My iPod is about to burnt out. I've been listening to Matt Nathanson "Some Mad Hope" and Twilight Soundtrack nonstop for a week now.
Seriously ya'll, I would recommend giving either a listen.
Matt Nathanson sounds like Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, John Meyer and David Gray wrote an album. The lyrics are really meaningful. He has a song "Come on Get Higher" and another, "Wedding Dress". Beautiful music. Two-thumbs up; I highly recommend.
Twilight soundtrack consists of: Collective Soul, Linkin Park, Paramore, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Muse and Mutemath. Three thumbs up; I highly recommend
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Pet Connection, which aids hundreds of homeless animals in KC, was robbed.
To those that care about the homeless pets in Kansas City:
We have had a small tragedy at The Pet Connection. Yesterday, we were the victim of a crime that will have grave costs to our pets or for those that we are not able to rescue. Our trailer and all the supplies for building 8 new dog and cat rooms was stolen. I am so sad, disappointed, and everyone at our facility is feeling a little defeated. Jason Huff and myself got most of the supplies donated and spent 2 days loading it all for TPC so that the cost would be minimal. Replacement value of our loss: $4000. We were going to start construction over Thanksgiving. Jason and I cancelled holiday plans with our families so that we could build these much needed life savers. Our Christmas gift to the homeless pets was an important one. We estimate that these rooms will help us successfully house and rescue 15-40 additional pets each month.
Almost 70 percent of the rescued dogs at our facility were scheduled to be euthanized in area shelters simply because of space constraints.
If anyone can send additional funding for this project, we would really appreciate. If everyone we have helped this month, would send $5......that would be about $3000. If everyone on this list sent $5, that would be $35,000. We need help. Please send your pledge today.
I know that together, we can make this horrible turn of events seem small. If we do not receive a rally from our friends, we will not be able to complete the project until much later. I'm turning away about a hundred animals a month, please help me. We need these resources to be available as soon as possible. We needed them yesterday. Please cross post to anyone that may be able to assist.
Jason Huff
Director of OperationsThe Pet Connection
jason@thepetconnection.net
www.thepetconnection.net
913-671-PETS
5918 Broadmoor
Mission KS
66202
OPEN HRS:
Tues - Sunday 9am-8pm
Monday by appt only
Low cost obedience instruction, low cost microchippingLow cost spay/neuter
Adoption
Halfy's Thrift BoutiqueLOCATION:
5732 Johnson Dr.,
Telephone number- 913.236.9330,
Store Hours- M-Sat 10-6,
Closed Sundays.
We have had a small tragedy at The Pet Connection. Yesterday, we were the victim of a crime that will have grave costs to our pets or for those that we are not able to rescue. Our trailer and all the supplies for building 8 new dog and cat rooms was stolen. I am so sad, disappointed, and everyone at our facility is feeling a little defeated. Jason Huff and myself got most of the supplies donated and spent 2 days loading it all for TPC so that the cost would be minimal. Replacement value of our loss: $4000. We were going to start construction over Thanksgiving. Jason and I cancelled holiday plans with our families so that we could build these much needed life savers. Our Christmas gift to the homeless pets was an important one. We estimate that these rooms will help us successfully house and rescue 15-40 additional pets each month.
Almost 70 percent of the rescued dogs at our facility were scheduled to be euthanized in area shelters simply because of space constraints.
If anyone can send additional funding for this project, we would really appreciate. If everyone we have helped this month, would send $5......that would be about $3000. If everyone on this list sent $5, that would be $35,000. We need help. Please send your pledge today.
I know that together, we can make this horrible turn of events seem small. If we do not receive a rally from our friends, we will not be able to complete the project until much later. I'm turning away about a hundred animals a month, please help me. We need these resources to be available as soon as possible. We needed them yesterday. Please cross post to anyone that may be able to assist.
Jason Huff
Director of OperationsThe Pet Connection
jason@thepetconnection.net
www.thepetconnection.net
913-671-PETS
5918 Broadmoor
Mission KS
66202
OPEN HRS:
Tues - Sunday 9am-8pm
Monday by appt only
Low cost obedience instruction, low cost microchippingLow cost spay/neuter
Adoption
Halfy's Thrift BoutiqueLOCATION:
5732 Johnson Dr.,
Telephone number- 913.236.9330,
Store Hours- M-Sat 10-6,
Closed Sundays.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Just a really good day
Today was a long day. A good, fulfilling and productive day; yet a very long and hard day. I finally got home at 7:30pm (left home at 6am this morning). I fed and watered the dogs, gave them Greenies to chew on, made some hot tea, ran a hot bath, and began to relax. I was soaking in the Sweet Pea bubble bath, listening to Norah Jones on my iPod, relaxing....and then....
PLOP.
WTF??
Stella was sitting, staring at me, next to the tub. She had dropped her tennis ball. In the tub.
CDL. CDL. CDL. (If you are close to me, you know what this means).
My friend Steve, who works at the firm and rides the bus with me, is my little leprechaun. That's what I call him - Leprechaun. And, he calls me Pixie. For, obvious reasons. It was Steve's birthday today. I love birthdays (see previous blog regarding birthdays and how special they are in my family) and I love helping to make them special to other people. Cause, that's what it's all about isn't it? Anyway, the day started off with a bus ride with the birthday boy. Work was great, hectic, busy, productive, competitive...good day. I rode home earlier than usual - had several errands to run before a meeting at 6pm. I took the 4:15 bus. I sat next to the most adorable Italian gentleman. So adorable! He calls me Sarafina. He talks with his hands. He is in love with his wife. He loves life. He's owned a barber shop downtown for 38 years. Just a lovely man. He had me laughing the whole ride home. Stopped at home, let the dogs out, then headed to the Parkville Animal Shelter. One of their ongoing fundraisers is garbage bags. We all need garbage bags, right? Just so happens I drive 15 minutes and spend a lot more money on mine. Cindy and Becky were there. They had big hugs for me. I let it be known the minute I walked in that I would not be taking any more to add to my petting zoo so dont even try it. They laughed. Becky had pictures of Misha on her phone from years ago. Becky house-sat/dog sat for me when I went to a cheer competition in Knoxville. That was the weekend in August of 2006 that my air conditioning broke. Becky called me at the coach's dinner to tell me it was 96 degrees in my house and that she would be taking Tyler and Misha back to her house for the remainder of the weekend. God Bless Her. She already had 8 dogs at her house.
Parkville had 2 mastiffs dumped earlier this week. The pieces of shit who owned the mastiffs (female apprx. 100 lbs, male apprx. 165 lbs) used them for breeding then decided they were too expensive to feed. So, they dumped them at the Parkville Shelter. Makes one wonder what happened to the litter. Mastiffs aren't for inexperienced dog owners. Heck, I was intimidated by the male - and I dont get intimidated by Pitbulls! But he was WAY bigger than me.
I left the shelter, and went up to Zona Rosa where I had a meeting with NAWS. I'm on the committee preparing for a big fundraiser in April.
Then I went to Sarah's house to pick up Twilight (book #1 in the series). I've already read Twilight and New Moon but I'm going to the Twilight the movie Saturday with the girls and wanted to read it one more time. I dont want to buy it because I'm asking for the hardbound series for Christmas so...I borrowed it from Sarah.
Then I came home. Then I took a bath. Then Stella dropped her tennis ball in my bath water while looking at me pathetically like, "throw the ball. damnit"
I'm getting so excited for the holidays. So excited. I love this weather. Crisp, cool mornings. Walking outside sniffling as the cool air wakes ones senses.
I'm trying to judge less these days. It's really difficult. There are people in my life who are very selfish. There are people in my life who only care about themselves. I'm not saying people need to be a crazy animal/domestic violence/homeless shelter/environmentalist that is not what I am saying at all. But, what's the point in living if you can't experience helping make other people happy? What is the point in living if you only care about yourself and your immediate needs? I just dont get it. But, I am really trying not to judge. I'm not walking in anyone else's shoes (And I thank God for that) so I dont know what its like to be insecure, or not have any faith, or not have any passion or have been around people with different morals their whole life. It's just really difficult. But I am trying.
Keisha and Mike come in town Sunday with their litter of children. Or as I call them, the Family Circus. I haven't seen them since January 8th. It's been a long time. Very much overdue. We're all going to the Briarcliff Village Holiday Festival Sunday evening. I'm very much looking forward to it.
I think it's about time I re-read when Edward and Bella fell in love. One more time.
PLOP.
WTF??
Stella was sitting, staring at me, next to the tub. She had dropped her tennis ball. In the tub.
CDL. CDL. CDL. (If you are close to me, you know what this means).
My friend Steve, who works at the firm and rides the bus with me, is my little leprechaun. That's what I call him - Leprechaun. And, he calls me Pixie. For, obvious reasons. It was Steve's birthday today. I love birthdays (see previous blog regarding birthdays and how special they are in my family) and I love helping to make them special to other people. Cause, that's what it's all about isn't it? Anyway, the day started off with a bus ride with the birthday boy. Work was great, hectic, busy, productive, competitive...good day. I rode home earlier than usual - had several errands to run before a meeting at 6pm. I took the 4:15 bus. I sat next to the most adorable Italian gentleman. So adorable! He calls me Sarafina. He talks with his hands. He is in love with his wife. He loves life. He's owned a barber shop downtown for 38 years. Just a lovely man. He had me laughing the whole ride home. Stopped at home, let the dogs out, then headed to the Parkville Animal Shelter. One of their ongoing fundraisers is garbage bags. We all need garbage bags, right? Just so happens I drive 15 minutes and spend a lot more money on mine. Cindy and Becky were there. They had big hugs for me. I let it be known the minute I walked in that I would not be taking any more to add to my petting zoo so dont even try it. They laughed. Becky had pictures of Misha on her phone from years ago. Becky house-sat/dog sat for me when I went to a cheer competition in Knoxville. That was the weekend in August of 2006 that my air conditioning broke. Becky called me at the coach's dinner to tell me it was 96 degrees in my house and that she would be taking Tyler and Misha back to her house for the remainder of the weekend. God Bless Her. She already had 8 dogs at her house.
Parkville had 2 mastiffs dumped earlier this week. The pieces of shit who owned the mastiffs (female apprx. 100 lbs, male apprx. 165 lbs) used them for breeding then decided they were too expensive to feed. So, they dumped them at the Parkville Shelter. Makes one wonder what happened to the litter. Mastiffs aren't for inexperienced dog owners. Heck, I was intimidated by the male - and I dont get intimidated by Pitbulls! But he was WAY bigger than me.
I left the shelter, and went up to Zona Rosa where I had a meeting with NAWS. I'm on the committee preparing for a big fundraiser in April.
Then I went to Sarah's house to pick up Twilight (book #1 in the series). I've already read Twilight and New Moon but I'm going to the Twilight the movie Saturday with the girls and wanted to read it one more time. I dont want to buy it because I'm asking for the hardbound series for Christmas so...I borrowed it from Sarah.
Then I came home. Then I took a bath. Then Stella dropped her tennis ball in my bath water while looking at me pathetically like, "throw the ball. damnit"
I'm getting so excited for the holidays. So excited. I love this weather. Crisp, cool mornings. Walking outside sniffling as the cool air wakes ones senses.
I'm trying to judge less these days. It's really difficult. There are people in my life who are very selfish. There are people in my life who only care about themselves. I'm not saying people need to be a crazy animal/domestic violence/homeless shelter/environmentalist that is not what I am saying at all. But, what's the point in living if you can't experience helping make other people happy? What is the point in living if you only care about yourself and your immediate needs? I just dont get it. But, I am really trying not to judge. I'm not walking in anyone else's shoes (And I thank God for that) so I dont know what its like to be insecure, or not have any faith, or not have any passion or have been around people with different morals their whole life. It's just really difficult. But I am trying.
Keisha and Mike come in town Sunday with their litter of children. Or as I call them, the Family Circus. I haven't seen them since January 8th. It's been a long time. Very much overdue. We're all going to the Briarcliff Village Holiday Festival Sunday evening. I'm very much looking forward to it.
I think it's about time I re-read when Edward and Bella fell in love. One more time.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Shelter Dog's Perspective...
I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.
As she stopped at my kennel I blocked her view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want her to think poorly of them.
As she read my kennel card I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.
She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.
A tear fell down her cheek and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well. Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.
I rescued a human today.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Sarah's List
My favorite store: White House Black Market
My favorite candle: Tyler candles- Diva
My favorite soap: Ivory
My favorite shirts: Ed Hardy
My other favorite store: Ann Taylor
My other favorite store: Target
My dogs' favorite store: Petsmart
My favorite station: 105.1
My favorite coffee: Millstone
My favorite energy drink: Sugar free Red Bull
My favorite song right now: Johny and June
My other favorite song right now: Disturbia
My favorite time of the day: morning
My favorite jeans: WHBM
My favorite after-work place: Pastry Goddess
My favorite thing at Pastry Goddess: Fruit Tart and Chai Tea
My favorite sister: Amy
My favorite vehicle: Range Rover
My favorite flower: roses or stargazers
My favorite spice: Cinamon
My favorite commercial: Sonic with the couple!
My favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip
My favorite breakfast: pancakes with strawberries
My favorite movie: Beautiful Girls
My close-second favorite movie: The Usual Suspects
My favorite genre of movie: horror
My favorite season: fall
My favorite actress: Natalie Portman
My favorite singer: David Cook
My favorite genre TV show: REALITY!
My favorite candle: Tyler candles- Diva
My favorite soap: Ivory
My favorite shirts: Ed Hardy
My other favorite store: Ann Taylor
My other favorite store: Target
My dogs' favorite store: Petsmart
My favorite station: 105.1
My favorite coffee: Millstone
My favorite energy drink: Sugar free Red Bull
My favorite song right now: Johny and June
My other favorite song right now: Disturbia
My favorite time of the day: morning
My favorite jeans: WHBM
My favorite after-work place: Pastry Goddess
My favorite thing at Pastry Goddess: Fruit Tart and Chai Tea
My favorite sister: Amy
My favorite vehicle: Range Rover
My favorite flower: roses or stargazers
My favorite spice: Cinamon
My favorite commercial: Sonic with the couple!
My favorite ice cream: mint chocolate chip
My favorite breakfast: pancakes with strawberries
My favorite movie: Beautiful Girls
My close-second favorite movie: The Usual Suspects
My favorite genre of movie: horror
My favorite season: fall
My favorite actress: Natalie Portman
My favorite singer: David Cook
My favorite genre TV show: REALITY!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Random clarifications...
I don't just love dogs. I have a passion for helping abused, abandoned, neglected and homeless animals. I abhor breeding, animal cruelty and neglect, chained-dogs, puppy-mills and dogfighting. It is frustrating when people say "Ohhh you love dogs!" Yes, I do love dogs but I'm not just the crazy dog lady living at home with 14 shitzus and yorkies. My heart goes out to abused (Stella) chained (Max) and neglected (Tyler) dogs. The extent of the misunderstanding goes to people who are close to me, have tried setting me up with a breeder. A BREEDER. "But Sarah, he LOVES dogs! He breeds labs!" Then he doesn't love dogs!! Guys who have approached me and wanted to take me out tell me they have a beagle which lives in a kennel in their garage, or a Great Dane who lives her life outside, or a min-pin for which they paid $2000. First of all, I wont give you the time of day if you keep your hunting dog in a cage its entire life, secondly I wont look at you if your dogs lives its life outside. I dont care how big it is! Dont get a dog if you dont want one!! And lastly, the more money you spent on your dog while 12 million are euthanized each year just reaffirms the fact that you are an ignorant, uncaring idiot!
Everytime I see Sarah McLaughlin's ASPCA commercial I cry. Sarah's song "In the arms of the angel.." plays while they show abused and dying dogs and cats. Just breaks my heart. I would give my last dime to that organization. Oh wait, I did and have.
Random thought - Barack Obama, in all his insight, vowed to adopt a 'shelter' dog for Sasha and Malia. He said as he is a mutt, he wanted to bring another mutt into the White House.
God I love that man.
Whatever that piece of shit Michael Vick did by glorifying dog-fighting, millions of people will now see the glorification of adopting from a shelter since the leader of the free world made it "cool".
I watched "Whale Wars" on Animal Planet last night. I had been eagerly awaiting it's premiere. Last week when Jessi and I went to "Nights in Rodanthe" there was a preview for this new Animal Planet Documentary; Whale Wars. Its basically about these 35 men and women who risk everything aboard the Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin. There are 6 Japanese ships in the Antarctic who are bludgeoning and massacring this gorgeous, soon-to-be-extinct breed; the Orca Whale. The Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin, is out there to try and stop the Japanese and scare them into turning around and going back to Japan. In the Japanese fleet, there are 3 "harpoon ships" 2 "GPS" ships and a processing ship. The 2 "GPS" ships cruise around the "Whale Sanctuary" in this portion of the Antarctic ocean just southeast of Australia. The Whale Sanctuary is preserved and whale hunting is illegal HOWEVER the Japanese have "research" written across their ships and can get away with murdering 935 whales/year in the whale sanctuary in the name of research. The Japanese claim they're researching migratory patterns among the whales. What the fuck do they care? Let the Japanese "research" ships loose in those waters and there will be no whales to have migratory patterns!! So while the 2 "GPS" ships are navigating around the waters, finding the innocent and helpless whales, they call on the 3 "harpoon" ships. The harpoon ships have a missile-like harpoon which, like military missiles, when the person guiding the harpoon finds its target (the whale) they push the button and the harpoon (which looks like an anchor the size of an SUV) at about 35 mph, goes directly into the whale, and since it is still connected it drags the whale back to the killing machine. Er, I mean, Ship. Whales are Mammals. They feel pain. In fact, their central-nervous system is as complex as human beings, which means, the whales feel all the pain that is expected when you have a 3-ton harpoon shooting through you. They're dragged up a long ramp into the ship where the Japanese "researchers" saw its tail off for easier manuevering. Once the animal - still alive - is tortured and miserable, the "processing ship" comes by. On the processing ship, the Japanese "researchers" finish cutting up the whale for edible whale meat.
So, Paul Watson is the captain of the Sea Shepherd. Apparently Paul and Steve Irwin were best friends, and I think Steve's widow Teri, donated money for the ship the Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin. Paul was the founder of Green Peace, a respectable activist-organization also trying to stop whaling and killing in the Antarctic however they're using very submissive techniques. Paul had a falling-out with the other founders/members of Green Peace when they wanted to remain calm and submissive to the whalers and Paul decided the only way to "fight" whaling was to literally "fight" it. Paul was asked to leave Green Peace and started the organization of 35 crew members in this season's documentary "Whale Wars".
As far as I can tell, the 7-episode series will document the hardships the crew aboard the Sea Shepherd face; sea-sickness, capsized boats, and there is even talk of a hostage-situation. Thank God there are people out there who are taking things into their own hands. I realize this area is International waters however, wouldn't you think the government should be doing something to regulate the laws of the Whale Sanctuary?
Whale meat is served at restaurants in Japan. Whale fat is used in lipsticks and other cosmetics. (See list below of companies who either animal test or use animal bi-products in their cosmetics)
Avon Cosmetics
Jeyes
Beiersdorf
Johnson & Johnson
The Body Shop/L’Oreal+
Lancome
Chanel
Lever Fabergé
Christion Dior
L’Oreal/Nestlé
Clinique
Miners Cosmetics
Colgate Palmolive
PZ Cussons
Coty
Reckitt Benckiser
Ecover*
Revlon
Estée Lauder
SC Johnson
FCUK
Virgin Vie
Garnier
Yardley
Givenchy
Yves Rocher
GlaxoSmithKline
Yves Saint Laurent
Helena Rubenstein
Unilever
Here is a site to utilize for safecosmetics:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm
When I started this blog I had no intention of coming off as the tree-hugging crazy animal activist lady. No I do not intend to board a ship and risk my life anytime soon. Although I must say I feel that jumping fences and stealing pitbulls from abusive owners just doesn't feel like I am doing enough. Then again, its so difficult to feel as if we are making a difference and so easy to feel insignificant and like we are hardly making a dent in the world of animal cruelty.
Everytime I see Sarah McLaughlin's ASPCA commercial I cry. Sarah's song "In the arms of the angel.." plays while they show abused and dying dogs and cats. Just breaks my heart. I would give my last dime to that organization. Oh wait, I did and have.
Random thought - Barack Obama, in all his insight, vowed to adopt a 'shelter' dog for Sasha and Malia. He said as he is a mutt, he wanted to bring another mutt into the White House.
God I love that man.
Whatever that piece of shit Michael Vick did by glorifying dog-fighting, millions of people will now see the glorification of adopting from a shelter since the leader of the free world made it "cool".
I watched "Whale Wars" on Animal Planet last night. I had been eagerly awaiting it's premiere. Last week when Jessi and I went to "Nights in Rodanthe" there was a preview for this new Animal Planet Documentary; Whale Wars. Its basically about these 35 men and women who risk everything aboard the Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin. There are 6 Japanese ships in the Antarctic who are bludgeoning and massacring this gorgeous, soon-to-be-extinct breed; the Orca Whale. The Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin, is out there to try and stop the Japanese and scare them into turning around and going back to Japan. In the Japanese fleet, there are 3 "harpoon ships" 2 "GPS" ships and a processing ship. The 2 "GPS" ships cruise around the "Whale Sanctuary" in this portion of the Antarctic ocean just southeast of Australia. The Whale Sanctuary is preserved and whale hunting is illegal HOWEVER the Japanese have "research" written across their ships and can get away with murdering 935 whales/year in the whale sanctuary in the name of research. The Japanese claim they're researching migratory patterns among the whales. What the fuck do they care? Let the Japanese "research" ships loose in those waters and there will be no whales to have migratory patterns!! So while the 2 "GPS" ships are navigating around the waters, finding the innocent and helpless whales, they call on the 3 "harpoon" ships. The harpoon ships have a missile-like harpoon which, like military missiles, when the person guiding the harpoon finds its target (the whale) they push the button and the harpoon (which looks like an anchor the size of an SUV) at about 35 mph, goes directly into the whale, and since it is still connected it drags the whale back to the killing machine. Er, I mean, Ship. Whales are Mammals. They feel pain. In fact, their central-nervous system is as complex as human beings, which means, the whales feel all the pain that is expected when you have a 3-ton harpoon shooting through you. They're dragged up a long ramp into the ship where the Japanese "researchers" saw its tail off for easier manuevering. Once the animal - still alive - is tortured and miserable, the "processing ship" comes by. On the processing ship, the Japanese "researchers" finish cutting up the whale for edible whale meat.
So, Paul Watson is the captain of the Sea Shepherd. Apparently Paul and Steve Irwin were best friends, and I think Steve's widow Teri, donated money for the ship the Sea Shepherd: Steve Irwin. Paul was the founder of Green Peace, a respectable activist-organization also trying to stop whaling and killing in the Antarctic however they're using very submissive techniques. Paul had a falling-out with the other founders/members of Green Peace when they wanted to remain calm and submissive to the whalers and Paul decided the only way to "fight" whaling was to literally "fight" it. Paul was asked to leave Green Peace and started the organization of 35 crew members in this season's documentary "Whale Wars".
As far as I can tell, the 7-episode series will document the hardships the crew aboard the Sea Shepherd face; sea-sickness, capsized boats, and there is even talk of a hostage-situation. Thank God there are people out there who are taking things into their own hands. I realize this area is International waters however, wouldn't you think the government should be doing something to regulate the laws of the Whale Sanctuary?
Whale meat is served at restaurants in Japan. Whale fat is used in lipsticks and other cosmetics. (See list below of companies who either animal test or use animal bi-products in their cosmetics)
Avon Cosmetics
Jeyes
Beiersdorf
Johnson & Johnson
The Body Shop/L’Oreal+
Lancome
Chanel
Lever Fabergé
Christion Dior
L’Oreal/Nestlé
Clinique
Miners Cosmetics
Colgate Palmolive
PZ Cussons
Coty
Reckitt Benckiser
Ecover*
Revlon
Estée Lauder
SC Johnson
FCUK
Virgin Vie
Garnier
Yardley
Givenchy
Yves Rocher
GlaxoSmithKline
Yves Saint Laurent
Helena Rubenstein
Unilever
Here is a site to utilize for safecosmetics:
http://www.safecosmetics.org/companies/signers.cfm
When I started this blog I had no intention of coming off as the tree-hugging crazy animal activist lady. No I do not intend to board a ship and risk my life anytime soon. Although I must say I feel that jumping fences and stealing pitbulls from abusive owners just doesn't feel like I am doing enough. Then again, its so difficult to feel as if we are making a difference and so easy to feel insignificant and like we are hardly making a dent in the world of animal cruelty.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Economy and the Holidays...
Times are tough; we are all living differently now than we were 2 years ago...5 years ago...I now get a Starbucks once a week instead of once a day, I have downgraded the dogs' food, they get less treats, off-brand treats, they no longer go to daycare or the vet when they have a bump or red eye, my sister now gets pedicures once every few months instead of once a week, I haven't been out to lunch or dinner in months, I read instead of watching movies, friends come over and I entertain instead of going out for entertaiment, I ride the KC ATA downtown to work to save on gas and parking...and you know what? I'm happy! We're all happy! I mean, I would love to have a Starbucks everyday but, I've lost weight since I haven't! I would love to take the dogs to daycare at least once a week but, they have more energy to give me love when I get home! I would love to not deal with the crazies on the bus, and have my SUV downtown but I haven't gotten a speeding ticket or been in any accidents! Now...I'm not so sure Miss. Amy McGillicuddy can or should be going MONTHS without a pedicure for her feet.... :) j/k.
So this brings me to the holidays. The 'siblings' discussed either foregoing gift-giving this year or exchanging homemade gifts. Clearly the meaning of Christmas is Christ, and His birthday, being with family, being safe, being with loved ones and spending time together..so we haven't forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
HOWEVER when the emails were going around about this...my SEESTER AMY who, goes BALLS OUT for Christmas, emails me, "so does this mean I need to return your Juicy Perfume?"
Juicy Couture is kind of a running joke between Amy and me...I LOVE Juicy and am probably the only person above the age of 30 who acknowledges the significance of Juicy Couture. Amy has given me a Pink Juicy jumpsuit for Christmas, that I secretly wear around my house 24/7, as well as awesome boutique-type very couture clothes. She is AWESOME when it comes to Christmas shopping. She really enjoys seeing our/my face when I open her gifts and do my spirit fingers. She really gets joy from this.
So, my sweet, generous, dear, sister, had Juicy Couture perfume for me for Christmas. Now, we are exchaning homemade gifts. And, honestly, the more I think about it...I'm more excited for her home made gift. Two years ago she made Tommy and me the "Estlund Compilation" CDs; a set of three CDs that brought back memories from the 80s, 90s, those CDs were awesome. Isn't it amazing that we can say "home made gifts mean the most" and it may not sound heartfelt yet, really is? I know Tommy's most favorite gift ever (that he still has on his bookshelf) was a book Amy made him. I was always jealous of that book. Maybe I will get a book this year... :) ?? I would love a home made book from my sister over Juicy Couture perfume anyday. Someday, when we are rich we will afford each other lavish gifts..but for now, from the heart is best.
So this brings me to the holidays. The 'siblings' discussed either foregoing gift-giving this year or exchanging homemade gifts. Clearly the meaning of Christmas is Christ, and His birthday, being with family, being safe, being with loved ones and spending time together..so we haven't forgotten the true meaning of Christmas.
HOWEVER when the emails were going around about this...my SEESTER AMY who, goes BALLS OUT for Christmas, emails me, "so does this mean I need to return your Juicy Perfume?"
Juicy Couture is kind of a running joke between Amy and me...I LOVE Juicy and am probably the only person above the age of 30 who acknowledges the significance of Juicy Couture. Amy has given me a Pink Juicy jumpsuit for Christmas, that I secretly wear around my house 24/7, as well as awesome boutique-type very couture clothes. She is AWESOME when it comes to Christmas shopping. She really enjoys seeing our/my face when I open her gifts and do my spirit fingers. She really gets joy from this.
So, my sweet, generous, dear, sister, had Juicy Couture perfume for me for Christmas. Now, we are exchaning homemade gifts. And, honestly, the more I think about it...I'm more excited for her home made gift. Two years ago she made Tommy and me the "Estlund Compilation" CDs; a set of three CDs that brought back memories from the 80s, 90s, those CDs were awesome. Isn't it amazing that we can say "home made gifts mean the most" and it may not sound heartfelt yet, really is? I know Tommy's most favorite gift ever (that he still has on his bookshelf) was a book Amy made him. I was always jealous of that book. Maybe I will get a book this year... :) ?? I would love a home made book from my sister over Juicy Couture perfume anyday. Someday, when we are rich we will afford each other lavish gifts..but for now, from the heart is best.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Leaves...twilight...Jessi's...love...election '08...
Fall is my favorite favorite favorite time of year. The leaves are beautiful; all over my driveway, my lawn, my deck, and occasionally my dogs. Sitting in my guest room looking out the window at the different colors, I acknowledge how blessed I am. How can I not? Max and Stella are on the guest bed staring at me pathetically; surely wondering why we aren't yet at the dog park on such a glorious day.
I finished a book this morning; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I can't remember the last time I read fiction. I love non-fiction; dogs, law, religion, self-help, feng shui (ok, not really but I wanted to sound sophisticated for a sentence, did it work?). Twilight is over 500 pages. Most know I have the attention span of a gnat which, is why I stick to non-fiction and which, is why a 500+ page book that is about something other than dogs, Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, or meeting your true love, is so surprising. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I read from 5-11 last night and finished it up this morning. Narrated by 17 year-old Bella, Twilight is the best love story since Romeo and Juliet. Tragically so. Bella moves into small-town Forks, Washington to finish her last 2 years of high school. Her character is entirely lovable. She is relatable and I almost pictured her to be me. She falls head over heels in love with Edward Cullen, one of 5 adopted siblings all of whom are drop-dead gorgeous, brilliant and wealthy. She learns Edward is a vampire and thus begins their tragic love story of impossible hopes and dreams. Edward, so in love with Bella cannot keep away form her although, 'his kind' thirsts for 'her kind'. So many parallels between their love and the real world; man loves woman, man can hurt woman, woman loves man, knows man can hurt her (figuratively yet literally in Twilight) thus begins a saga of Bella wanting to become immortal to be with Edward forever (becoming 'immortal' is gained through a 3-day process of excruciating pain wherein the vampire puts his venom into the mortal and for 3-days the mortal feels incredible pain, at the end of which is a vampire as well.) Some evil vampires (Edward's family is 'good'; using will-power to not eat humans and instead 'hunting' for wolves, bears, etc.) catch Bella's scent and here we have the boy-saves-girl situation which had my heart pounding. Edward saved Bella from exactly what his instincts tell him to do; hunt the human.
Twilight is the first of a 4-book series. I am leaving here shortly to meet the girls for brunch at Zona Rosa and am going to buy book #2.
Jessi gave me Twilight yesterday. I went over to her house to have brunch (Jessi is an insane cook) with Jessi and Chad. I love them. We had such a nice time. They have Yoda, the pug, who although he runs when he sees me I am quite sure he loves me. It is so odd being able to pick up a dog and hold him in my arms! We began talking about books at brunch; I told them of the 'cooking organically for your canine friends' book I was reading as well as the 'meditations for women' book I was reading. Jessi could hardly contain her enthusiasm when telling me about Twilight. So, she loaned it to me to read. After brunch we went to see Nights in Rodanthe. Quite possibly one of the top 5 tear-jerkers I have seen in a decade. Jessi and I were literally sobbing uncontrollably, shoulders-shaking. It was pathetic. Any book-made-to-movie from Nicholas Sparks is 2 thumbs up in my book.
Tommy and I went to coffee yesterday morning (yes I am moving in rewind here) that was very nice. I never ever would have thought, 10 years ago, that Tommy would be one of my best friends and that we would have enough stimulating topics to cover an hour and a half coffee date, but we do! I think my brother should get into politics; not only is he the most well-read and versed person that I know when it comes to the history of politics, the logistics and the complexities of politics, he is a phenomenal teacher who could actually educate people on this subject.
Love...is really in the air lately. I just feel it.
So Tuesday is the big election day. Election '08. I was watching Sunday morning news this morning, and they had some psychologist talking about "election withdrawal" and how, after Wednesday morning people are going to hav withdrawals from all the hot issues, topics, conversations and heated debates resulted out of the 'unknown' outcome of Election '08.
I'm going to buy my book now.
I finished a book this morning; Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. I can't remember the last time I read fiction. I love non-fiction; dogs, law, religion, self-help, feng shui (ok, not really but I wanted to sound sophisticated for a sentence, did it work?). Twilight is over 500 pages. Most know I have the attention span of a gnat which, is why I stick to non-fiction and which, is why a 500+ page book that is about something other than dogs, Barack Obama, Kim Kardashian, or meeting your true love, is so surprising. I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN. I read from 5-11 last night and finished it up this morning. Narrated by 17 year-old Bella, Twilight is the best love story since Romeo and Juliet. Tragically so. Bella moves into small-town Forks, Washington to finish her last 2 years of high school. Her character is entirely lovable. She is relatable and I almost pictured her to be me. She falls head over heels in love with Edward Cullen, one of 5 adopted siblings all of whom are drop-dead gorgeous, brilliant and wealthy. She learns Edward is a vampire and thus begins their tragic love story of impossible hopes and dreams. Edward, so in love with Bella cannot keep away form her although, 'his kind' thirsts for 'her kind'. So many parallels between their love and the real world; man loves woman, man can hurt woman, woman loves man, knows man can hurt her (figuratively yet literally in Twilight) thus begins a saga of Bella wanting to become immortal to be with Edward forever (becoming 'immortal' is gained through a 3-day process of excruciating pain wherein the vampire puts his venom into the mortal and for 3-days the mortal feels incredible pain, at the end of which is a vampire as well.) Some evil vampires (Edward's family is 'good'; using will-power to not eat humans and instead 'hunting' for wolves, bears, etc.) catch Bella's scent and here we have the boy-saves-girl situation which had my heart pounding. Edward saved Bella from exactly what his instincts tell him to do; hunt the human.
Twilight is the first of a 4-book series. I am leaving here shortly to meet the girls for brunch at Zona Rosa and am going to buy book #2.
Jessi gave me Twilight yesterday. I went over to her house to have brunch (Jessi is an insane cook) with Jessi and Chad. I love them. We had such a nice time. They have Yoda, the pug, who although he runs when he sees me I am quite sure he loves me. It is so odd being able to pick up a dog and hold him in my arms! We began talking about books at brunch; I told them of the 'cooking organically for your canine friends' book I was reading as well as the 'meditations for women' book I was reading. Jessi could hardly contain her enthusiasm when telling me about Twilight. So, she loaned it to me to read. After brunch we went to see Nights in Rodanthe. Quite possibly one of the top 5 tear-jerkers I have seen in a decade. Jessi and I were literally sobbing uncontrollably, shoulders-shaking. It was pathetic. Any book-made-to-movie from Nicholas Sparks is 2 thumbs up in my book.
Tommy and I went to coffee yesterday morning (yes I am moving in rewind here) that was very nice. I never ever would have thought, 10 years ago, that Tommy would be one of my best friends and that we would have enough stimulating topics to cover an hour and a half coffee date, but we do! I think my brother should get into politics; not only is he the most well-read and versed person that I know when it comes to the history of politics, the logistics and the complexities of politics, he is a phenomenal teacher who could actually educate people on this subject.
Love...is really in the air lately. I just feel it.
So Tuesday is the big election day. Election '08. I was watching Sunday morning news this morning, and they had some psychologist talking about "election withdrawal" and how, after Wednesday morning people are going to hav withdrawals from all the hot issues, topics, conversations and heated debates resulted out of the 'unknown' outcome of Election '08.
I'm going to buy my book now.
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