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I am Maria, I don't answer inbox questions (with very few exceptions, for example those people that use proper grammar and spelling). I try my best to point people in the right direction when I am answering questions.



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I'm trying to come up with a title for a painting of a cow. I was just wondering if anyone knows if there is a difference between cows that are raised for their milk versus cows raised for beef??

Like if you just look at a cow, can you tell which it is? Are the black and white ones for milk and the redish brown ones for beef? or what?
(my picture is a redish brown one)
Thanks!

Dairy breeds:

Holstein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holstein_(cattle)
http://www.alexandrajones.co.uk/images/large/holstein.jpg

Jersey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jersey_cattle
http://www.woodsidefarmcreamery.com/AboutUs/Ideal%20Jersey%20Cow.jpg

Guernsey
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guernsey_cattle
http://i.pbase.com/g4/56/484056/2/42166128.xm9zsSXE.jpg

Ayrshire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayrshire_cattle
http://www.usayrshire.com/Images/Ideal%20Ayrshire%20Cow.jpg

Brown Swiss (my favorite!!)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Swiss
http://www.sugarrivergallery.com/images/Jimis_Brown_Swiss1W.JPG


Beef Breeds:

There are two types, Bos Taurus (or British breeds), and Bos Indicus (Or Tropical breeds).

Bos Taurus breeds:

Angus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Angus
http://www.angusaustralia.com.au/Breeding/Getting_into_Angus1.jpg

Hereford
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hereford_(cattle)
http://deanajakfarms.com/Hereford_Cattle_Herd/Ariel_Hereford_Cattle_Cow.gif

Charolais
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charolais_cattle
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1d/Charolais.jpg

Limousin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limousin_(cattle)
http://www.artbyforster.com/ssi/gallery5/graphics/pics/limousin.jpg

Simmental
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simmental_Cattle
http://www.embryoplus.com/images/simmental/bulls/simmental_bull_haped1.jpg

Bos Indicus breeds (these have humps)

Brahman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahman_(cattle)
http://www.cattle.com/Semen/Images/Superstroke.jpg

Beefmaster
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beefmaster
http://media-2.web.britannica.com/eb-media/05/505-004-3B62B43D.jpg

Brangus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brangus
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/cattle/brangus/images/brangus-web-1.jpg

Oh, and a note to the person below me, beef cattle aren't culled until they are at least two years of age.

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when a recipe calls for "wild strawberry", isn't that just a strawberry..? from the market? why add "wild"?

No, its not the same ones you get from the grocery store. They're smaller, and much sweeter, and they taste quite different as well. They're about the size of your pinky nail.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1286/627110131_bcab17c61f.jpg?v=0

For the recipe, you can still use regular strawberries, but if you want to stay as close to the recipe as possible I would buy organic, smaller, and kind of more "squashed" looking strawberries (when they are fatter around the middle then from the green part to the tip).

But really, it doesn't really matter, unless you're making preserves, then I would avoid using regular strawberries.

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I know that it's behavioral as I recently got a female kitten and he started doing this shortly after. He's been doing this for 6 months now with no end in sight. Here's what I've done to try to correct the issue so far. The cat has a clean bill of health. He has his own kitty litter and food space. I clean kitty litter daily and use a non-scented brand. Used just about every type of over-the-counter medicine to improve disposition. Use sprays that discourage cat from pooping in that place again. Show plenty of attention to him so he doesn't get jealous. Any other advice of what I should do would be much appreciated.

Have you tried using a scented brand? I think there's something that they put it in it that not only helps with the odor, but attracts cats as well.

(We had a similar problem with my cat, never used her litter box, until my mom bought a scented kitty litter by accident).

Anyways I would try that, good luck! (I know first hand that cleaning up those messes is no fun)

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hi i'm a vegitarian and i do it because i love animals, its better for the earth & your body. but i was just wondering why do people become vegan? i know alot of people who are vegan, and they are really sick now. (not saying that happens to everyone who is vegan, just some people i know.) so i was just curious, why be vegan?

Well, the vast majority of true (and I mean true, true vegans/vegetarians) are so because of medical reasons; their bodies can't process animal products, or they have a medical issue that disallows them to eat meat.

But as others have said, its because they feel bad for the animals, they want to rebel against what's normal, they support PETA (*rolls eyes*), they simply don't like the taste of animal products, and they think its healthier (although as far as I know, nothing has been proven that eating animal products is less healthy than not eating animal products).

But, if you are a vegetarian, I do suggest seeing your doctor or a nutritionist so you can lay out a diet plan so you can get all the proper nutrients your body needs (so you don't become sick, because that can happen to vegetarians as well as vegans).

~Maria, 17

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im always wearing a sports bra even when im sleeping and i was wondering if it was binding down my breast from growing?

No, it won't stop your breasts from growing. The only bad thing I can think of is that it might block off blood flow to the breast depriving the tissue of much needed nutrients, but that's only if you wear a severely tight bra (and I mean the band that goes around your ribcage, not the material that is covering the breasts).

Also, I highly doubt that wearing a bra to bed prevents sagging, because the breast tissue isn't pulled down by gravity (unless you sleep vertically of course), and that's just a random thought I'm putting out there because I saw someone mention it below.

But if you are concerned about your breast size there is always the option of wearing a push bra (the Victoria's Secret bras work really well and are quite comfortable).


~Maria, 17

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control frizz and dryness.... is there a shampoo that does this?

I would look for shampoos (and conditioners) that say things like hydrating, moisturizing, for damaged hair, etc. I have tried many different brands, but Dove and Garnier Fructise have worked the best for me.

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should you use a condom when giving a handjob?

Yes. If he has an STD, and you have a cut on your hand, or touch a bodily opening (mouth, genitalia, or cut), you may get that STD. Also, if you get pre-ejaculate or semen on your hand and then touch yourself, you can get pregnant.

Unless he has been tested for STD's (and the results came back negative, and he is in a monogamous relationship, meaning he is not sexually active with anyone else), and you are on birth control, you should use a condom.

~Maria, 17

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how do you tell someone that theyre your first kiss and first boyfriend ? it juss seems awkward. should you tell them before you kiss them that you havnt kissed anyone or afterwards?

Well, the first time I made out with someone, I told him. Right after the kiss I just grinned up at him and said something like "Well, that was my first time making out with someone, how was I?"

If you want to let him know, then just tell him. It makes the guy feel special. Guys don't like girls that are too experienced anyways. You can casually bring up past relationships with him, and when he asks you your side of the story, tell him you've never had a boyfriend and he is the special first. If you don't make it awkward, it won't be awkward. A boyfriend is someone who you can discuss these things with. If you don't feel comfortable telling him, then maybe you should reconsider this relationship, because we want someone to accept us.

~Maria, 17

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Ok, my name is Jessica, and I want a new nickname, but it's not very easy for that name! I don't want Jess or Jessie, I want something really original. My middle name is Murphy, but I don't know if that would be a cool name to be called or if it sounds too tom boy-ish. I just don't like my name being so common. Thanks so much you guys!!!

Casey?

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So this isny my first cavity...but when ever i did it would be so small that i just needed gas for it...but i found out during the summer that i have a cavity thats kind of big to wear ill need to get a shot. he said its not that big but it can get bigger over the time and stuff. So i was wondering if shot for cavities hurt?

I wouldn't say they hurt. They numb the area first, and then when they do the shot it just feels like a slight pinch on your gum. I would say its the least painful kind of shot, and it starts to work pretty much instantly (because usually the actual needle doesn't hurt that much, it's what they inject, and what they inject is a numbing agent so really its quite painless).

~Maria, 17

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I have always had very regular bowels but lately I find I am feeling very constipated. What can I do or eat to help this stop. I never ever had constipation befor recently. What can I do???

You can buy something called Benefiber or Miralax. Both are 100% natural, they are a fiber supplement. Also, because its getting colder, you might be drinking less water, so drink more water.

And of course eat plenty of leafy green vegetables =)


~Maria, 17

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i want a puppy.
and im not allowed to get a inside dog what so ever.
but i want something that will stay small, not get too big.
small enough that i can pick it up and hold it.
my boyfriends getting it for me for christmas.
and im helping to pay on it.
give me a list of different types of dogs

First of all, owning a dog (or any animal) is a huge responsibility. Its sort of like having kids. Some questions to ask yourself are:

Can I afford to get my dog fixed?
Can I afford vet bills if my dog gets sick?
Can I afford the normal vet bills (such as vaccines, nail trims, dentals)?
Can I afford the food?
Will I have time to take my dog out on walks at least 2 times a week?
Will I be willing to clean up stinky poops in the backyard?
Will I be able to dedicate the time to house train the dog?
Or.. if it will be living outside do I have the accommodations for it so it won't get too hot or too cold depending on weather?
Is my property dog-proofed (no poisonous plants, no wholes in the fence, etc)
Will my dog receive care and affection from me or others every day?
Do the other members of the household approve of a dog.

Getting a pure bred dog from a breeder can be expensive. I would highly suggest adopting from a local animal shelter, or looking on craigslist (you'll be amazed how many people are giving away their animals, just make sure you see the animal first and get it checked by a vet before you adopt it).

As for different type of breeds, you really shouldn't chose a dog by its breed, but by its personality and health.


~Maria, 17

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Ok, I've never had strep throat, I still have my tonsils. Worst case, I've had some sore throats but nothing like this. Symptoms:

-headache (not sure if it's cause by throat or just the fact that it's been quite rainy lately)

- Conjestion? I think that's what it is, I sniff a lot even though there's nothing in my nose and it's in the back of my throat so it makes a snorting noise.

-It feels like my tonsils are swollen and it hurts to swallow. I checked my throat last night and it was really red.

I went to the school nurse today and she said it didn't look like I had strep throat because my tonsils weren't swollen or red, but they were this morning. I can't go to the doctor because I don't have the time and my mom doesn't like to go to the doctor for anything small. It FEELS like my tonsils are swollen, but the nurse said they weren't. I don't know what it is? Please help! Thanks you guys!

14/f

If you DO have strep throat, trust me, its nothing small. You will need to be put on antibiotics as soon as possible, which means going to the doc. If strep throat is left untreated, several complications may arise. You're contagious, so you would be exposing other people to strep too. You are susceptible to rheumatic fever (which can cause permanent damage to the heart), scarlet fever, blood infections, and kidney disease.

Here's a helpful link:

http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/lung/strep_throat.html

The trip to the doctor won't take very long. They do the usual like taking your blood pressure and listening to your lungs and heart, along with a strep test that only takes 5-7 minutes.

I have had strep multiple times, and usually it feels just like another sore throat, but its always important to go to the doctor and make sure it isn't strep. Better safe than sorry!

~Maria, 17

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Hey, I've been a bit overwhelmed with my school schedule and work. I'm sleeping an average of 3-4 hours a night. Which really isn't that bad, but it adds up, ya know?

I was thinking about investing in cocaine. I was just wondering how you go about purchasing it. How much would it cost? Is it really addictive?

I don't want to use it all the time. I just want to take some every now and then to give me an extra boost. What would you suggest? If cocaine is no good, what are some other ways to give me energy in these sleepless days?

You'll hate me for saying this. Quit your job and concentrate on school. Really, the amount of homework that you get (no matter what school you go to) is not that unreasonable. It should allow you to get the full 8-9 hours of sleep.

I'm guessing that really the problem here is a procrastination problem, and you're using school and work as excuses. At your age, school should be your top priority, so if work is taking over school, you need to either quit or work less.

Cocaine will create problems rather than solve them.

~Maria, 17

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I am 16 female!
I have liked this guy for ages and recently at a few partys i have got with him and stuff, and hes been telling people like a couple of weeks ago he would "do" me haha! But im not sure if he is just messing about he has a very bubbly personalty! I like him so much and i dont no what to do apparently he dosnt want a relationship, i always find myself looking at him in lessons and stuff and he dosnt acted bothered about any of this although he use to talk to me alot more and dosnt anymore i dont no whether to just try and move on becasue he dosnt want a realtionship or to just like try and make him jelous so he notices me more or something???

First of all, I don't see why you're so happy that he views you as someone he wants to "do," it means he thinks you are easy. I understand you like him, so it feels nice that he thinks that, but really, you're blocking out all reason because of your feelings.

I think you need to look at this from this point of view: he wants to have sex with you but he is not emotionally involved with you (he doesn't want a relationship, he just views you as a sex object). In the end, if you allow him to do what he wants to do with you, you are going to end up getting hurt because you were involved in something so intimate with someone that doesn't feel anything for you. Because you two do something sexual, don't think it will change his feelings for you.

My advice: move on. He doesn't like you, he wants you for sexual pleasure. Find someone that will treat you with respect (telling people he wants to "do" you is not treating you with respect). You don't deserve him, you deserve someone better.

If you do end up doing something, please be safe about it. You want to protect yourself against pregnancy AND STDs.


~Maria, 17

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I have bad allergies and my symptoms are like a lot of drainage and burning in my throat. Well usually I wake up and my throat hurts from the draining but today I woke up and it hurt as usual and so I went to school but it did not go away. Can allergies cause like an infection or something? Becuase it still hurts and now I have other symptoms like nausea (although that may be from the drainage) but there are spots on my throat but I don't know if they are just mucus spots or like infection spots...

any help please? I'm still up because I feel awful and I have SATS tomorrow...
Thanks

Nasal drip and sore throat can be caused by allergies. However, they can be caused by many other things as well.

The spots on the throat could indicate strep. I would schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible because there can be serious complications for strep throat. It's really nothing to worry about, they take a culture of your throat and you know whether you have strep throat (tonsillitis) or not in 10 minutes. If you do, you get put on antibiotics.

Drinking something very warm and soothing helps with the throat. I have the same exact symptoms as you, and some hot, freshly boiled milk helps me a lot, and it makes me feel cozy, and its full of nutrients. I doubt it does anything medical to soothe your throat, but it sure makes you feel cozy and comforted. As for the drainage, "horking" up the mucus helps a lot, but if you do it too much it will irritate the throat.

But definitely mention all your symptoms to your doctor, and schedule the appointment this week, so call in asap.

~Maria, 17

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Now, I've never had any beer before, not even a sip -- but I've smelled it, and from what I've smelled I don't think it would taste very good. So I've been wondering lately, why do most people drink beer? Because they like the taste, because they like the effect it has on them, or because they want to fit in? Why do you personally drink beer (or any other alcoholic beverage, really)?

Thanks.

I think it depends on what age group you look at.

For example, my parents like beer and other beverages because of its taste and because they appreciate it.

People my age (teenagers) like beer and other beverages because of the effects.

I personally have never been drunk in my life, but I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine or or a shot of good brandy because I enjoy the taste of it. My goal is not to get drunk, but really to taste and appreciate the labor of love. Because really, a true alcoholic beverage is a labor of love that needs to be drunk tastefully, respectfully, and appreciatively. Honestly, I think that if someone gets drunk, its really an insult to that beverage and a big sign of low class.

I am obviously from a family that is full of alcoholic beverage lovers. I have never seen any of my family drunk by the way.

I guess it really just depends on how you were raised: you can either appreciate it or abuse it. I chose to appreciate it because alcohol is a huge part of my culture (I'm Russian). When I go back to visit, alcohol is offered to you everywhere and if I were to abuse it, I would have long ago lost the respect people had for me. And I would also lose the respect I had for myself.

~Maria, 17

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what should i get my mom for her 50th birthday? something meaningful. not like flowers or lotion.

It would help a lot if you could specify your budget =)

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Why are people Prejudice?

- They are misinformed
- Past (negative) experiences
- Family views (a child that is brought up in a prejudiced family will probably have the same views as his/her family members do)
- Politics (i.e. war between two countries)
- Culture
- Religion (a lot of very religious people are often prejudice against other religions or beliefs)
- Stereotypes
- Difference of opinions
- Its is an ego-boost for themselves.


~Maria, 17

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I just found out yesterday that I'm a carrier for Staph infection.
Can anyone give me information about this?
I know I carry the germ in my nose, anything else?

Well, considering 1/3 of the population is a staph carrier, you don't need to be too worried. I would suggest carrying around with you some hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol, and using it before touching things, especially people. Honestly, though, I wouldn't be too worried. As long as your not touching other people's cuts (or your own: cover them with a band-aid) everyone should be fine.

If you do see that you have a skin infection (or a friend), go to your doctor as soon as possible and get tested for MRSA. They should put you on an antibiotic before the infection can really get a chance to set in and cause an abscess.

Stay healthy!

~Maria, 17

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