Pop and Thistle

Author's posts

Pet Profile: The Dutiful Doberman Pinscher

On television, Doberman Pinschers are often portrayed as aggressive dogs lunging at people with demonic looking eyes. However, in real life, most Dobermans are actually loyal, intelligent family pets. The American Kennel Club classifies the Doberman Pinscher as a member of its Working Group. These dogs were originally bred to be police dogs. They were …

Continue reading

A Quick DIY Yakisoba Recipe

Looking for something uniquely Japanese to eat and want it fast? Yakisoba is the answer. It’s a traditional Japanese dish that is very easy to prepare. Yakisoba is basically pan fried noodles. It is a commoner’s food, not very fancy, and it’s usually prepared as a snack or as picnic food. The noodles used in …

Continue reading

Lemon Balm Tea (Melissa Officinalis) Health Benefits

Lemon balm tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea made from the plant, Melissa officinalis. Melissa officinalis is one of many herbs which have a natural lemony fragrance without the sourness and acidity caused by citric acid in lemons. This article explores the health benefits and medicinal uses of lemon balm, and the benefits of drinking an …

Continue reading

“Flirtation” by Rita Dove

Flirtation After all, there’s no needto say anything at first. An orange, peeledand quartered, flares like a tulip on a wedgewood plateAnything can happen. Outside the sunhas rolled up her rugs and night strewn saltacross the sky. My heart is humming a tuneI haven’t heard in years! Quiet’s cool flesh—let’s sniff and eat it. There …

Continue reading

The Scoop on Decaf Tea

Decaf tea is a great addition to the tea tin. There are times when you don’t need a pick-me-up, just a great tasting cup of tea. In fact, having tea often means the very opposite – taking a few minutes to relax, clear your mind and let the cares of the day flow away. A …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Outgoing Labrador Retriever

If you want a dog that has a bubbly personality and a strong desire to make you happy, you may want to consider buying a Labrador Retriever. Of course, these big, exuberant dogs aren’t for everyone. Before you buy one of these roly-poly little puppies, you may want to consider some of the plusses and …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Sweet Maltese

The Maltese is the oldest breed of all the lap dogs. It was a favorite of royal families and was especially popular with the ladies of the royal courts. The women would carry the Maltese on their sleeves as little ornaments to attest to their station in life. It is said that the Greek Philosopher …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Opinionated Pekingese

The Pekingese is an ancient breed of dog that originated in China. Despite the fact that this breed is said to be over 2,000 years old, its look has not changed within that time. The Pekingese was originally bred as a lap dog and companion. The Pekingese is also called The Lion Dog and the …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Confident Rottweiler

Do you need a protective dog that is intelligent and devoted to its owners? If so, you may want to consider buying a Rottweiler. These big dogs were bred to be very versatile working dogs. They guard their homes and families, excel in agility training, and think that they are tiny lapdogs when they are …

Continue reading

Pet Profile: The Clever Miniature Pinscher (Min Pin)

If you love the sleek, muscled appearance of the Doberman Pinscher, but you don’t want a big dog, you may want to consider a Miniature Pinscher, Zwergpinscher, or Min Pin. These dogs are very similar in appearance to Dobermans, but are almost one hundred pounds lighter. The Miniature Pinscher may look like a miniature Doberman, …

Continue reading