http://www.artipot.com/authors/631/janet-winter/ Latest articles by Janet Winter from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/444517/birding-binoculars-8-helpful-tips-before-you-buy.htm Bird watching can be one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences, but it can also be the most frustrating. The first challenge is to simply find the bird. Then, you must be able to follow its rapid movements through the trees or across a field. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:41:42 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/444517/birding-binoculars-8-helpful-tips-before-you-buy.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/362779/easy-ways-to-feed-and-attract-birds-this-summer.htm Feeding wild birds is easy and fun. It's educational, enjoyable, even mesmerizing, and there's the satisfaction of providing food and habitat for their well being. The best part is that it doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some simple ideas for enjoying wild birds this summer. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:47:33 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/362779/easy-ways-to-feed-and-attract-birds-this-summer.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/359324/top-ten-doggie-necessities-for-summer-hiking-and-camping.htm Summer is here and your dog wants to be outside running and playing. This is the perfect time to check out all of the many items that can make a hiking or camping trip with your dog lots of fun for everyone. Wed, 27 May 2009 23:01:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/359324/top-ten-doggie-necessities-for-summer-hiking-and-camping.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/325149/where-did-dog-breeds-come-from.htm One night many thousands of years ago, Og and his hunting buddies were sitting around a fire that illuminated a small spot in what must have been a huge, dark, and very scary world. As long as the fire burned, wolves, bears and saber-toothed tigers remained at bay. But Og noticed a small wolf hovering at the edge of the light. Fri, 10 Apr 2009 00:51:52 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/325149/where-did-dog-breeds-come-from.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/324298/homeless-birds-need-your-help.htm Displays of brighter colors and mating rituals haven't changed, but the search for a safe and proper nesting place is becoming more of a challenge. With the ever increasing loss of habit, as a result of man's desire to clear land for housing and industry, many birds that depend on tree cavities for nesting are now homeless. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 02:28:02 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/324298/homeless-birds-need-your-help.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/271928/bluebirds-and-robins-and-finches-oh-my.htm Do you have kids who are interested in science - especially with regard to birds in the wild? Are they curious to know more about the different species of birds that come to a feeder or other areas in the yard? If so, plan to participate in a free, educational activity that makes a difference! It's a fun activity for kids of all ages and an opportunity to get outside and... Fri, 23 Jan 2009 20:58:41 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/271928/bluebirds-and-robins-and-finches-oh-my.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/239336/seven-steps-to-a-pet-safe-holiday.htm The upcoming holidays can be a joyous time for your family, but they can be stressful and even dangerous for your dogs and cats. Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:51:36 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/239336/seven-steps-to-a-pet-safe-holiday.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/226997/winterize-your-wild-birds.htm There's a touch of fall in the air. The days are shorter and the nights cooler. For those living in places where the leaves put on a spectacular show of color, it's a sure sign that winter isn't far away. Wild birds are beginning to prepare for the harsh weather by 'winterizing' their bodies. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 08:41:56 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/226997/winterize-your-wild-birds.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/208824/5-unique-dog-beds-which-one-is-right.htm Observing how your dog sleeps will give you important clues to make the right decision when choosing a bed. Since dogs are creatures of habit and prefer to sleep in the same spot, this makes it even more important to choose the right bed to accommodate your dog's sleeping habits. Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:54:37 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/208824/5-unique-dog-beds-which-one-is-right.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/189608/four-simple-tips-for-a-successful-butterfly-garden.htm When going for a morning walk, there are many beautiful butterflies in the air and sunning on plants or flowers. Of course, the expectation is that these beautiful creatures will be in your yard, too. Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:37:25 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/189608/four-simple-tips-for-a-successful-butterfly-garden.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/176806/five-ideas-for-a-perfect-baby-gift.htm Whether someone you know is having a first baby or adding another to the family, there are certain gifts that are more appreciated than just another bib. Of course, babies do go through bibs at a record pace, so think about including one as part of your gift. Fri, 01 Aug 2008 19:04:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/176806/five-ideas-for-a-perfect-baby-gift.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/160828/water-is-a-bird-magnet.htm There is no better way to get birds flocking to your yard than a good source of fresh water. A bird's need for water through every season of the year is so strong that even species you never expected will be attracted to a strategically placed water source. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:48:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/160828/water-is-a-bird-magnet.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/156793/emergency-your-dog-is-overheated.htm Temperatures and activities that don't bother healthy humans can lead to spiraling temperatures in your pet that can result in heat exhaustion, followed by heatstroke, and ultimately, death. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:09:43 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/156793/emergency-your-dog-is-overheated.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/122720/seven-ways-to-endanger-your-dog-while-hiking.htm Hiking or camping with your dog can be a fun experience for both of you - unless your faithful friend disappears or is injured. Use common sense to plan ahead and avoid a calamity. Fri, 11 Apr 2008 23:08:18 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/122720/seven-ways-to-endanger-your-dog-while-hiking.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/74805/creative-ideas-for-celebrating-babys-first-christmas.htm Experiencing the joy of the season through the magical wonder in the eyes of an infant can be an exciting time for the whole family. But do any of us actually remember our first Christmas? Fri, 30 Nov 2007 02:39:46 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/74805/creative-ideas-for-celebrating-babys-first-christmas.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/74671/planning-your-wild-birds-winter-menu.htm Feeding wild birds in winter is an enjoyable past time, makes our feathered friends happy, and keeps them coming back to our feeders. So what should be on their menu to help them through the cold days of winter? Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:04:34 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/74671/planning-your-wild-birds-winter-menu.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/54114/do-electric-pet-fences-really-work.htm An electric pet fence may be the best solution for many situations. An invisible fence boundary can be installed practically anywhere - through hilly rocky terrain, wooded areas or even under water - all at a fraction of the cost of traditional fencing. Wed, 29 Aug 2007 22:42:38 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/54114/do-electric-pet-fences-really-work.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/46224/is-a-toy-dog-right-for-you.htm I'm not talking about something that requires batteries. No, I'm referring to the twenty-two breeds recognized by the AKC as being toy dog breeds - from Affenpinscher to Yorkshire Terrier. They make great human companions, adapt well to smaller spaces, they are generally good-natured and they're cute. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 23:00:06 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/46224/is-a-toy-dog-right-for-you.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/46043/how-to-plan-the-best-baby-shower-ever.htm Start with a fun theme and your creative mind will take off like a rocket. Soon you'll find yourself heading for a party store or surfing the Internet for invitations, party favors, decorations and clever games that support the theme. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 22:59:05 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/46043/how-to-plan-the-best-baby-shower-ever.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/39973/just-the-stats-maam.htm Did you know that as you surf the Web, you leave tracks? The sites you visit, the pages you view, the pages you leave from, even the browser you use - along with much more information - are saved every time you visit a Web site. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:41:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/39973/just-the-stats-maam.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/39327/return-of-the-ruby-throated-hummingbirds.htm If you've not done so already, it's time to clean out and refill your hummingbird feeders, because the Ruby-throated hummingbird - the king of nature's frequent flyers - is on its way back to the eastern U.S. Reportedly, they are about a week ahead of last year. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:37:03 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/39327/return-of-the-ruby-throated-hummingbirds.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/39323/babys-first-birthday-party-let-them-eat-cake.htm As the story is told, on my first birthday I saw the cake on the coffee table and took my first steps as a toddler to seize the prize. Photos show an adorable outfit with new white shoes and what started as a clean face all totally smeared with gooey pink icing. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:37:01 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/39323/babys-first-birthday-party-let-them-eat-cake.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/35362/dog-parks-unleashed-freedom-to-romp-and-play.htm Dogs love to be outdoors, but their energy and playfulness are significantly hampered when 'connected' to their owner by a leash. Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a place to take your pooch where they can run free and enjoy playing with other fun-loving dogs? Enter the Dog Park! Fri, 17 Aug 2007 19:10:31 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/35362/dog-parks-unleashed-freedom-to-romp-and-play.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/28267/protect-your-child-from-mr-germ.htm Meet Mr. Germ - a crafty invader targeting everyone from infants to adults. His goal is to make us sick! The cold and flu season is his favorite time of the year, and everyone is a target. Once he finds a 'victim', he can spread his germs from one person to another in a fairly rapid chain reaction. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:43:16 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/28267/protect-your-child-from-mr-germ.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/27162/is-your-web-site-driving-away-visitors.htm Much has been written about optimizing your web site for search engines, but less emphasis is placed on usability. Optimizing for usability and for search engines is not a contradiction. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:14:34 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/27162/is-your-web-site-driving-away-visitors.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/27136/what-weve-learned-from-birds-about-flight-and-why-it-took-so-long.htm Eons ago, Zork stood outside his cave and watched a vulture spread his wings and soar off a cliff. Zork decided to try this himself. Too late, he realized that his lift to drag ratio was about zero - no lift and lots of drag - and he had the glide ratio of a brick. Zork's decedents gave up on aviation for 50,000 years. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:14:09 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/27136/what-weve-learned-from-birds-about-flight-and-why-it-took-so-long.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/24588/how-do-ya-play-this-game-mister.htm Several years of intense Web experience has taught us that the Internet is a lot like the wild west. The sheriffs are few and far between. It's easy to get hoodwinked or shot in the back - figuratively, of course. You can lose your, um, shirt. Jumping into the Internet today is a lot like a tin-horn walking into a western bar and asking a poker dealer, "How do ya play this... Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:35:15 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/24588/how-do-ya-play-this-game-mister.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/23954/help-i-dont-know-why-my-baby-is-crying.htm From the moment of birth, a baby's first cry is the first 'word' you hear. But what is your baby trying to tell you? Probably it's something like "what just happened, how did I get here and where is my warm, cozy home?" Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:31:02 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/23954/help-i-dont-know-why-my-baby-is-crying.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/22478/can-a-dog-improve-your-health.htm There's nothing that relieves stress and makes us laugh like watching a new puppy chasing a ball on wobbly legs. And what fun to play 'tug of war' with a favorite toy! Just having your dog in your lap to pet and cuddle brings soothing relaxation. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:21:03 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/22478/can-a-dog-improve-your-health.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/22403/how-to-photograph-wild-birds.htm Late fall is a perfect time to photograph wild birds. Leaves are falling off the trees, opening the view and birds are eager to feed. And if you're participating in one of the several organized bird counts taking place between now and mid-February, a photographic record can be invaluable in identifying the counted birds. Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:20:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/22403/how-to-photograph-wild-birds.htm