From the moment we wake to the moment we fall asleep at night, our ears and brains are required to deal with a multitude of low frequency sounds that drain the brain of energy and cause stress. Low frequency noises include the ever-present hum of household appliances, the drone of the computer and fluorescent lights, and the din of traffic, large machinery, aircraft, and other everyday technologies. According to a January 2007 Consumer Reports: On Health article titled ?Shhh! Everyday noise can be harmful,? stress and lack of energy are only two of the negative effects that everyday noises can have on our bodies. In addition, everyday noises have been shown to contribute to sleep problems, lack of motivation, lower efficiency levels, decreased creativity, poor mood, and increased heart attack risk.

Counteracting the Negative Effects of Everyday Noises

Noise may not be the sole cause of the stress and other health issues we experience, but it is most certainly one source. The good news is that we can reduce, and even reverse, the negative effects that noise has on our brains and bodies through regular exposure to the higher frequency sounds found in nature.

Spending a day, or even part of a day, in nature provides our bodies and brains with a much needed relief from stress. Unfortunately, going out to nature on a daily basis is not always an option, so bringing nature sounds into your home is the practical solution. Listening to sound machines and audio recordings that feature babbling brooks, ocean waves, rain showers, bird songs, and other natural sounds is one option. These items are plentiful and easy to find at many retailers. However, home water fountains and waterfalls are often a preferred source for nature sounds because they offer a multi-sensory stress-relieving experience that sound machines and audio recordings are unable to provide.

The Benefits of Water Fountains and Waterfalls

Water fountains and waterfalls ? which come in tabletop, wall mounted, and free standing varieties ? bring the soothing sounds of flowing water into the home, but they also bring a visual element. Not only are water fountains and waterfalls beautifully designed and able to complement just about any existing home d?cor, the water itself lends another dimension of stress relief to the equation. Watching the dance and trickle of water as it flows across rocks, down textured surfaces, and into a basin at the bottom enhances our auditory experience. When we listen to sound machines or audio recordings of nature sounds, we may feel the need to close our eyes to block out visual distractions around us that take our minds away from the goal of relaxation. In contrast, the visual attributes of water fountains and waterfalls bring us closer to that goal by giving us something beautiful and elemental to focus on with our eyes as we listen with our ears.

In addition, the water that flows in a water fountain or waterfall never sounds exactly the same from one moment to the next. This dynamic quality keeps our listening experience from growing monotonous or predictable, which can easily happen if we listen to sound machines or audio recordings regularly. We can also choose to dramatically change the ?song? of the water in our water fountain or waterfall simply by rearranging rocks or other features in the basin or by adding a new element ? such as a seashell, leaf, or small piece of wood ? along the water?s path. We can even place our own fingers in the water?s flow to change the sound of the water as it moves feeling the water stream across our skin would bring yet another sensory element to our experience.

The Soothing Nature of Water

Because water is an integral part of our world and our bodies, it has an innate ability to soothe. We are instinctively drawn to the sound of water, and we are mesmerized by its gentle flow. Spending time near water ? listening, watching, touching ? allows us to breathe more slowly and to break the cycle of stress we experience each day. Bringing a water fountain or waterfall into our home environment, whether it is a small tabletop version or a larger wall mounted or free standing version, gives us the luxury of regular access to real water, as opposed to pre-recorded water sounds. Water fountains and waterfalls provide us with a multi-sensory relaxation experience that may not only lower our stress levels, but improve our sleep and our moods, increase our motivation and efficiency, and even lower our risk for heart attack.

Trey Collier is owner of BackyardCity.com - Where North America shops for Outdoor Living essentials, including beautiful home water fountains and waterfalls.

Before you run out and buy one at the nearest fish store, there are a few things you need to do first. If you want your Koi to grow large enough to be impressive, you need a large outdoor pond. If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to look into building one and making sure that there is adequate filtration to keep your Koi happy and healthy. Make sure your Koi pond has hiding spots for your new Koi so they can avoid potential predators like Great Blue Herons and other predatory birds who fish. Other predators they will need protection from may include raccoons, snakes and kingfishers. You will also need to make sure your pond is safe from water runoff that may contain insecticides and herbicides. As your experience grows, you will learn to routinely test your water for chemical composition, since fish and food waste can convert to ammonia and other chemicals that are harmful to your Koi.

While your pond is being built and being readied for fish, learn about what Koi need to survive. Koi are known for their longevity. Are you prepared to care for these beautiful carp for 20 years or more? Yes, you read that right. Unlike most tropical fish in an aquarium, your Koi will live a long time, and may even outlive you in some circumstances! In 1965, a very large Koi was examined by a Japanese professor and was declared to be 215 years old, according to a study of its scales under a light microscope. Before you buy Koi, you need to know they require the right kind of high protein food. Feeding time is usually the Koi fancier’s favorite time of day. Koi will learn to come up and eat from your hand. They may also do acrobatics and create a small feeding frenzy that can be very entertaining. Koi are able to taste, hear and smell quite well. They even blush when they are stressed, so they have a way of communicating with you when something is wrong.

Koi can not only make an interesting and unique pet, they can become a profitable hobby if you have the room. With enough space, Koi breed easily and those with good markings can bring in a pretty penny. There are many pattern classifications to describe these colorful fish and it can be lots of fun trying to identify the patterns your fish have. For serious hobbyists, there are shows where your brightly decorated carp can compete with others.

For most Koi enthusiasts, however it is enough to enjoy the capers of these smart, attractive fish and spoil their favorites with treats like watermelon rinds and spinach. Watching fish swim can actually help relieve everyday stress and strain. You’ll soon find that koi are addictive and you’ll look forward to your time out by the pond relaxing while you watch these captivating fish.

For more interesting information about Koi and where you can buy Koi online visit this website - http://www.live-koifish.com

Do You Need a Home Water Purifier?

The first question to ask when considering a residential water purifier is whether you even need one. If you have a municipal water source then your water is already treated. But many people don?t want to drink the chlorine or other additives that city?s use to treat water supplies. And there have been many instances when city water supplies have become contaminated despite treatment procedures.

If you feel secure about your city water supply and enjoy the taste of chlorinated water, then you may not need a purifier. If you?re not sure what?s in your water, you can ask to see a water quality report that all cities are required to provide.

Although well water isn?t treated, it comes from an underground source that can often be cleaner than municipal water. But if you live in areas with farming, manufacturing, and other industries that may inadvertently or purposely dump chemicals into the water table, your water is at risk.

Additionally, well water may contain sediments, such as iron, that can cause discoloration and odor. These sediments can also build up in dishwashers and other appliances and cause malfunctions. Many home water filters and purifiers can help improve the taste and quality of well water. To find out what type of impurities are in your well water, purchase a home testing kit or for more reliable results, have your water professionally tested.

What Contaminants Do You Want To Target?

If you?ve decided you need a home water purifier, the next step is to decide what type of contaminants you want to filter out or protect against. Are you concerned about bacteria and other microorganisms? Do you want to remove chemicals and compounds such as chlorine? Maybe you know your water contains sediments and high mineral content. Or perhaps like many people, you?re concerned about all of these things and you want a comprehensive home water purifier/filtration system.

Bacteria and microorganisms

If bacteria and other organisms are your targets, then you want to consider home water purifiers that use UV technology. Of the three most common water purification technologies, UV is the only one that effectively immobilizes bacteria. However, it does not remove sediments, chemicals and other contaminants.

Chemicals and sediments

Home water purifiers that use either carbon filters or reverse osmosis technology will remove suspended solids such as sediments, dissolved chemicals, and many other contaminants. Of the two, reverse osmosis is effective on a wider range of contaminants. However, neither of these technologies is effective at removing bacteria.

For a comprehensive home water purification system, it is important to combine UV technology with one of the other options. A carbon pre-filer is the most common choice. It?s also critical that you change your home water filters regularly and follow manufacturers? maintenance schedules. If you don't routinely change the filters on your home water filters and water purifiers, you could wind up creating an even bigger problem with bacteria than the one you may be trying to avoid in the first place.

Where Will You Put Your Home Water Purifier?

Where you want to locate the filter/purification system can also influence your decision. Faucet mount and countertop water filters typically only come in carbon filter technology. You can usually find both carbon filters and reverse osmosis water filters in under sink systems. And both reverse osmosis and UV technologies come in whole house systems. Each of these can also be fitted with a carbon pre-filter for comprehensive treatment.

If your only concern is your drinking water, then you may prefer one of the many countertop or under sink water filters. They are less expensive than whole house systems, ranging from about $20 to $30 for a countertop pitcher or faucet filter to around $200 or $300 for an under the sink model. The under sink water purifiers are capable of processing water much more quickly, and the filters tend to last longer.

If you want to treat your bathing water and keep sediments and bacteria from building up in your appliances, then you will need to consider a whole house system. They start at around $400 for basic models and can cost upwards of $1000 for high-end systems. In the end, your budget may be the ultimate factor in your decision.

Installation and Maintenance

One final aspect to consider when choosing between different home water filters and purification systems is whether or not you want to install and maintain it yourself. Faucet mounts and countertop models basically require no or minimal installation. And the only maintenance is changing the filters, which is a simple process.

Depending on your mechanical aptitude, under sink models and whole house water purifiers may require professional installation and maintenance. Some companies require that their technicians perform all the work. The companies say this is to avoid mistakes and improper setup. Others say it is simply another means of charging more money.

But for those who don?t want to deal with the fuss and possible mess, a service plan may be well worth the extra money. In addition, a service plan often covers the equipment if it malfunctions or breaks down.

There are several factors to consider when choosing between the various types and styles of home water filters and water purifiers. The best place to start is with an analysis of your water. Different water purifier technologies target different types of contaminants, and a water test will help you determine which technology will meet your needs. Considering how much we depend on clean water for drinking, cooking, bathing and other daily activities, a home water purifier can be an inexpensive way to provide safe and healthy tap water for you and your family.

About the Author:
C.J. Gustafson is a successful writer for Water-Filters-N-Purifiers.com, providing consumer information onwater purifiers. She uses a system employingwhole house water filters to remove iron and other contaminants from her well water. Her gifts ofcounter top water filters have been greatly appreciated by family and friends.

Large-scale epidemiological studies and clinical trials suggest that people at risk for coronary heart disease benefit from consuming omega-3 fatty acids from plants and marine sources. The Inuit Eskimos inhabit the Arctic regions of Alaska, Greenland, and the Canadian Northwest Territories and Nunavut. They traditionally consume large amounts of fish, whale and seal. Several researchers have attributed this diet to their lower rates of heart disease. Japan boasts a robust number of centenarians. Many of the most celebrated centenarians are from Okinawa. This island's legendary longevity has been partly attributed to the local diet and lifestyle. And the diet is rich is fish. Fish contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Several scientific studies have confirmed that consumption of fish and fish oil supplements can reduce death from heart disease. In the April 10, 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, investigators from the Harvard School of Public Health reported that women who consumed more fish and fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) significantly reduced their risk of heart disease. In this study, among 85,000 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study, those who ate fish 2 to 4 times per week reduced their risk of heart disease by 30%, compared to women who rarely ate fish. Similarly, in a study published in the April 11, 2002 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, investigators from Massachusetts General Hospital reported that healthy men in the Physicians' Health Study who consumed omega-3 fatty acids had a significantly reduced risk of sudden death. And finally, investigators from Italy reported in Circulation that consuming 1 gram per day of omega-3 fatty acid supplements resulted in a significantly reduced risk of sudden death among survivors of heart attacks. Over 7000 reports, including nearly 900 human clinical trials have since been published on the study of fish oil and omega 3 fatty acids. And the research suggests that CHD mortality decreases by 14.6% for every 100 mg/day intake of EPA and DHA, reaching a plateau of 36% at about 250 mg/day.

The health benefits of eating fish are mainly due to their high content of omega 3 fatty acids. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in two kinds of omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). A third kind, alpha-linolenic acid, is less potent. It comes from plant sources: soybeans, canola, walnut and flaxseed and oils made from their beans, nuts and seeds. Since 2000, the American Heart Association?s dietary guidelines have recommended that healthy adults eat at least two servings of fish per week.

The mechanism by which omega-3 fatty acids reduce CVD risk is multifactorial. Research has shown that they decrease the risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, slightly lower blood pressure and stabilize the blood clotting mechanisms. They also positively affect arterial endothelial function.

?I like to fish. Fishing is always a way of relaxing.? Actor Tom Felton. Eating fish has other benefits too. Fish consumption may also help asthma and certain cancers. Omega-3 oils play an important part in the development of our brains. Sea food contains an abundance of essential minerals - iron, zinc, iodine and selenium. Fish is a good source of vitamins helping to maintain healthy nerve tissues, strong bones and teeth and a glowing complexion. Fish is a low fat food and a good source of protein, essential for the healthy growth and maintenance of muscles and body tissues. Shellfish such as oysters have a reputation for acting as an aphrodisiac!

?Give a man a fish, and he can eat for a day. But teach a man how to fish, and he'll be dead of mercury poisoning inside of three years.? - Charles Haas. However, recent concerns of mercury and environmental toxins have clouded fish oil's potential clinical benefits. The FDA warns that mackeral king, shark, swordfish and tilefish from the gulf of Mexico, have the highest mercury content. These should be avoided. However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. The risk for most people is miniscule. However, pregnant women have to be careful. The FDA last year said that pregnant women should not eat some kinds of fish - king mackerel being one of them - because of the risk of mercury toxicity to the fetus. If you take fish oil capsules, remember, do not exceed 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. High intakes could cause excessive bleeding in some people.

?Ann, Ann! Come! quick as you can! There's a fish that talks in the frying-pan.? Walter de la Mare. Fish is readily available and can be eaten raw or cooked. Fish can be cooked in many ways. The usual ways include boiling, broiling, baking, frying and steaming. Fish can also be stewed. An old Polish proverb advises, ? Fish, to taste right, must swim three times -in water, in butter, and in wine.” Sounds yummy! So lets eat fish, at least twice a week. Your heart will be happy. And there is an abundance of it. As William Camden said, ?The sea hath fish for every man. ?

Dr. Shashi K. Agarwal is a Board Certified Internist and Cardiologist with a private practice in New York City and New Jersey. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Holistic Medicine and the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.

OK, you’ve bought all of the right equipment and brought it home. Now what? The first step is to pick a suitable location for your new aquarium. There are a few general guidelines to follow here. The aquarium should be in a room with a stable year round room temperature. Don’t place it near heater vents or radiators or an air conditioning unit; you want to keep the aquarium temperature as consistent as possible. Don’t place it in direct sunlight or it will quickly grow huge amounts of algae which, although not harmful to the fish (some fish and crustaceans enjoy dining on algae) it can be unsightly and difficult to control. You’ll want to place it in a room that has frequent human traffic, not only so you can show it off but so that the fish will become used to people. If the aquarium is tucked away in your bedroom or study where you only visit infrequently, the fish will become sensitive to movement and will hide whenever anyone enters the room, and what good is that? Lastly, make sure the floor can support the weight. If you’re not sure on this one, check the structure under the floor to make sure. If you don’t check, don’t say I didn’t tell you so.

Basic Assembly

One of the first things you’ll want to do is a visual inspection of the tank. Inspect all of the seams to make sure there are no breaks or imperfections in the sealant that joins the glass panels of your tank. If there are, they are easier to fix now then after you’ve filled the tank with water. Tanks are checked for leakage by the manufacturer, but it’s never a bad idea to do your own test and fill the tank with tap water and let it sit for an hour or so before your final setup. Of course, you’ll have to empty it before you install the filters, gravel, etc.

Now, with your tank empty, place the under gravel filter in the bottom of the tank and attach the riser tube. The riser tube should reach nearly the top of your tank but needs to allow enough room for the pump head so that it doesn’t protrude above the top of the tank. This tube is easily shortened with a sharp knife or razor. Obviously use caution when cutting the riser tube to the proper length. Once this is done, thoroughly rinse the substrate material (crushed coral or dolomite) with fresh water to remove any residual dust. The easiest way to do this is to pour the substrate into a clean bucket (one that has never been used with cleaning materials) and to run water into the bucket, stirring the substrate vigorously until the water overflowing from the bucket runs clear. Then, evenly distribute the substrate across the top of the under gravel filter. You can attach the pump head to the riser tube now or you can wait until the tank has been filled. I usually wait until the tank has been filled nearly full before adding the remaining equipment (mechanical filter, heater, etc.) since they only get in the way.

Water Preparation

Water preparation for you salt water aquarium is simply mixing the needed amount of de-chlorinated tap water with the appropriate amount of synthetic salt mix from your local pet shop. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for whichever salt you chose. The specific gravity of your mixture should be between 1.0220 and 1.0275. Use a hydrometer to get an accurate measurement. Now, begin filling the tank with your prepared salt water solution. You can place a plastic bowl in the bottom of the aquarium and pour the salt water into it to avoid excessive splashing and disruption of your gravel. Fill the tank until it is about 3 inches from the top. Now is the time to add your remaining equipment including the mechanical filter, heater, pump head (unless you’ve already attached it,) and any other accessories and decorations you plan to add to your tank.

Finishing Your Setup

Assemble the mechanical filter according to the instructions that should be included with it. Attach it to the back of the tank in an appropriate location. You will normally need to fill the filter reservoir with water before it will function. Install the tank heater per the manufacturer’s instructions. Ideal temperature for a marine aquarium is between 70-73 degrees Fahrenheit. Install any remaining equipment or accessories that you have for your tank. Plug in the pump head and mechanical filters and ensure that they are functioning properly. Plug in the heater and adjust to the appropriate temperature. Fill the tank to the desired level, usually about 1 1/2 inches from the top. Install the tank hood or cover and lighting. You will now want to let the tank run for at least 24 hours to ensure all equipment is functioning and there are no leaks. During this time you will want to verify the specific gravity (salt content) of the water and adjust as needed, as well as adjusting the heater to achieve the desired temperature. Remember, water temp changes very slowly, so wait at least several hours before each adjustment.

That’s it! Once the salinity and temperature have stabilized to the desired levels you’re ready to consider adding some animals to the tank to begin the conditioning process.

Jon Stepp is the author and owner of SaltWaterFishFacts.com. Visit my site to learn more about setting up a Saltwater Aquarium.

When you set up a planted tank there are many things to consider, such as which plants to pick, which lights and how much, and of course the substrate. For today lets focus on the substrate since it’s the foundation of your tank. If you are like most people, you go to the pet store and buy their overpriced bags of colored gravel. You end with an empty wallet and up wondering why your plants won’t grow properly.

The only thing from the typical pet store you are going to need for this is box of laterite. Laterite is a clay like substance that contains iron, which plant roots need to grow properly. A typical box for a 40+ gallon aquarium will probably run you about twenty dollars. Next go to a hardware store like Orchard Supply or Home Depot and take a look at their sands and gravels. Typically you can find a 50lb bag for around five dollars. Personally I prefer to have a nice texture to my gravel so it looks natural. I usually buy a second bag of a larger size that I will mix in.

Make sure to completely rinse the laterite and other substrates in buckets before putting them into the tank. The laterite is tough to get clean so do the best you can. When you are ready, lay the laterite down first evenly or more concentrated where you think you might have more plants. Next, if you chose 2 or more other components, mix them together until you create a texture that looks good to you. Place the mixed substrate over the laterite, completely covering it.

For most tanks, I’d say 2-3 inches is fine for substrate depth. When filling the tank with water, pour slowly and carefully or you will stir up dust and powder from the laterite. Also be careful if you only used sand with your laterite. Sand is fine but sometimes it (and this is rare) can compact and create toxic bubbles of bacteria. When it’s mixed with something else it’s more unlikely this is going to happen. A good burrowing fish can also prevent this too, much like earthworms churn soil. Your gravel should have a nice rich, natural look and be ready for plants….good luck.

For more great tips on maintaining a healthy aquarium click here now!

Like most famous tailwater fishing rivers, the Dream Stream gets a lot of pressure from fly fisherman. It's not uncommon on weekends for parking lots to be filled, and every bend of the first two miles of the river having a fly fisherman in it…all in search of those trophy fish for which this section of water is reknowned.

As a spin fisherman, its intimidating to read the reports on the Dream Stream. All they usually talk about are these tiny little flies that the super educated trout “microscope over” before biting. While spin fishing its impossible to delicately present a tiny fly with a drag free drift using a clear bubble. Your standard trout spinners and spoons will produce results from time to time, but for the most part these big P.H.D. carrying trout will pass them up. So do you need to pick up a fly rod and learn how to use it in order to catch fish out of the Dream Stream? Of course not! With the method I'm about to tell you about, there will be many times you will be catching fish and leaving the fly fisherman next to you astonished and bewildered.

Most of us have heard the phrase “match the hatch” while either learning how to fly fish or just reading through fishing magazines. It's simply matching your fly pattern to the insects the fish are currently feeding on. It's a time proven fishing method that can really put you onto countless fish in a single outing. However, sometimes hatches are so prolific that artificial flies get lost in swarms of emerging insects and getting bites can be very difficult at best.

Sometimes during these hatches, trout feed exclusively on that particular insect, ignoring all other aquatic life forms and any terrestrials that might fall into the water. Situations like these are what fly fisherman dream of, and why so many of us have picked up the sport. Having your fly rod and a fly pattern that matches the emerging insect can't be beat at times like these.

Do trout feed in between hatches? The answer is yes, and heavily. A common misconception is that trout feed exclusively on small flying insects. A big portion of a trout's diet is indeed on small insects that are in different stages of their life cycle, but trout are also opportunistic feeders with hearty appetites that make crayfish, smaller trout, grasshoppers, and even field mice the meal of choice. Another myth among anglers is that trout are finicky eaters that only eat certain flying insects. Trout, like most game fish are opportunistic feeders that find it hard to pass up an easy meal, or for that matter a big meal that's rich in protein.

So how do spin fisherman take advantage of all the information stated above? We “Crash The Hatch” instead of relying on weather conditions for certain hatches to take place and trigger a feeding frenzy. We are going to use the aggressive and territorial nature of big tailwater trout to our advantage. Not only relying on hunger for strikes but also anger and territorial responses that will put fish on the end of your line.

While Crashing the Hatch, two different types of fishing lures are vital to success. The first is minnow imitation jerk baits such as floating Rapalas or Smithwick Rattlin Rouge Shallow Diver. A few other fishing lures to consider are the Storm Thunder Stick, Bomber Long A, Rebel Minnow, and Yo-zuri Crystal Minnow. I generally look for fishing lures with a tight wobble that run at a depth between 1 and 3 feet of water. Most of the lure companies have the running depth printed on the box, but if not, you can always tell by the size of the plastic lip on the front of the lure. The bigger the lip the deeper the fishing lure will dive. Between the different companies, there are hundreds of different finishes, and all have certain situations in which they will shine. For the Dream Stream stick with natural colors like a rainbow trout finish or a silver minnow finish.

The next type of fishing lure we are going to discuss has been highly under utilized by trout fisherman for years. The tube jig!!! Bass anglers have been successfully using tube jigs in clear water for years. Tube jigs are extremely versatile fishing lures that produce when nothing else will. Some of the most productive tubes include Berkley Power Tube, Chompers Ultra Tube, Strike King Bleeding Bait Tube, Yum Wounded Mega Tube, and Zoom's Big Tube, to name a few. Color schemes are endless, but the colors that produce the best results are white with black flakes, black, and pumpkinseed. Some people prefer to Texas rig their tubes with an offset hook, but for fishing the Dream Stream the hooks made specifically for using tube jigs are much more practical. With the weight hidden inside the tube and the eyelet of the hook barely showing it makes for a more natural presentation.

Before we get down to the nitty gritty of fishing the Dream Stream, lets cover an invaluable tool for stream fishermen. Polarized glasses are a must for river fishermen in Colorado. They not only protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, but will help you see fish that otherwise would go unnoticed. Although they can be pricey, a good pair of polarized lenses will, without a doubt, will help you catch more fish. I never fish a river or stream without my polarized glasses and after using them for the first time, I strongly doubt you will either.

When using spinning gear on the Dream Stream, there are a few different types of structure that will produce the best results. The Dream Stream, from the dam below Spinney Mountain Reservoir to the bridge close to Eleven Mile Reservoir has a great number of deep pools usually located on one of the many river bends. The bottom of these deep holes often has big boulders which are perfect ambush points for the resident population of big rainbow trout, cuttbows, and brown trout. Targeting these boulders, cast your tube jig a few feet past them and start with a slow retrieve with pauses just before and after rocks. Many of your strikes are going to be on the initial drop of your jig, so be ready!

Another great location for spin fishing on the Dream Stream is right below the makeshift dams made out of boulders located all up and down the dream stream. Casting a minnow type jerkbait across these area's with a jerk, jerk, pause retrieve will without a doubt stir up some reaction strikes.

With your polarized glasses, sight fishing on the Dream Stream can be unreal at times. Look for fish sitting in shallow rocky bottomed water gorging themselves on bugs being washed down by the current. The strategy here is not to provoke a strike out of hunger, but from anger. These fish are very territorial when it comes to feeding lanes, and bigger fish defend their feeding lanes violently. Cast your jerk bait just past the feeding fish, bringing the lure past him with a steady retrieve. Now stop your lure six inches to a foot in front of the feeding fish, letting the resistance of the current give your lure its swimming action. If you don't receive a strike right away, stay persistent. After a few casts, the fish's territorial instincts will kick in and it will strike to protect its feeding lane.

A couple things to consider while fishing the Dream Stream. Fish here can run anywhere from 10 inches to well over 10 pounds!!! Make sure you have a smooth drag thats set properly before taking even one cast. Every cast is a possible trophy when fishing this section of water. Watching a 10 pound plus rainbow trout snap your line due to an improperly set drag will surely turn your Dream Stream experience into a nightmare.

The water running through the Dream Steam is extremely clear. Smaller diameter fishing lines are a must if monofilament is your preference. If you like using super fishing lines such as Spectra Power Pro or Stren Super Braid, make sure you attach an invisible fluorocarbon leader. I personally use P-line's Fluoroclear in 8 pound test. It's a fluorocarbon coated copolymer which has great strength and is virtually invisible underwater.

This section of the South Platte River that runs between Spinney Mountain Reservoir and Elevenmile Reservoir is filled with trophy trout and serious fishermen. It fishes well year round and is considered by many to be the best trophy trout destination in the state. With the “flies and lures only” restriction and being a “catch and release” water it's perfectly managed to insure trophy trout opportunities for generations to come. A beautiful winding river filled with monster trout and a gorgeous mountain back drop, this section of the South Platte River has certainly earned its nickname the “Dream Stream.”

Eric Allee is a phenomenally successful fisherman in Colorado. He has a website dedicated to helping anyone catch more and bigger fish.

http://www.fishinsecrets.com

There are 4 different kinds of aquarium setups that may require different kinds of aquarium lighting:

• Freshwater - fish only.
• Freshwater - fish and plants.
• Salt water ? fish only.
• Saltwater ? fish and corals.

The most light-sensitive aquarium set up is the aquarium with saltwater fish and corals.Corals are categorized as animals, not plants, and therefore they are feeding from the light. So the proper aquarium lighting is very crucial and will make the difference between growing beautiful and lustrous corals and having them die in your reef tank.

Light is very important for all forms of life. It is no different for all the different forms of life in your aquarium. Corals and fresh water plants are especially in need of proper light conditions.

When growing corals, it is of great importance to change light bulbs regularly. To have proper aquarium lighting, it is recommended to change light bulbs about every 8 months. It may at times not be so apparent to you, but you need to keep in mind that corals are highly sensitive to light.

Today there is an extensive variety of aquarium lighting available. So if you are owning a reef tank for example, you do have to be especially careful to provide the right lighting to have success in growing corals. Corals are strongly photosynthesizing which means they are using light as energy and if there is not enough energy (light) provided, corals will not grow and can even die.

Aquarium lighting is provided by short and long wavelength, blue and yellow light.You need a smaller amount of short wavelength light (actinic) and a larger amount of long wave light (yellow), depending on the type of aquarium life you are trying to promote.

The amount of light that you need does not necessarily depend on how big your aquarium is, but on how many corals you have got to feed daily.

When you use aquarium lighting you want to mimic the natural light. This means you need to have at least 8 to 10 hours of light provided to keep your aquarium with fish and plants healthy.

A timer will help you here to keep up with the light automatically. With the aid of a timer you can enjoy your aquarium without having to keep up with the on and off switching of your aquarium light.

But you do need to keep up with the changing out of light bulbs about every 8 months and you need to do it regularly.

A freshwater aquarium also needs proper aquarium lighting. For most of the freshwater tanks, fluorescent light bulbs are common. The strength of your fluorescent light bulb will depend again on how many freshwater plants you want to grow. Here, too, it may depend on how many plants you are growing in your tank.

Just like there are corals that need more light than others, there are also fresh water plants that may require more light than others. Your aquarium lighting may often be the reason why you are not able to grow healthy plants. So to keep your aquarium looking great and have beautiful growths of plants or corals make aquarium lighting an important priority!

Proper aquarium lighting is also important for all your fish and any other aquatic animal, and if you don't know the type of light they need, check with your pet store or aquarium store to find out what is optimal for them.

Aeration and filter material is another important subject that you need to learn about if you want to have success with your aquarium and if you want to keep your tropical and salt water fish healthy. You have invited them into your home now it is your responsibility to keep them healthy and happy.

For more insights and additional information about Aquarium Lighting please visit our web site at http://www.fish-tank-aquarium.com

Fish tank maintenance is an essential part of your new hobby as an aquarist, and neglecting this will lead to problems with both the fish tank and the long-term health of the fish. Fish tank maintenance can sometimes seem like a bother for the aquarium owner but it doesn't have to be that way. Perform your fish tank maintenance on a regular schedule and you?ll ensure that you never miss out on what needs to be done.

Maintenance

Now that you have learned about establishing a fish tank and you understand the cycling process, you will better understand the process of maintenance and cleaning. If your tank contains too many fish there will be excessive waste, food particles, and chemicals in the water, making maintenance difficult and the tank unhealthy. Set up your tank with a manageable number of fish and develop a schedule for carrying out regular aquarium maintenance tasks and it will make your hobby more enjoyable. Arrange the fish tank so that future tank maintenance tasks remain as easy and efficient as possible.

Cleaning

Your maintenance and cleaning schedule should not take very long to keep your aquarium sparkling and healthy. Cleaning your fish tank not only helps with the appearance of the tank by removing algae but can also prolong the life of your fish, as no pet can live in an unhealthy environment. Algae can be removed from the tank glass with an algae magnet or scraper. Remember to regularly remove any dead leaves from live plants. Do not overfeed your fish as this will cause excess waste in the water which will settle at the bottom of the tank and need to be removed.

Filter Maintenance

Aquarium maintenance must include regular cleaning of the filtration system as well as the interior of the tank. Cleaning the filter is usually a monthly task. This involves removing the filter medium and cleaning it under running water. When the filter medium becomes too worn it will need to be replaced. Remember, however, that the filtration system also contains ?good bacteria? which aids in the breaking down of ammonia and balancing the nitrites in the tank, so rinse the filter quickly to remove large particles but do not be over-zealous in your cleaning.

Once you have your fish tank setup and cycling correctly, you need to set a schedule for cleaning that is strictly followed. Fish tank maintenance is an important aspect of your setup and it is necessary to integrate this into your overall scheme.

Some aquarium owners perform too much fish tank maintenance. Ideally you want the fish tank to become a self-sustaining system and not one where you are burdened with fish tank maintenance all the time. Establish a regular schedule for cleaning and maintenance every two to three weeks and your fish should remain healthy and happy and your aquarium should sparkle.

Alison Stevens is an online author and maintains The Goldfish Site to assist anyone who wants to get started with setting up an aquarium fish tank and gain an understanding of fish tank maintenance.

?Richard M. DeVos

This is the story of two fishermen, Frank and Joe.

Frank loves fishing. He goes fishing every day. He?s always trying new fishing spots. Sometimes he catches a lot of fish and sometimes he catches none. But that doesn?t really bother him he just gets up the next morning and goes fishing again. He reads books and magazine articles about fishing, and hires a fishing guide.

Frank invests in new lures and fishing poles. He even tried fishing with a net, then with a spear. Sometimes he uses a fly and sometimes live bait. Sometimes he fishes in a lake and sometimes in a stream. He?s even tried the ocean.

Sometimes Frank wonders if he isn?t wasting his time and money trying to catch these crazy fish. But most of the time he enjoys it.

If the fish he catches is too small, he throws it back and rebaits his hook. If the fish is the right size, he takes it home, and cooks a delicious meal. If he has more than he can eat, he puts them in a freezer.

Occasionally, he fishes all day in the cold rain and trudges home empty handed, feeling like he?ll never catch another fish.

Every now and then, Frank catches a whopper, and feels like he just won the lottery!

Frank finds that as time goes on, he gets better and better at fishing. He learns the techniques that suit him best, which lures work in which locations, the best time of day to catch each kind of fish, and which spots are best in different kinds of weather.

He knows that he can never think that he?s found ?the secret? because the fishing is always changing. Fishing holes that were great a year ago are now dried up. Rivers where he couldn?t catch a cold before, are now full of fish.

Interestingly, every time Frank goes fishing, he meets other fishermen, who are only too happy to share fishing stories and to tell him what techniques and locations have?or have not? been working for them.

But most of all, he just keeps fishing every day.

Now let?s meet Joe. He isn?t at all sure that he likes fishing. He wishes someone else would catch the fish and just let him cook and eat the fish, which is, he explains, what he is trained to do. He doesn?t feel he should have to fish.

When someone proposes fishing, Joe wants to know how much it costs to go fishing and if he will be guaranteed to catch fish that day.

If he does go fishing, he doesn?t bother to learn anything about it. He rents a pole and some lures, making sure he gets the cheapest ones possible.

He goes to the nearest body of water, because he can save money by walking there instead of driving. He casts his line in the water a few times and ? when he doesn?t catch any fish ?drops his pole in disgust and declares ?Fishing doesn?t work!?

He does this once a year.

A fishing guide offers to take Joe to the best spots and teach him what he knows about fishing, but Joe turns down the guide because he?s too expensive and he won?t guarantee how many fish Joe will catch.

The guide does offer one guarantee to Joe, however: ?I guarantee that if you don?t go fishing, you won?t catch any fish.?

In your opinion, who will catch more fish, Frank or Joe?

When it comes to marketing your services, are you Frank or Joe?

Are you simply interested in cooking and eating the fish, but not interested in investing the time and money that is required to ensure a steady supply of fish?

You don?t have to be a marketing wizard. You don?t have to have all the tools, all the knowledge, all the methods, all the experience, all the personnel and all the expertise. You don?t have to do anything, except one thing: You have to be committed to catching fish.

Try, Try Again

?Nothing in the world can take the place of perseverance. Talent will not nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.?

? Calvin Coolidge

The secret to successful marketing is the same as the secret to success in all other areas of life?persistence.

Or, to quote Woody Allen, ?Ninety percent of success in life consists of showing up.?

With a few exceptions, people fail for one simple reason: They give up. They are not really committed. They give it a half-hearted try, willing to ?accept? huge success as long as they don?t have to work too hard, or spend too much money or accept any disappointments.

Imagine an actor who doesn?t commit to his craft, doesn?t spend any money on lessons, doesn?t rehearse or train, doesn?t invest in make-up or costumes, doesn?t do any research on what roles are being cast or what the name of the show is. Now imagine this actor goes to a couple of open auditions to Broadway shows, and is disappointed not to be offered the leading role immediately, and decides to stop going to auditions.

Now imagine another aspiring actor. He reads the trade magazines. He circles all the auditions that might want someone like him. He prepares material that is similar to that of the show being cast. He shows up on time, dressed like a professional. When he?s turned down, he smiles and thanks the casting director for the opportunity to try out.

He does this once a week, every week, forever. He?s losing money. He has to work nights as a waiter. He has to invest in his wardrobe and his acting lessons and in a printed resum? and photo card. But he keeps going and he keeps getting rejected.

What do you think? Who will succeed? Our second actor might or might not succeed. But my guess is that eventually he?ll get a couple of call-backs. Then he?ll get a role. Then, depending on his talent, his continued hard work and luck, maybe he?ll get to be a star.

There?s no guarantee?except the guarantee that applies to the first actor: He?s guaranteed to fail. He?s given up. He?s not even showing up. That?s just how it works with marketing. I have seen it over and over again. If you market consistently, you will succeed and you stand a good chance of succeeding spectacularly. If you don?t, well, you can sit home and wait to win the lottery.

A Long and Winding Road

Can you succeed by working hard for 40 years and building your network, your reputation and your referrals? Yes, but you can fail that way too. At best, it?s going to be a long hard slogging.

In my job, I come into contact with thousands of attorneys each year, and what I see is always the same. The ones who market consistently get the clients and the revenue. The ones who don?t, don?t.

You must be committed, not just interested. You must be willing to accept disappointment. But in the big picture, you will succeed.

Think about friendship. If you go out into the world with a consistently friendly attitude, you?ll be disappointed a fair amount of the time. You?ll meet people who mistake your friendliness for gullibility and seek to take advantage. You?ll meet people who reject your friendliness because they are angry, or disappointed in their own lives, or bitter. You?ll meet people who don?t like your looks or your accent. You?ll meet people whom you don?t want to have anything to do with. But over the course of a year, if you go about your business with a consistently friendly attitude, I guarantee you?ll have made a many new friends, as well as friendly acquaintances, and you?ll feel great about yourself and the world.

But if you ask me, ?If I go to this party tonight, and I?m friendly, can you guarantee I?ll make 20 friends?? Or, ?If I?m friendly to Joe, can you promise he?ll like me?? The answer is no. I can?t guarantee any individual transaction. I can only guarantee that in the long run, you?ll have lots more friends than someone who doesn?t try.

Marketing is just like that.

The military theorist Carl von Clausewitz said, ?In war, planning is essential, but all plans are useless.? This is equally true in marketing. You have to have a good idea of what you?re trying to accomplish and how you plan to get there. But it almost never turns out the way you planned. When you market consistently, money comes to you. Not, perhaps, in the way you planned. Often, in some very strange chain of circumstances that took place only because you were out there marketing. You ?showed up.?

?They who lack talent expect things to happen without effort. They ascribe failure to a lack of inspiration or ability, or to misfortune, rather than to insufficient application. At the core of every true talent, there is an awareness of the difficulties inherent in any achievement, and the confidence that by persistence and patience something worthwhile will be realized. Thus talent is a species of vigor.?

?Eric Hoffer

For more information on Mark Merenda or more marketing for attorney articles and information you can visit the Smart Marketing Web Site: http://www.smartmarketingnow.com

Mark Merenda is the founder of Smart Marketing of Naples, FL. He can be contacted at: 239.403.7755. Read his blog (featuring information for marketing for attorneys) at http://www.smartblog.typepad.com.