Computer viruses are a well-known threat, but did you know there are many different types of computer viruses? Let's look at the various types and see how they differ and the dangers they pose. We'll examine trojans, macro viruses, polymorphic viruses, and more.
Different Kinds of Computer Threats
The term computer virus is well known. There are different kinds of viruses however, and some of these types are less well known than others. Viruses have been around almost since the beginning of computers. Before almost all computers were networked, viruses would spread much more slowly. They often spread on floppy disks; it was important to scan the disks to ensure that viruses were not present. Viruses can spread much more quickly today with the near ubiquitous connectivity to the Internet.
There are several different kinds of computer viruses. The possible types have expanded as operating systems have grown in features and complexity. The same is true of software programs, scripting languages, and server applications. Programmers are trained these days to work to limit the possibilities of virus infection, and there are programming tools to assist in strengthening code. Still, viruses are prevalent. Let's look at the different kinds of viruses.
Types of Viruses
Boot sector viruses - Computer operating systems use part of the hard disk when starting up after the computer is turned on. This area of the hard disk is called the boot sector. When a virus infects the boot sector it can load itself before the operating system. When floppy disks (which also have boot sectors) were common they could be used to boot as well and were a common vector for infection.
Memory resident viruses - These viruses stay in memory, like the name suggests. Others just move from file to file and program and program.
Polymorphic viruses - These change their "shape" to make them harder for anti-virus software to detect.
Macro viruses - Many business software programs and suites have macro language and scripting features that can be converted to use for viruses.
CSS viruses - Browsers that have scripting functionality enabled can be exploited by cross-site scripting. Web sites with advertisements that come from another source (as most do) can be especially vulnerable.
Cavity viruses - These viruses hide within executable files using the "free space" within the files so that the total file size does not change and arouse suspicion.
Metamorphic viruses - these rewrite themselves each time they infect a new file.
Trojans - A trojan appears to be one type of file or program but is actually a virus.
Worms - Worms do not require user actions to spread, they move from system to system over networks on their own. For more information see my articles on computer worms, specifically the Conficker worm, and how to protect your computers and networks from them.
Forewarned Is Forearmed
The best defense is to ensure you have anti-virus software installed and keep it up to date. Most modern anti-virus software automatically updates, but don't take it for granted that this is happening. Many personal firewalls will also provide protection against viruses and against their spread. I hope this article has broadened your view of computer viruses.
Source of article:http://www.brighthub.com
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
How to Achieve a Flexible Home Based Internet Business
An internet home based business is an appropriate choice if you have played your cards well. The variety of opportunities that can be accessed to work from home is colossal. You can make your selection from active or passive work depending upon your convenience. Jobs can be easily availed depending upon your abilities as well as talents. The amount of investment required for the home based business depends upon the kind of work you select and how much time you can give it on daily basis. So, make your own choice or rather create one you actually enjoy doing. With Internet you attain a great source to make large sum of money. The crucial thing while selecting is a business is to chalk out a perfect strategy for the flourishing of the business.
The active work entitles you to a specific sum of money subsequent to the completion of the task. If you are seeking to earn higher amount of money you must either perform the similar act number of times or you can choose a work which on repetition pays you large sum. An instance of such internet home based business is that you can opt for the completion of directory articles. In such a work negotiations are possible, which are generally are assessed on the way tou write.
Another way of earning through home based business is through passive opportunities. This can be elaborated upon through an example which is by placing the ads of Google AdSense on your personal website. With this the income comes by pay per click. So, if you have your own blog or website then this kind of income will easily add to your regularly earned income. More the traffic your website attracts, the brighter your chances are to earn passive income.
When you are deciding to make your pick from the choices available to you, it is recommended to keep your likes as well as dislikes into consideration. The selection of the job that best suits your experience, education, personality as well as work style should be made. This will lead you to great level of satisfaction from job. Monetary consideration also plays a crucial role while making your choice. For this you have to make a thorough research on the Internet selecting those that match your preferences, which will make you enthusiastic of the choices you have made.
The condition of working is another important factor that will determine your overall growth and success in your chosen business. Working at home renders you free from the stress of daily commuting to your work place, which indeed saves your time as well as money also. The time and money saved could be put into use for other constructive activities, with which you can make more profits. Moreover, your working time depends on the time that best suits your convenience. So, in case if at night you can work with full zeal and enthusiasm than you can take your sleep in the morning hours.
Article Source:Articlecity
The active work entitles you to a specific sum of money subsequent to the completion of the task. If you are seeking to earn higher amount of money you must either perform the similar act number of times or you can choose a work which on repetition pays you large sum. An instance of such internet home based business is that you can opt for the completion of directory articles. In such a work negotiations are possible, which are generally are assessed on the way tou write.
Another way of earning through home based business is through passive opportunities. This can be elaborated upon through an example which is by placing the ads of Google AdSense on your personal website. With this the income comes by pay per click. So, if you have your own blog or website then this kind of income will easily add to your regularly earned income. More the traffic your website attracts, the brighter your chances are to earn passive income.
When you are deciding to make your pick from the choices available to you, it is recommended to keep your likes as well as dislikes into consideration. The selection of the job that best suits your experience, education, personality as well as work style should be made. This will lead you to great level of satisfaction from job. Monetary consideration also plays a crucial role while making your choice. For this you have to make a thorough research on the Internet selecting those that match your preferences, which will make you enthusiastic of the choices you have made.
The condition of working is another important factor that will determine your overall growth and success in your chosen business. Working at home renders you free from the stress of daily commuting to your work place, which indeed saves your time as well as money also. The time and money saved could be put into use for other constructive activities, with which you can make more profits. Moreover, your working time depends on the time that best suits your convenience. So, in case if at night you can work with full zeal and enthusiasm than you can take your sleep in the morning hours.
Article Source:Articlecity
What You Need To Know About Computer Viruses
What, another computer security article? Who needs it? Aren't we tired of all that techie stuff that only geeks can comprehend? Virus my foot! But seriously. Computer security is an important topic and those who neglect it will surely get themselves in trouble sooner or later.
There is much confusion about what exactly a computer virus is. To many people a virus is simply any kind of bad thing that happens to their computer. This would be more or less correct around 1995, but since then several other threats have appeared and using a blanket term like 'virus' for all of them is misleading. Having said that, I don't mean any disrespect to the word 'virus'. After all, it is the granddaddy of all malicious software (or malware for short).
Old School Viruses
At first viruses were rather simple-minded, although dangerous at times. All they wanted was to enter your computer and destroy some data. Their favorite way of transmission was to attach themselves to otherwise harmless programs.
Worms
As "state of the art" viruses developed, a new breed came to the scene: worms. This charming name is used to describe a type of virus that not only infects the host machine, but also replicates itself over the network. In practice that means that a well-written worm can create real mayhem around the world in a matter of days. It is estimated that damage from some famous worms reaches billions of dollars.
Trojan Horses
Many programs, multimedia or other goodies can be found on the Internet. Often they are free and, let's face it, there are very few things that people like more than free stuff. The trouble with some free software is that it also comes with one or more viruses already included free of charge. Hence the name "Trojan Horse".
Are viruses good for my computer?
Absolutely! If you want to get rid of all that data clogging up your hard drive, a virus is a wonderful solution. If you want your spanking new computer to slow down to a crawl, then a virus is the way to go. If you're lucky, you may even get a worm which will not only help you clean up your computer from all those annoying files, but will also send a copy of itself to all your friends that it finds in your Outlook address book. In short, if you think that your computer is too fast and gives you too little trouble, a virus or two can really help!
Thankfully, you don't have to try too hard to get a virus. Simply connect an unprotected computer to the Internet for a few hours and let them come. That's all it takes.
Tips on How to Protect Yourself
Truth be told, viruses are not as hot as they used to be. It turns out that there's not much money in writing them. This of course doesn't mean that you should neglect the virus threat. There are quite a few dangerous viruses roaming the Internet. So keep your hard drive happy and don't let the viruses ruin your day. Here is what you can do:
1) Use a good antivirus program and update it regularly. Unfortunately, some antivirus products inflict more damage than actual viruses do. So, before getting an antivirus program, be sure to read some professional reviews and user feedback.
2) If you download software from the Internet, use only reputable sources. Scan the installation file with an antivirus program before running it.
3) Be very careful about opening email attachments. Be particularly vigilant if you use Microsoft Outlook.
Since you are reading this page, you are already in better shape than most computer users. So keep it this way and visit
Article Source:Articlecity
There is much confusion about what exactly a computer virus is. To many people a virus is simply any kind of bad thing that happens to their computer. This would be more or less correct around 1995, but since then several other threats have appeared and using a blanket term like 'virus' for all of them is misleading. Having said that, I don't mean any disrespect to the word 'virus'. After all, it is the granddaddy of all malicious software (or malware for short).
Old School Viruses
At first viruses were rather simple-minded, although dangerous at times. All they wanted was to enter your computer and destroy some data. Their favorite way of transmission was to attach themselves to otherwise harmless programs.
Worms
As "state of the art" viruses developed, a new breed came to the scene: worms. This charming name is used to describe a type of virus that not only infects the host machine, but also replicates itself over the network. In practice that means that a well-written worm can create real mayhem around the world in a matter of days. It is estimated that damage from some famous worms reaches billions of dollars.
Trojan Horses
Many programs, multimedia or other goodies can be found on the Internet. Often they are free and, let's face it, there are very few things that people like more than free stuff. The trouble with some free software is that it also comes with one or more viruses already included free of charge. Hence the name "Trojan Horse".
Are viruses good for my computer?
Absolutely! If you want to get rid of all that data clogging up your hard drive, a virus is a wonderful solution. If you want your spanking new computer to slow down to a crawl, then a virus is the way to go. If you're lucky, you may even get a worm which will not only help you clean up your computer from all those annoying files, but will also send a copy of itself to all your friends that it finds in your Outlook address book. In short, if you think that your computer is too fast and gives you too little trouble, a virus or two can really help!
Thankfully, you don't have to try too hard to get a virus. Simply connect an unprotected computer to the Internet for a few hours and let them come. That's all it takes.
Tips on How to Protect Yourself
Truth be told, viruses are not as hot as they used to be. It turns out that there's not much money in writing them. This of course doesn't mean that you should neglect the virus threat. There are quite a few dangerous viruses roaming the Internet. So keep your hard drive happy and don't let the viruses ruin your day. Here is what you can do:
1) Use a good antivirus program and update it regularly. Unfortunately, some antivirus products inflict more damage than actual viruses do. So, before getting an antivirus program, be sure to read some professional reviews and user feedback.
2) If you download software from the Internet, use only reputable sources. Scan the installation file with an antivirus program before running it.
3) Be very careful about opening email attachments. Be particularly vigilant if you use Microsoft Outlook.
Since you are reading this page, you are already in better shape than most computer users. So keep it this way and visit
Article Source:Articlecity
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
UEFA Championship League Final 2009 Result
The 2009 UEFA Championship League final between Manchester United and FC Barcelona ended a shortwhile ago with FC Barcelona winning by 2 goels to nil.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
2010 Olympic Torch
It’s Spring 2009 and already the 2010 Winter Olympics are a cause for sensation and controversy. The mini-scandal of the day? The 2010 Olympic Torch or — as some are already referring to it as — the 2010 Olympic Toke. This oh-so-clever entendre of course refers to the observation, now made by many, that the official 2010 Olympic Torch sorta-kinda looks like a joint. And you know what, I sorta-kinda have to agree.
Now, not too surprisingly, Olympic officials are hurrying to deny the allegation. According to them, the torch is supposed to look like the snow and ice marks left behind an Olympic skier or skater. Which, to be fair, I can certainly see. Mark Busse, an Industrial designer familiar with the behind-the-scenes making of the torch remarked, “Sure, it may look a little bit like a joint, but I can tell you that what they were going for was ergonomics, sleekness, modernity.”
Still, not everyone is convinced and new interpretations seem to be coming by the minute. In fact, David Schmader of The Stranger just noted how the torch resembled “a pregnancy test that reveals you’re having Satan’s baby.” Another worthy observation I suppose.
So which is it? A joint? Satan’s baby? Or a sleek and modern ski track? Knowing Vancouver, I think I’m going with all of the above.
Courtesy: Stephen Kral
Now, not too surprisingly, Olympic officials are hurrying to deny the allegation. According to them, the torch is supposed to look like the snow and ice marks left behind an Olympic skier or skater. Which, to be fair, I can certainly see. Mark Busse, an Industrial designer familiar with the behind-the-scenes making of the torch remarked, “Sure, it may look a little bit like a joint, but I can tell you that what they were going for was ergonomics, sleekness, modernity.”
Still, not everyone is convinced and new interpretations seem to be coming by the minute. In fact, David Schmader of The Stranger just noted how the torch resembled “a pregnancy test that reveals you’re having Satan’s baby.” Another worthy observation I suppose.
So which is it? A joint? Satan’s baby? Or a sleek and modern ski track? Knowing Vancouver, I think I’m going with all of the above.
Courtesy: Stephen Kral
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mama Pelagai Villaflor Soliven Remembered
MY Mama will always be my idol, a woman whom I strive to emulate even as I realize that I could never measure up to her.
Mama—Pelagia Villaflor Soliven—was born on July 11, 1910, in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos. She was the second of three daughters of Agripino Villaflor, then chief of customs, and Gregoria Tesoro Jaramillo, one of the first teachers recruited by the Americans.
In her autobiography A Woman So Valiant, Mama recounts that her first glimpse of my Papa, the young Atty. Benito Tagorda Soliven, was at the family’s favorite Panciteria Antigua, where her father hosted a lunch in “Bitong’s” honor.
Mama recalls that the photographer made her squat at the foot of the honoree. She was 11 years old and Papa was 23!
It was that summer that the two actually met at a banquet mounted by the Sto. Domingo townsfolk to honor their favorite “son”, Benito T. Soliven, for having passed the Bar.
Mama and Papa got married when she was 18 in December 1928 at the Manila Cathedral. The reception was held at The Manila Hotel. Papa had just been elected representative for Ilocos Sur and so the ninongs were no less than then-Speaker Manuel Roxas and Sen. Elpidio Quirino.
In less than 12 years later, the young couple had 10 children. The youngest, Benito Jr., died, however, as an infant from dysentery during the outbreak of war.
Papa died from complications of malaria. He had fought in the battle of Bataan, survived the infamous Death March, and was a prisoner of war in Capas, Tarlac.
I have never forgiven the Japanese for what they did, depriving me of a father whom I never knew, because I was a toddler when Papa left for the war.
It was the worse time for a young widow (age 33 years!) to be left with nine orphaned children.
Mama, who never went to college, knew only to sew dresses, which she had been doing since she was a teenager. Mama built a wooden box house in Herran near the corner of San Marcelino, Paco, where my parents used to live. The original house had been burned to the ground during the Liberation of Manila.
I loved that house, even though the upstairs “bedroom” was a single room where everybody slept on the floor on mats. I slept on a shelf built over the stairwell. During the day we stored our mats, blankets, mosquito nets and pillows on the shelf.
Mama opened a tiny dress shop in front of the house. She sewed ladies’ dresses for P3.50 apiece and soutanas for the Jesuits at P5 apiece (for which she bought Indian cotton in Divisoria).
We were dirt-poor but we had the happiest childhood that anyone would wish! We had nothing, and yet we had everything. We were nine children plus our cousins, the Cardenas family who lived in the compound, with three kids. When the de Villas moved next door, that added three more playmates. We had a birthday winnie roast every month!
We played games that children play—piko, sipa, cops-and-robbers, hide-and-seek, jumping rope, etc.
The Jesuits from Ateneo Padre Faura, a 12-block walk away, would come to sing along as my brother Willie was a whiz at the small upright piano my Mama purchased.
The Jesuits donated a basketball goal and Mama had a hardcourt cemented in the yard. This later became a favorite venue for class parties, as well as games.
All my brothers’ classmates and even the Jesuits themselves came to play basketball because Mama loved to entertain. It seemed like all that we sisters (her four daughters) did was to make sandwiches and Kool-Aid drinks.
Years later, my brothers’ friends from the Student Catholic Action, a multicollege organization, began meeting and holding parties also in our house in Herran. I learned to dance early because the boys would use me as their dance partner to practice for the parties.
And they all loved “Mommy Soliven”. For many years later, as a journalist I would encounter people from all sectors—the newspaper and broadcast industry, politics, the rich and famous—who would remember the “house in Herran” and “Mommy Soliven”. Inevitably they would say, “And you must have been that little girl making sandwiches....”
So many memories came flooding back yesterday on Mother’s Day, such as when the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines named Pelagia V. Soliven as “Outstanding Mother of the Year” on December 3, 1962.
Mama deserved the award, for sure, for every year she singlehandedly raised her nine children. Mama had an unshakable faith in God’s Providence. She would declare that if God took our father away, He would surely provide for us. Through those difficult early years, God must have honored her faith and her perseverance.
I recall waking each morning at the sound of Mama working at her foot-pedaled sewing machine, and going to sleep to the same sound. Before she sat at her sewing machine, Mama would have already gone to the market and cooked the day’s meals for us.
Everything she cooked came in soups and with sauces, the better to spread the ulam. But she was an excellent cook. We loved her picadillos, monggo with alugbati, karne norte with potatoes, higado (bopis Ilocano-style), arroz caldo, atbp. I don’t think I ever saw a whole chicken, because it was always chopped into small pieces.
A rimas tree grew in the yard, and so Mama would make kinalti with this breadfruit and panocha, a favorite merienda.
Mama did push and prod us to become achievers in the tradition of Papa, a brilliant and respected politician, eloquent public speaker and lawyer. Silver was good enough for other students but the Soliven kids had to go for gold, which my brothers and sisters did, mostly in essaywriting and elocution contests. I brought home a few for writing and for English grammar.
There is an advantage to being the youngest. I never had to grab for food, since Mama would always set aside my share before everybody else. Neither did I have many house choirs like the rest.
I wasn’t a beautiful child—scrawny and with big eyes like a “plucked chicken,” as I would tell friends. Yet I knew that Mama loved me as only a mother would, and I miss her to this day.
I guess one never outgrows his/her Mama.
Courtesy: Business Mirror
Mama—Pelagia Villaflor Soliven—was born on July 11, 1910, in Sto. Domingo, Ilocos. She was the second of three daughters of Agripino Villaflor, then chief of customs, and Gregoria Tesoro Jaramillo, one of the first teachers recruited by the Americans.
In her autobiography A Woman So Valiant, Mama recounts that her first glimpse of my Papa, the young Atty. Benito Tagorda Soliven, was at the family’s favorite Panciteria Antigua, where her father hosted a lunch in “Bitong’s” honor.
Mama recalls that the photographer made her squat at the foot of the honoree. She was 11 years old and Papa was 23!
It was that summer that the two actually met at a banquet mounted by the Sto. Domingo townsfolk to honor their favorite “son”, Benito T. Soliven, for having passed the Bar.
Mama and Papa got married when she was 18 in December 1928 at the Manila Cathedral. The reception was held at The Manila Hotel. Papa had just been elected representative for Ilocos Sur and so the ninongs were no less than then-Speaker Manuel Roxas and Sen. Elpidio Quirino.
In less than 12 years later, the young couple had 10 children. The youngest, Benito Jr., died, however, as an infant from dysentery during the outbreak of war.
Papa died from complications of malaria. He had fought in the battle of Bataan, survived the infamous Death March, and was a prisoner of war in Capas, Tarlac.
I have never forgiven the Japanese for what they did, depriving me of a father whom I never knew, because I was a toddler when Papa left for the war.
It was the worse time for a young widow (age 33 years!) to be left with nine orphaned children.
Mama, who never went to college, knew only to sew dresses, which she had been doing since she was a teenager. Mama built a wooden box house in Herran near the corner of San Marcelino, Paco, where my parents used to live. The original house had been burned to the ground during the Liberation of Manila.
I loved that house, even though the upstairs “bedroom” was a single room where everybody slept on the floor on mats. I slept on a shelf built over the stairwell. During the day we stored our mats, blankets, mosquito nets and pillows on the shelf.
Mama opened a tiny dress shop in front of the house. She sewed ladies’ dresses for P3.50 apiece and soutanas for the Jesuits at P5 apiece (for which she bought Indian cotton in Divisoria).
We were dirt-poor but we had the happiest childhood that anyone would wish! We had nothing, and yet we had everything. We were nine children plus our cousins, the Cardenas family who lived in the compound, with three kids. When the de Villas moved next door, that added three more playmates. We had a birthday winnie roast every month!
We played games that children play—piko, sipa, cops-and-robbers, hide-and-seek, jumping rope, etc.
The Jesuits from Ateneo Padre Faura, a 12-block walk away, would come to sing along as my brother Willie was a whiz at the small upright piano my Mama purchased.
The Jesuits donated a basketball goal and Mama had a hardcourt cemented in the yard. This later became a favorite venue for class parties, as well as games.
All my brothers’ classmates and even the Jesuits themselves came to play basketball because Mama loved to entertain. It seemed like all that we sisters (her four daughters) did was to make sandwiches and Kool-Aid drinks.
Years later, my brothers’ friends from the Student Catholic Action, a multicollege organization, began meeting and holding parties also in our house in Herran. I learned to dance early because the boys would use me as their dance partner to practice for the parties.
And they all loved “Mommy Soliven”. For many years later, as a journalist I would encounter people from all sectors—the newspaper and broadcast industry, politics, the rich and famous—who would remember the “house in Herran” and “Mommy Soliven”. Inevitably they would say, “And you must have been that little girl making sandwiches....”
So many memories came flooding back yesterday on Mother’s Day, such as when the National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines named Pelagia V. Soliven as “Outstanding Mother of the Year” on December 3, 1962.
Mama deserved the award, for sure, for every year she singlehandedly raised her nine children. Mama had an unshakable faith in God’s Providence. She would declare that if God took our father away, He would surely provide for us. Through those difficult early years, God must have honored her faith and her perseverance.
I recall waking each morning at the sound of Mama working at her foot-pedaled sewing machine, and going to sleep to the same sound. Before she sat at her sewing machine, Mama would have already gone to the market and cooked the day’s meals for us.
Everything she cooked came in soups and with sauces, the better to spread the ulam. But she was an excellent cook. We loved her picadillos, monggo with alugbati, karne norte with potatoes, higado (bopis Ilocano-style), arroz caldo, atbp. I don’t think I ever saw a whole chicken, because it was always chopped into small pieces.
A rimas tree grew in the yard, and so Mama would make kinalti with this breadfruit and panocha, a favorite merienda.
Mama did push and prod us to become achievers in the tradition of Papa, a brilliant and respected politician, eloquent public speaker and lawyer. Silver was good enough for other students but the Soliven kids had to go for gold, which my brothers and sisters did, mostly in essaywriting and elocution contests. I brought home a few for writing and for English grammar.
There is an advantage to being the youngest. I never had to grab for food, since Mama would always set aside my share before everybody else. Neither did I have many house choirs like the rest.
I wasn’t a beautiful child—scrawny and with big eyes like a “plucked chicken,” as I would tell friends. Yet I knew that Mama loved me as only a mother would, and I miss her to this day.
I guess one never outgrows his/her Mama.
Courtesy: Business Mirror
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
First Pooch Bo Got Star Treatment
WASHINGTON (AP) — First pooch Bo got star treatment and his first backyard romp at the White House on Tuesday — and even presidential clearance to visit the Oval Office. But he better not get any inflated ideas about doggy sleeping arrangements. "Not in my bed," declared Barack Obama.
The nation got its long-awaited first look at Bo in action as the Obamas showed off the family's new dog on the South Lawn. First lady Michelle Obama did most of the walking while the 6-month-old Portuguese water dog scampered about. Then daughter Malia took a turn, and Bo took off running.
Despite the name of the dog's breed, daughter Sasha pointed out to reporters, "He doesn't know how to swim."
"Yeah, apparently they have to be taught how to swim," Obama added.
The girls grinned as they played with Bo. The wet lawn, chilly air and gray sky didn't put a damper on Bo's debut.
Sasha clapped her hands at one point, calling for the dog's attention. Bo wagged his tail as each of the Obamas bent down to pet him.
Plainly pleased, the president said: "He's a star. He's got star quality."
Obama had promised his daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, a puppy during the presidential campaign. The dog finally arrived Tuesday after the girls came home from school.
The commander in chief laid down some guidelines.
Each family member is going to have to help out, Obama said. "We all have to take turns walking the dog."
Asked by a reporter where the dog would sleep, the president said Bo would have his own spot. A bed? "Not in my bed," Obama said.
The president had a word of warning for the first lady. He said he had heard the breed likes tomatoes, so "Michelle's garden is in danger."
The White House will be the puppy's fourth home. He was born in Texas, then moved to his first owner's home in Washington, D.C., then spent nearly a month with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's dog trainer in Virginia, and now is moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Bo was given up by his first owner because things weren't working out with the family's other dog. Kennedy and his wife, Victoria, who had two Portuguese water dogs from Bo's breeder and acquired a third from Bo's litter, thought Bo would be perfect for the Obamas and gave the dog to Malia and Sasha as a gift, the dog's breeder and a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said.
At 6 months, Bo is still a "goofy puppy" and, like many Portuguese water dogs, may still be that way up to age 2 or even 4, said Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. "A puppy is a puppy and these are very active puppies," he said.
The pup is mostly black, but he has white fur on his chest and front feet. The dog's non-shedding coat also makes him a good pick for the family, given Malia's allergies.
After a reporter reminded him of President Harry S. Truman's line, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog," Obama joked, "I finally got a friend."
Courtesy: The Associated Press
The nation got its long-awaited first look at Bo in action as the Obamas showed off the family's new dog on the South Lawn. First lady Michelle Obama did most of the walking while the 6-month-old Portuguese water dog scampered about. Then daughter Malia took a turn, and Bo took off running.
Despite the name of the dog's breed, daughter Sasha pointed out to reporters, "He doesn't know how to swim."
"Yeah, apparently they have to be taught how to swim," Obama added.
The girls grinned as they played with Bo. The wet lawn, chilly air and gray sky didn't put a damper on Bo's debut.
Sasha clapped her hands at one point, calling for the dog's attention. Bo wagged his tail as each of the Obamas bent down to pet him.
Plainly pleased, the president said: "He's a star. He's got star quality."
Obama had promised his daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, a puppy during the presidential campaign. The dog finally arrived Tuesday after the girls came home from school.
The commander in chief laid down some guidelines.
Each family member is going to have to help out, Obama said. "We all have to take turns walking the dog."
Asked by a reporter where the dog would sleep, the president said Bo would have his own spot. A bed? "Not in my bed," Obama said.
The president had a word of warning for the first lady. He said he had heard the breed likes tomatoes, so "Michelle's garden is in danger."
The White House will be the puppy's fourth home. He was born in Texas, then moved to his first owner's home in Washington, D.C., then spent nearly a month with Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's dog trainer in Virginia, and now is moving to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Bo was given up by his first owner because things weren't working out with the family's other dog. Kennedy and his wife, Victoria, who had two Portuguese water dogs from Bo's breeder and acquired a third from Bo's litter, thought Bo would be perfect for the Obamas and gave the dog to Malia and Sasha as a gift, the dog's breeder and a spokeswoman for Michelle Obama said.
At 6 months, Bo is still a "goofy puppy" and, like many Portuguese water dogs, may still be that way up to age 2 or even 4, said Stu Freeman, president of the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America. "A puppy is a puppy and these are very active puppies," he said.
The pup is mostly black, but he has white fur on his chest and front feet. The dog's non-shedding coat also makes him a good pick for the family, given Malia's allergies.
After a reporter reminded him of President Harry S. Truman's line, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog," Obama joked, "I finally got a friend."
Courtesy: The Associated Press
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
