People love to have fun. Why do you see so many people playing fantasy football

If you travel much outside of the United States, particularly in Europe or Asia, you will find rail travel remains a primary method of transportation, particularly on distances of 500 miles or less. Here in the United States, rail is only a primary transit method in the congested northeast and around other major population centers like Chicago, as well as increasing its presence again in Rust Belt power centers like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.

Thanks to a lot of Amtrak business travel in the northeast during a prior decade, and a credit card which also racks up Amtrak Reward miles, most of my rail travel is in Sleeper Cars, with all meals included. It’s the only way to roll. Amtrak’s service frequency is limited.The Crescent rolls seven days a week out of Atlanta, but with only one train heading north from New Orleans and one south from New York City each day. Departures from Atlanta are in the evening heading north and in the morning heading south. If you are heading to either the Big Easy or the Big Apple, you will have the opportunity also for three meals by rail.

The trip north rolls through Charlotte and the Carolinas into the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and on to Washington, D.C., with stops in several charming towns associated with the Civil War, such as Charlottesville with the UVA campus just steps away. In wintertime or during the holiday season, parts of this trip make you feel like you are moving through a Christmas card.

Though I believe that high speed rail in the United States is largely a fantasy due to the high costs of right of way acquisition, our vast terrain, and differences in topography, Continued on page 10

Thresholds at it pertains to dogs is an important but oftentimes overlooked area of training with many owners and dog trainers. Teaching a dog not to move through a threshold (door to the house, car door, crate door, etc.) unless invited to do so can be lifesaving. So many times I hear of dogs escaping through, only to get lost, or worse, hit by a car or engage in dog fights.

You can start by having your dog on a leash and having him or her sit or down a short distance from the door (giving space) when you take your dog out/ in. YOU should be closest to the door, not your dog. You don’t want your dog right by the door as this is too difficult and he or she will be out the door as soon as it’s open. When you begin to open the door, if he or she attempts to move out of position, you can pop the leash back on as you quickly close the door. Repeat the process over and over until your pet doesn’t move while you are opening the door. Remember, teaching your dog something new takes the longest the first few times, so patience is important.

For car doors, do the same as the above when having your dog get into the car. Coming out of the car, slowly crack the door, reach in, and take hold of the leash. If your dog moves towards the door, simply close it. Repeat until you can open the door fully and your dog waits to be invited out. DO NOT talk to your dog during the process as this will only excite your dog.

Role play these behaviors in drill like sessions. Go out the door, car, crate, and then come back inside. Repeat, repeat, repeat. This will help your dog learn much more quickly than doing it once or twice a day.

Enjoy a calmer, safer, better behaved dog! Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www. gooddogcoaching.com .

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