November 2009

Richard Birke, a Law and Negotiation Professor at Willamette University, passes along some negotiation tips that could help us save money on gifts this holiday season.

Here are Richard's Tips:

Holiday gift shopping can be challenging.  We feel the need to get exactly the right things for everyone, while still watching our budget and not taking too much time.  And yet, every year, we spend too much, take too long and we still manage to buy some gifts that are not quite as well-liked as we had hoped.

In an effort to help people think about how to do better, here are seven hints that come from negotiation psychology – each of which can make you a better shopper.

PLAY DEFENSE AGAINST YOUR OWN EXPECTATIONS

According to DoveLewis Animal Hospital, they see a lot of pets this time of year with gastrointestinal problems.

The most common hazard for your pet is turkey bones because they are hollow and easily splinter into sharp pieces.

Turkey bone splinters can lodge in your pet's throat or intestine or cause punctures to the intestinal track and create blockages. Sometimes the bone will pass by itself but other times surgery may be necessary. Your pet may lose their appetite, vomit, have diarrhea or show signs of depression.

Keep in mind that feeding your pets 'people food' can cause gastrointestinal problems, severe pancreatitis or threaten their life by causing an obstruction. Fat, sugar and chocolate in baked goods can also pose serious problems. And turkey that has been sitting out or parts that are uncooked may contain salmonella.

This is a press release courtesy of DoveLewis

Thanksgiving weekend is always a busy time for DoveLewis. Animals often get sick because of distracted or careless pet owners. Most of the problems are gastrointestinal and can be prevented.

The most common hazard is turkey bones. They are hollow and easily splinter into sharp pieces. The splinters can lodge in your pet's throat or intestine or cause punctures to the intestinal tract and create blockages. They may stay lodged in your pet's body for days before there are symptoms. Signs of serious problems may include loss of appetite, depression, vomiting or diarrhea. Sometimes the bone will pass by itself. Other times, surgical removal is necessary.

Make sure to secure garbage cans with food scraps & bones inside!

Remember the classic movie “A Christmas Story” where all Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder rifle but Santa says “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid?” Well, that exactly the problem with some toys on this year’s “worst” list.