As the world turns its attention to all things Green, it has become an interest of mine to explore how I can turn my hobby Green. That means reducing heating, electricity, and pollution that are byproducts of reptile ownership.

Pet ownership is a luxury that can have a significant impact on the environment. But that is not to say you should abandon man's best friend. That's not to say a heated tank can not be made more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. It may take some careful consideration when you are at the petstore, but you will be rewarded for it by healthy animals, reduced bills, and a reduced impact on the environment!

Think about everything that goes into various aspects of reptile care:

Wood, glass, metal, or plastic cages
Ceramic heat emitters
Mercury Vapor Bulbs
Flourescent Tubes

Think about how much your electricity bill has risen, and consider the effects on the environment.Think about all the waste produced by your animals. How often do you throw away sand, dirt, paper towels, dead bugs, spoiled fruit, vegetables, and rotten meat. How many materials do you use that are toxic, that can not be recycled, or that are just plain energy inefficient?

So what am I doing to reduce the impact of my hobby on the environment?
Switching the energy efficient, environmentally friendly heat sources.

Heat tape, heat rope, and under tank heaters are substantially more energy efficient than any overhead light producing heat source. For overhead heating, Radiant Heat Panels are wonderful, as are certain heat projectors.

For animals that require overhead heat and/or UVB it is crucial to look at the environmental impact of the products you choose to use.

Flourescent tubes and Mercury Vapor Bulbs are made with toxic chemicals. However Mercury Vapor Bulbs are significantly less toxic - you can produce anywhere from 40 to 100 Mercury Vapor Bulbs and have the same environmental impact as 1 four foot T12 flourescent tube.

Mercury Vapor Bulbs provide a better source of UVB than any other source currently on the market. All self ballasted Mercury Vapor Bulbs are 100 watts or more, however it is possible to purchase a 60 watt Mercury Vapor Bulb from reptileuv.com

Metal Halide bulbs are currently in development by reptileuv.com and close to being released. They should be groundbreaking.

Ceramic heat emitters are an excellent source of heat, however ceramic is for all intents impossible to recycle. I do not encourage their use for this reason. There are also more energy efficient options available. Once again I turn to reptileuv.com which offers a 60watt heat projector that is capable of producing more heat than a 100watt ceramic heat emitter. This is a much better option.

Adding reptiles to my collection that thrive in temperatures closer to that of the area I live in, which may not require much of any additional heat beyond room temperature.

Pink Tongue Skinks thrive in day time temperatures just above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can tolerate a significant drop in night time temperature. They will safely brumate in the winter months. They still benefit from a temperature gradient, with a basking spot of 85 degrees Fahrenheit, though.

Recycling waste products using a modification of traditional Vermicomposting.

Vermicompost is the end-product of the breakdown of organic matter by some species of earthworm. Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich, natural fertilizer and soil conditioner. The process of producing vermicompost is called vermicomposting .

The earthworm species most often used are Red Wigglers (Eisenia foetida) or Red Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus). These species are commonly found in organic rich soils throughout Europe and north America and especially prefer the special conditions in rotting vegetation, compost and manure piles. Composting worms are available from nursery mail-order suppliers or angling shops where they are sold as bait. Small-scale vermicomposting is well suited to turn kitchen waste into high-quality soil, where space is limited.

I have begun breeding Red Wigglers to feed to my Pink Tongue Skinks. They will help reduce the amount of waste produced in my household by vermicomposting kitchen waste and discarded substrate from the reptile tanks! I can actually reduce the amount of waste I send to the landfills, feed my animals healthier food, and produce fertilizer for my plants!

Red Wigglers thrive at room temperature (55-70 degrees Fahrenheit) and will eat just about any organic material. They need a high carbon to nitrogen ratio, and will thrive if you provide them with bedding of peat moss or coconut husk - isn't that convenient? They can not digest bones and do not like high protein or high fat, but this is why I said I am using a modification of the Vermicomposting idea - Roaches, Superworms, and many other feeder inspects can and will thrive on a high protein diet. Although roaches and feeder insects do not produce vermicompost, you can certainly dispose of dead insects and insect droppings by feeding them to the Red Wigglers.

By breeding your own feeders and using your feeders to dispose of the majority of your garbage, you have greatly reduced your impact on the environment.

Author is the owner of E2MacPets and webmaster of The Worm Shop

¶ 10:57 PM 0 comments

Once you decide on owning a pet python, you want to learn more about what your pet is like. Starting from what it feeds on to habits of the reptile. It is important to know about a python's behavior patterns and how to keep your pet happy.

In the wild, Pythons roam the jungle; their skin provides a perfect camouflage. They are excellent swimmers and swim in search of prey or stalk in water.

Like other wild animals Pythons don't know how to exhibit their happiness to humans. With experience though, you'll be able to notice anything 'out of the norm' for your python thru its body language ... signs that it may be feeling sick or uncomfortable, though this will be a little difficult to see at first.

The two most important things you can do to make your python happy have to do with the SUN and SWIMMING.

The Sun

Most pythons enjoy basking under the sun. Therefore, if you provide your pet a good hide box and a heat spot, it will use the hide box to rest most of the time, or just coil around the heat spot basking. A warm python is usually a happy python!

Swimming (exercise)

Given the narrow confines of the cage we provide them, pythons don't get much of the exercise they would otherwise get in the wild forests.

The best exercise for pythons is swimming. True, it is not possible to take the python to a swimming pool or an abandoned pond for security reasons.

But you can use a kiddy pool or a large plastic tub to create a python swimming pool.

Just fill the pool or tub with warm water and let your python in it. You will watch
it move around happily, keeping its head above the water.

Make it a point to clean the tub or kiddy pool with disinfectants every time.

Swimming is definitely one of the best ways of entertaining your pet python.

Other ways to keep your python happy

Mating your python when it is ready is also another important way you can make your pet Python happy.

The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "Python Secrets" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.

To subscribe to the newsletter, click on the link below:

http://www.pythonsecrets.com

Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!

Jessica Harrison
Geostar Publishing & Services LLC
6423, Woodbine Court,
St. Louis, Missouri,
63109, USA

http://www.pythonsecrets.com
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Jessica Harrison is the author of the best selling eBook "Python Secrets" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.

¶ 4:34 PM 0 comments

In previous articles we explored some of the most commonly known areas in which forensic experts carry out their daily duties. Among these, we mentioned forensic anthropology, forensic pathology, forensic dentistry, forensic nursing and forensic chemistry or toxicology. Forensic Science, however, is a very broad field of study and involve many other disciplines that on a daily basis contribute to solve crimes. Let us now take a brief survey of other, less known aspects of Forensic Science.

Forensic Entomology: Even though mostly disregarded (at best), insects can result highly informative and even critical for certain forensic investigations. Many insects develop through a complex series of stages from egg to adult, but most important is that these life cycles are highly consistent, the different stages occur always in the same way and take the same time to complete. Knowing this, an entomologist (someone who is expert in insect biology) can make a number of useful observations and establish conclusions based on the insect larvae and adults that are present in a corpse. Insect evidence can provide estimations of the time passed since death. It is also possible to determine how long a body has been dead or whether or not a body has been moved after death.

Forensic Botany: Plants or certain vegetal matter can often be very informative about the decaying process of human bodies and their surroundings. Botanists can analyze seeds, pods, roots, leaves, stems, and more to determine when and where a body died, if a body was moved after death. Under certain conditions they can also establish estimates of time since death and location of death estimations based on plant evidence.

Forensic Photography: Although it has changed a lot since the golden age of police TV serials and movies, photography is still a crucial component of forensic work. A forensic photographer must carry out meticulous and comprehensive visual documentation of death scenes, crime scenes and accident scenes. This include the general scenario but also many details that are often disregarded at first glance but can result very important at later stages of the investigation. The intuition of the photographer is very important in this case. Forensic photography makes use of special equipment and techniques such as macrophotography when it is necessary to record images of small evidentiary materials such as bullets or other projectiles, blood spatter, or any sort of close-ups of evidence at death scenes. These professional exhibit profound knowledge and skill in general photography, film developing, digital photography, videography, digital imaging and other, more focused techniques.

Homicide Detective, Crime Scene Investigator. This is a less defined but important part of the forensic work. These workers are usually in charge of organizing the investigation of death scenes and performing collection of evidence associated with death(s). They also conduct or supervise further stages such as processing of evidence and all the administrative work associated with investigating deaths and crimes. In some institutions or departments, these positions are occupied by sworn officers that have received the appropriate training to supervise the scientific aspects of resolving a criminal case and can be under the jurisdiction of a senior officer or an attorney.

Ernesto Guevara is a web publisher and helped many people develop a successful career in forensics. He researches and writes about forensics jobs and educational programs in forensic science.

¶ 10:12 AM 0 comments

When searching for the perfect place to relax along the banks of a stunning body of water, consider the numerous opportunities for excitement and entertainment that Gulf Shores, Alabama has to offer. With its gorgeous expanses of sand and abundance of outdoor pursuits that are sure to keep the entire family occupied for the duration of your trip, you simply cannot go wrong with a vacation to beautiful Gulf Shores.

For those times when all you want to do is kick back on a pristine beach, head to Gulf State Park and take advantage of its majestic two and a half miles of shimmering white sand. Here, you can catch some sun as you lie on the beach with your favorite book or make your way into the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico for an enjoyable afternoon of swimming. Those who want a more active day at the beach, however, can hike along the lush nature trails in search of wildlife or fish off of the 825 foot pier.

When a day at the beach is simply not enough, make your way to the exciting Waterville USA for an afternoon filled to the brim with water adventures and amusement park attractions the whole family can enjoy. The water park is bursting with numerous water slides, an enormous wave pool, a float river, raft rides, and a special section for the little ones while the amusement park includes a roller coaster, go-karts, mini golf, laser tag, and a few other dry land ways to keep everyone in your group smiling.

A true day of adventure is around the corner when visitors head to the 6,200 acre Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge for a glimpse of its unique inhabitants. Home to the endangered beach mouse and a nesting place for loggerhead, green and Kemps Ridley sea turtles, the refuge is an excellent place to view the unique animals of the Gulf Coast. Take a walk along the scenic Pine Beach Trail or the shorter Jeff Friend Trail and you may just come across any of these creatures in addition to the red fox, armadillos, coyotes, and over 370 species of birds.

Another exciting day of family fun can be found at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, where animals abound and plenty of attractions await to appease the animal lover inside of us all. With over 290 animals, including lions, tigers, monkeys, and bears, in addition to a petting zoo, a reptile house, and aviary and animal shows during the summer months, everyone will be running from habitat to habitat for an up-close view of the spectacular wildlife throughout the day.

History buffs and those looking to compliment their vacation with a well-rounded feature will want to stop by Fort Morgan for an educational experience the whole family can enjoy. This historical site was occupied during the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and both of the World Wars and is now home to an informative museum and the remains of the fort itself.

Golf enthusiasts who want to spend a relaxing day hitting the links will find several exceptional options in the Gulf Shores area that will certainly take their breath away. The Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend golf courses are two to consider with their large greens and vibrant rolling fairways that are perfect for any duffer who wants to work on their game. The Kiva Dunes Golf Club, however, is a challenge for players of all skill levels by rewarding those who are powerful and accurate off the tee while penalizing anyone who drifts near imposing bunkers and hazards.

For a relaxing retreat with easy access to everything you love about this area, consider Gulf Shores rentals for your accommodations needs. Whether you choose to stay along the shores of a sugar white sand beach or within a stones throw of a challenging golf course, your vacation rental will make it easy to participate in your favorite activities while placing all of the amenities of home at your fingertips. Begin your search for a Gulf Shores condo or home rental today and experience the coastal getaway you always imagined.

HomeAway.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Gulf Shores rentals for your next trip to Alabamas Gulf Coast.

¶ 9:48 AM 0 comments

Unlike their Western counterparts, only very little art bears the individual stamps of their artists. African artists were sometimes requested to create specific artworks for a king or a leader, but most of the time these were created by several tribal artists that had to work according to tradition. But in spite of these restrictions, many African artists still managed to express their own techniques and imagination. If a new technique was proven to be good or practical, it easily became part of the artistic tradition.

So much of African art was created for religious purposes. Spiritism, magic, ancestor worship and many other aspects of the religions of African tribes are commonly reflected in their art. Artworks were also created for celebrating marriage, funerals and other festive occasions. While most Western artists value art for its own beauty, African artists seem to place tremendous value and meaning to the forms, arrangement of shapes and lines on each work of art. It is very rare for an African sculptor to create art just for the sake of creating something beautiful. Nearly everything an African artist does has a function and a purpose.

Sculptures were made to honor ancestors, gods and kings. Elaborate masks were created to be worn on festive occasions. Beads, trinkets and jewelry were mostly used to indicate wealth, adolescence, marriage, or personal authority. Guardian figures made out of clay or metal were fastened to coffins to invite good spirits that would protect the dead and chase away evil demons. Stools, spoons, bowls, combs, as well as a variety of other useful items were carved to make them a little more decorative. But the object of African art is always meant to be useful first and beautiful only second.

Masks were an important piece of art in Africa. The use of masks had an important role in the spirit world that dominated the lives of the African people. They were used at initiation ceremonies, for example, when a boy was accepted as an adult in the tribe. Their main purpose however, was to scare away evil intruders and spirits. Among the most admired and prized masks are those from Sudan region. These have smooth finishes and very graceful lines that show off the intricate craftsmanship of their artists. Sometimes the masks were decorated with feathers and other trinkets. African masks were designed to be worn on top of the head instead of over the face. Their designs were usually based on the horns of an animal reaching heavenward.

Another important form of metal sculpture in Africa is the gold weight. These weights were also made in bronze, copper, or brass. These small cast figures were made in various sizes and weights to measure quantities of gold. Most of these weights were made in what is now known as the Ghana and they were essential to the gold trade. The Ashanti tribe, which produced more gold weights than any other tribe, patterned figures after medicine men, reptiles, trees, plants and geometric designs. Aside from weights, Africans have also made jewelry out of gold. African women of all ages wore gold trinkets for ornamentation in. Men on great occasions also wore long gold chains and pendants. The African goldsmith was a masterful craftsman and created intricate work with 18 karat gold.

Africans were also very good at making handicrafts. They wove their own textiles bags, robes and other decorative products. The artists who created fabrics were usually women while all other paintings were left to the men. The designs were generally geometrical in nature.

Pottery was also an important craft in Africa. Bowls and stools were usually very functional and simple in design. It is their simplicity that makes them so interesting. They also made baskets, shoes, fans and rugs made of a coarse cloth called samfos or a fiber like raffia.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Arts

¶ 3:28 AM 0 comments