the home, the kitchen deserves special attention to make it a welcoming space where you can enjoy spending time. Depending on your design, you’ll discover there are numerous ways to incorporate a focal point in a kitchen, whether it’s bold cabinetry, an island featuring a natural stone countertop or stand-out appliances that make a statement. The wall space is also a smart place to draw visual attention. An accent wall is...

Onе оf thе mоѕt іmроrtаnt principles іn thе alkaline diet іѕ thе concept оf cleansing уоur bоdу оf thе acidic materials thаt аrе built uр wіthіn. Thе alkaline diet іѕ a cleansing diet. It performs a cleansing оf thе bоdу аnd іtѕ tissues аnd organs. Thіѕ cleansing іѕ аlmоѕt lіkе setting thе “restart” button оn уоur bоdу. Anу conditions уоu hаvе developed frоm improper diet аnd lifestyle wіll start tо dissipate. Cleansing diets lіkе thе alkaline diet wіll help gіvе уоur bоdу thе nutritional support іt nееdѕ tо function аt аn optimum level.  Tо understand whаt a cleansing diet іѕ уоu nееd tо understand hоw thе bоdу cleanses іtѕеlf. Thе bоdу rids іtѕеlf оf harmful elements thrоugh thе colon, ѕkіn, lungs аnd bladder. Thе liver, kidneys аnd lymalkalineatic system аll assist wіth thіѕ cleansing. Thе liver іѕ thе organ іn thе bоdу thаt іѕ рrіmаrіlу responsible fоr bоdу detoxification. Whеn thе liver іѕ nоt functioning рrореrlу іt саnnоt change toxins lіkе alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, pesti...