Succeeding in Retail Sales

The retail environment offers numerous employment opportunities for entry-level employees. Working your way up the corporate ladder, however, can be challenging. Aspiring managerial candidates must demonstrate a meticulous attention for even the most minute details to ensure that orders are placed and filled correctly. Acquiring knowledge of the products and services provided by your company can also demonstrate qualities necessary for upper management. Finally, strong communication skills can prove your value to your employer and pave the way for bigger and better things.

The Irreverent Appeal of Blink-182

As one of the most popular bands in the pop-punk fusion genre, Blink-182has millions of dedicated fans around the world. The band got its start in 1992 in the San Diego suburb of Poway in California and quickly gained popularity in the skate punk and pop-punk communities in that area. In 1995, Blink-182 released their first album. It was not until 1999, however, that the band achieved breakout success with the release of top hits "All the Small Things" and "What's My Age Again?" Today, the band continues to tour and to release albums for music lovers.

The History of Grunge

Grunge music remains popular nearly 30 years after it first emerged in the American music scene. Born in Seattle, grunge music is believed to have originated in the Seattle metropolitan area. The musical genre has its roots in the punk rock movement of the previous decade and the heavy metal and death metal rock produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Rather than dealing in the sarcasm and sharp beats created by Blondie and other seminal punk artists, however, grunge delved into the darkness and distortion most evident in the music of the Sex Pistols. Early standouts in the grunge genre included the U-Men, Soundgarden and the Melvins.

Grunge typically focused primarily on guitar-based riffs and drum work. The genre made limited use of keyboards and was characterized by dissonant chords, slower musical tempos and a pared-down musical style that was reflected in the no-frills performances presented by bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains and Soundgarden. According to some experts, the fact that Seattle was so removed from the general U.S. music scene was a major contributing factor in the development of this unique musical style. Without the pressure to produce commercial content, grunge musicians were free to create new paradigms and new sounds in the Seattle area. When commercial success did arrive, the price was too high for some of these musical pioneers. One of the shining lights of the grunge movement, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, took his own life at the height of his band’s greatest success.

Navigating the Critical First Month With Your Shelter Cat

According to major animal-welfare organizations, adopting a shelter cat saves two lives:

•           The life of the kitty you take home, and

•           The life of the kitty who takes the newly available slot in the shelter

If you have recently adopted a shelter cat, you can feel good about your decision. A few basic strategies can make the adoption process less stressful for you and your new pet. Here are some helpful hints for managing the first month with a new cat.

Cats Are Territorial

Setting up a small area to acclimate your cat to his or her new surroundings can provide an added sense of security during the first few days. Allowing the cat to own a room within the house can boost confidence and reduce stress for both you and your new pet. Your cat will typically let you know when it's time to open up doors and present further opportunities for exploration in the new environment.

Bathroom Privacy Is Important

Most cats prefer privacy when attending to their bodily functions. Placing the litter box in a quiet and secluded area of the room can encourage your new pet to use it with confidence. Be sure to keep the litter box clean and to refresh it as necessary to ensure the cat is comfortable using the box. Studies have shown that fine-grained clumping litters are preferred by most cats due to the reduced odor and added comfort. Consider switching to one of these types of litter if your cat has issues using the box during his or her first weeks in your home. Otherwise, avoid switching litter brands. Even minor changes in the environment can cause added stress for your shelter kitty.

Time to Dine

Keeping food and water close together and far from the litter box will provide added incentive for cats to eat and drink as necessary. Many cat experts recommend playing with cats prior to feeding them and offering food only twice per day. This strategy more closely resembles the natural habits of cats in the wild:

•           Hunting early in the morning and late in the evening

•           Consuming the prey

•           Sleeping for long stretches after eating

For active cats, engaging in play immediately before feeding can expend excess energy and can reduce unwanted behaviors when you are away during the day. Setting up a schedule for feeding and sticking to it can provide structure for cats new to your home and can ensure a better rapport between owners and their pets.

While some cats may be eager to play from their first day in a new environment, others may be shy or withdrawn until they become comfortable and familiar in your home. Let your cat take the lead in play. By offering a variety of toys without pushing the cat to interact with them, you can identify the most preferred items and can build a healthy and affectionate relationship with your new pet.