The lazy rich....

A sailboat left too long in the water has become frozen in Marquette, Michigan's Lower Harbor. 

Marquette Parks and Recreation Department contacted the owner to have it removed from the pier before it became frozen in place. Instead of moving the boat, the owner asked for a bubbler system (which prevents the water from freezing) to be installed at the tax payers expense. 

Guess what happened? Yep, the boat froze in place and now the owner has had to hire a crane to remove the boat or face multiple fines. 

This is a perfect example of a lazy person with too much money. Rather insulting when people don't have enough to eat. The crane operator is probably grateful.

If you'd like to make your own frozen sailboat, try this popsicle maker!

I love this picture!

That's it. I just love this picture! The kid in the middle is fantastic!

It's a baby aardvark!

The Detroit zoo welcomed it's newest addition to the menagerie of critters that call it home. Amani, which is Swahili for peace was born on December 8th weighing 3 pounds. We are awaiting DNA testing to determine if it is a he or a she. Doesn't seem to matter too much right now. 

Cute little odd creature!

It's almost Christmas!

Do you need a last minute gift idea? Well, this is not recommended for you or anyone else for that matter. 

It doesn't mean I didn't want to share it. At one time, not so long ago, this was a real suggestion for  a gift for every family member. 

And some American's wonder why the world thinks we are a violent society? This ad and serial killers (another American product) are good examples. Hmm.

Merry christmas!

A late edition...

... to my Christmas list. I love old vintage things like this. I have no idea where I would put it, but if I did have a large living room I'd treat is as a piece of sculpture. It is from a time when good design was used for all kinds of things. Today, things are designed to function more than to please the eye. What a shame.

So, this could be yours for a mere $4,000. Or if you were felling generous, it could be mine!

Winter Solstice

Today is the beginning of  winter solstice. However with all of the snow we have had so far one would never have believed it. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago when the temperatures were in the forties. I love the wrapped trees in their burlap coats. However, if it were taken today it would have six inches of snow on it and it would be in the teens temperature wise. Makes the coats seem a little less silly.

So, it looks like we are going to have a white Christmas this year! Yea! I personally like snow as long as I don't have to drive long distances in it! My dog and I tromp through it in the woods. Ever so cool in more than one way!

Flame broiled body spray

Yes, this is what it says it is. Burger King is making a body spray for men that smells like a flame broiled whopper. You too can own it for a mere $3.99. But why would you want to smell like a hamburger? Now a french fry I understand. But how many women are going to go 'ooohh, hamburger, must have a bite'. And not to exclude the gay crowd, would men think the same about another man? Can't image that. Who does this appeal too other than the marketing department?

Tattoo Gun!

'Tis the season for marketing! 

Now who in the heck decided that this was a good idea? 

This is so wrong on so many, many, many levels.

This could very well define "toxic toys" in a different light.

And now for some good news!

Vestergaard Frandsen, a Swiss company that developed LifeStraw, a truly life saving invention for the estimated one billion people around the world who lack access to clean water. The personal water filter is housed in a polystyrene cylinder that hangs around the neck., cleaning at least 700 liters of water and removing 99.9% of waterborne bacteria and 98.7% of waterborne viruses. 

It's design is simple, with no spare parts or batteries needed. According to VF spokesperson Peter Cleary, humanitarian organizations have purchased 200,000 of the $5.50 devices for distribution in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. 

The world health organization estimates that roughly 1.8 million people, mostly children, die each year from waterborne illnesses.

Now this is something that is truly making a difference in peoples live. Very cool.

Puppy mill shoots dogs

E & A and A & J Kennels in Kutztown, Pa., for shooting 80 dogs last July after state dog wardens ordered they undergo veterinary exams. "The main reason most kennel owners resist exams is they don't want to pay the costs," says Robert Baker, an anti cruelty investigator for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals.

Under state law at the time, shooting the dogs was legal; Baker says such shootings are an everyday occurrence at puppy mills around the country. The killings underscore the need for laws similar to one signed in October by Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell that require kenneled animals receive annual veterinary care and permit only veterinarians to euthanize animals.

On another sad note, a man in a nearby township has been arrested for leaving his dogs out in the cold without shelter, food and water. When someone finally reported him, the investigator found two dead dogs (for for months) and a third on the brink of death. When confronted by police his only concern were the charges being brought against him. 

I just don't understand cruelty to any being. It makes no sense to me. 

It's a Toofer!

Creepy. There is an ad on t.v. advertising two for one plastic surgery operations. Looks like the 'praying on women's insecurities industry' isn't doing so well in this economic climate. 

Like I said creepy. And horribly sad.

Tragedy in Mumbai (Bombay)

 
My younger sister leads such a different life than I. Tara lives in Mumbai, India with her husband Angad within walking distance of where much of where the melee occurred. Fortunately she was home when the chaos began, but she was near enough that she heard shots and blasts. 

My father and I had a somewhat harrowing Thanksgiving as information was limited. The only communication that we had was via email. (Thank goodness for the Internet.) All phone communication was nonexistent. 

These are photos that she took in the area where she lives, shops, and works in. If the attacks had happened one day earlier she could well have been a victim  in one of the restaurants that was targeted. As expected, reconciling what happened is difficult for everyone there and around the world. Here is a link to an essay that my very eloquent sister wrote about the aftermath. 

It still surprises me that we are such similar people with such different life styles. She is literally a world away. Thank goodness she is safe in hers.

Another reason not to shop at Walmart

I truly don't understand the appeal of standing in line for hours to be let into a store to shop the day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday. Well black Friday will have a whole new meaning for the family of the 32 year old man that was crushed to death as he opened the doors to a Walmart store to let shoppers in. The crowd surged forward and did nothing to help this poor underpaid man as he lay on the floor being trampled. Even co-workers who tried to come to his aid where unable to get to him and help. He died at 6 AM at the hospital that day. 

But here is the kicker. When the store announced that they were closing because of the death, shoppers protested that they had been in line since Thanksgiving evening. They cursed staff as they were asked to leave. The Christmas spirit at its best, eh?

Wow. What is wrong with people. Someone dies and you are only concerned that you couldn't finish your shopping. Perhaps this explains the 47% that voted for McCain/Palin. I didn't understand that either. The callous me first always, at the lowest possible price always, under every circumstance is frightening. 

"Walmart. Low prices. Live better." Their slogan only applies if you get to live it looks like. Well, not really. 

A present for Mr. K

It's time to start thinking about the holidays. I need to get Mr. Knuckles a gift. He's handsome gray and white kitty. What about this kitty wig?

No foolin'. This is one of four to choose from. They come in a little carrying case and hair net. All for a mear $50. Too bad I'm too poor. It won't be adorning my cats head.

Now there is a positive from the current economic downturn.

www.kittywig.com

A little Irony

Does anyone else see the irony here? 

I spotted this on my walk this morning. Couldn't resist documenting my find.

Bravo eBay!

eBay, the world's largest online trading community has announced it will institute a ban on the sale of elephant ivory products by January 1, 2009, and is calling on all other Internet traders to the the same.

eBay made the announcement just hours before the Internationl Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) released an investigative report showing that Internet trade in wildlife and wildlife products poses a significant and immediate threat to the survival of elephants and many other endangered species.

Michigan woman makes Keith Olberman's Worst list

How sad is it when a person puts a sign on her lawn stating no Halloween treats for Obama supporters? A woman for Gross Pointe Hills, Michigan told children (including those so young that they can't read) that they will get no candy as long as they support Obama. She made the news with an interview from the local Fox News channel showing her saying, ' no candy for tricksters and liars'. 

Wow. She is as compassionate and kind as the idiot that carved a B on her face. The woman pictured claimed a black man did this to her after saying she supported McCain. Are there crazies from the Obama campaign that we aren't hearing about? Or have Republicans become so angry at the prospect of loosing the election that they will resort to using children as pawns. Consider this when making your selection tomorrow.

Cooper's pals

These are some of Cooper's dog friends. They were featured in the Ann Arbor News recently in an article about the renewal of the county park millage. 

We walk at County Farm Park with them off and on. We don't see them as often in the cold weather. As you can see they have their coats on and it's only November. Imagine how cold these adorable Italian Greyhounds get in February. 

Vote yes for the millage on Tuesday!

Hmm, think about it

I belong to a daily vocabulary list. Sometimes I find it useful, perhaps interesting, occasionally even just of no interest at all. But today is the first day I felt it was worthwhile posting. Read on...

asperse  (pronounced a-SPURS)

Meaning:  verb

1. To spread false and malicious charges against someone.

2. To sprinkle with holy water.

Hmm. Does anyone else see any irony here?

This is the description that accompanies the online listing for this asperse: "Remember what a problem traveling with your Holy Water used to be? Well no longer, this handy asperillum by Tiffany and Co. has a screw top that keeps is all in place until you reach your exorcism or sick call destination. We have Holy Water and can supply for you if needed upon purchase. "

Seriously? Where does holy water come from?

Another sad story to be sure

A boy from Westfield, MA accidentally killed himself with an Uzi. While an instructor at a gun fair was watching, 8-year old Christopher Biziljat aimed an Uzi at a pumpkin and pulled the trigger as his dad reached for a camera.

Christopher lost control and fatally shot himself in the head.

Now gun safety experts and some gun enthusiasts are wondering why such a young child was allowed to fire a weapon used in war. Local, state and federal authorities are also investigating whether everyone involved had proper licenses or if anyone committed a criminal act.

Christoper, a third grader, was attending the show his father and sixth-grade brother, Colin. He had fired handguns and rifles before, but Sunday was his only time firing an automatic weapon, said his father, Charles Biziljat.

What a horrifying story. R.I.P. Christopher.

A picture is worth a thousand words

Frankly, I'll be glad when this election is over. I'm tired to the news being all about the details of the daily schedule of the candidates. 

It's gotten a little ridiculous over the past few months with the negative and outright false accusations. I'm hoping that the public has finally woken up and is thinking for themselves. 

Still there are folks who just believe everything that comes across their desk and TV. I see it everyday. It makes one wonder how those people keep their jobs. Incompetence is rampant. Only 17 days to go. I'm anxious for it to end, but fearful for another Republican outcome. 

I want Sarah Palin to go home to Alaska! Click here to have a little fun at her expense.

Pets and kids

Meet Boomer Hodel and his rat Tofu.

Boomer lives in Hawaii and has taught his pet rats, Tofu and Fin to surf. 

He made the one foot long surf boards himself so that his pals could surf solo. They take to beach twice a week for about 20 minutes of surfing and then its a little warm up on the sunny beach before heading home. 

He feeds them a high protein, low carbohydrate diet to enhance their performance. Seems to be working well so far.

Makes you wish you could be a pet rat in Hawaii!

Walmart has new logo/slogan

If you haven't already read, Walmart: The Bully of Bentonville: How the High Cost of Everyday Low Prices is Hurting America, then I highly recommend it. It is the story of Walmart, how it began, how it changed the market place, and the tactics they use to keep their prices low. 

It is a book that everyone who cares about their community should read. Walmart destroys communities creating lower paying jobs that ultimately cost everyone in the community in ways unexpected. Don't be fooled, Walmart does not care about your community no matter how much they contribute to social causes. They started doing this to help polish their tarnished image. They are not on your side. They are cunning and are only concerned about the bottom line. Be an informed consumer, read this book and anything else you can about this company. Then make the right choice and support the businesses that truly support your community. They are your neighbors, friends and family. 

The real name for their new slogan is missing the last sentence. 

Walmart

Save Money. Live better.

F-ck your neighbor.

We can all use a little love now and again

Plus a good laugh! 

They say history repeats itself. Recently we have seen that to be true with fashion. Some lazy or uninspired designers have recycled the 70's and 80's fashion eras. It wasn't good then, it most certainly hasn't been improved. 

Notice the now stylish glasses in this photo. Yikes! Can the hair possibly be next?! Let's hope that doesn't happen, too!

More hate speech

Don't ask how I found this. Well, okay, I found it through a series of links beginning with the Religulious page featuring the new documentary staring Bill Mahur. 

They're Coming to Your Town is a 28 minute rant about how the "gay agenda" is coming to your town. It uses Eureka Springs as the example of what can happen to your town if you don't buy this and share it with your Sunday school class. They even offer discounts if you purchase multiple copies.

Homophobia is dangerous and ignorant. I don't understand why we can't let folks live the lives they choose as long as they are not hurting others. It makes no sense to me.

I can't help myself

Looks like I'm on a political roll right now. I found this the other day and decided I needed to share it.

Take it to heart, and vote Democratic this November. No more of the same please.

And don't get me started on Sarah Palin. She is quickly becoming a joke which is comforting as that can only work in the Democrats favor. 

A little political humor

Sometimes (regularly) this is how it feels to the average Joe. I fear for where our country is headed. It sure seems like the little guys (voters) are bearing the burden of the fat cats (5% of the population that owns 95% of the wealth). I hope that we will see some real change in the future.

Cool Hand Luke passes away

One of my favorite people passed away yesterday. Paul Newman, 83, died of cancer. He has always been my quintessential star that I have admired. Cool Hand Luke is one of my favorite movies. I often use the line, 'what we have here is failure to communicate', from this movie in my daily life. It sums up situations up nicely on a regular basis. 

His ability to survive Hollywood and his philanthropic work makes him a-o-kay in my book. I'm sorry to hear that he is gone. Even as an old man he was still something to look at. Thanks for the lasting memories you've left for us all Paul. 

R.I.P. 

In a way... I got my wish!

Someone out there seems to be thinking along the same lines as me. At least I'm hoping 51% or greater are thinking along the same lines as me.

Thanks for the updated version of an older political sign that I wished for a while back. To see it, click here. It's not quite what I was looking for, but it'll do.

Sarah Palin is wrong for this country

Sarah Palin is a scary woman whom I believe is the current generations Phylis Schaffley. An intolerant woman who has no business being on the Vice Presidential ticket. She has been isolated in Alaska, far removed from the lower 48, with limited travel experience. She has been to Canada and Mexico but just acquired her first passport last year and had never traveled over seas until this year. How can we entrust a person who has no real world experience to be one seat away from the presidency when John McCain is 72 years old? This alone should scare everyone. 

If that is not enough, then here is a snippet from her first interview with Charles Gibson from ABC. There is plenty to watch on youtube, but this piece accentuates her lack of basic knowledge that a President should have. She doesn't know what the Bush Doctrine is. That is the equivalent to a doctor not knowing where the kidney is. Kind of a necessity to be able to preform the job.

Don't let this beauty queen fool you. She is not pro-women. In a strange way she reminds me of Clarence Thomas. Not realizing that she is where she is because others fought hard for her to have that right. That disconnect is all the proof I need to know she is not a compassionate conservative. (Whatever that means.)

Other reasons to vote Democratic:

Sarah Palin charges rape victims for the cost of their rape kit,

Believes that she should 'put it in G-ds hands' when making governing decisions (sound familiar?),

She believes that global warming is a farce,

And on and on and on and on.

If you haven't registered to vote, please do it now. If we have another four years of 'Bush', who knows where we will be. This is very disheartening. Vote democratic!

Teacher injured by student

This is from the Ann Arbor News Police Beat section on Thursday September 18, 2008. 

"An Ypsilanti school teacher told police she wants to press charges against a 9-year old student who broke her hand on Wednesday September 17, 2008. 

Ypsilanti Police said the 52-year old Adams Elementary School teacher told them the boy had not been taking his medication and got into a fight in her classroom at 1 p.m. She said she and an assistant restrained the boy on the ground in an attempt to bring him under control, but he punched and kicked her. She later realized her hand was injured and she reported the incident after a doctor confirmed the fracture, she told police.

Ypsilanti schools spokeswoman Emma Jackson said this morning that the boy has been suspended from school."

It's no wonder we are loosing teachers. What is going on? What happened to parents accountability? This is insane.

Another New Yorker cartoon

Possibly we could all use an epiphany.... 

I can't explain why I am so enchanted with small animals, but I am. Probably comes from my childhood when my friends and I had mice, hamsters and Guinea pigs. 

We would build elaborate mazes using paper towel and toilet paper tubes, boxes, anything that could be taped together to create a habitrail long before habitrails where produced. We spent hours doing this. Whether the animals thought this was fun or not, we'll never know. But to this day I have a soft spot in my heart every time a see a rodent - especially anything having to do with a wheel to nowhere.

Dog Woman

My birthday is shortly after the end of the The Original Street Art Fair in Ann Arbor. For an art lover it is a double edged sword. It is an awesome opportunity to see great art! At the same time, because it is near my birthday, it's a perfect opportunity to rationalize a purchase.

Normally I don't feel the need to justify the purchase of art, but you have to admit, it is a handy excuse. On my 40th birthday I didn't have a plan to search for anything in particular, I was just heading out to enjoy the fares of the fair. I was nearing the finish of the fair when she popped out! Her creator, Mark Chatterly comes to the fair every so often and I hadn't seen him in years. His work is often human size and appropriately priced for it's volume. Not having a large home, yard, or income the giant dog that I originally saw would not do. However, this 20", 10# dog/woman would do nicely. She is the first piece of sculpture that I purchased. I think I'm off to a great start! Happy 40th to me over and over and over....

Jesus is a friend of mine

It's hard to say when this was made. In the 70's? Or as a farce? If you're curious to see an upbeat Christian rock (ska/polka?) group with some crazy hairdos, click here!

A good sense of humor!

Halloween is just around the corner. Doesn't this give you some great ideas?

How fun is this!? Nicely done guys, whoever you are!

Allergy protection for the whole family

Richard and June Lotz had two German Sheppard's and one toddler son. When they found the youngster with a mouthful of dog hair they decided they had to do something about it. So they designed a dog coat that kept the dog hair from shedding around their home. Low and behold...doggie pajamas! 

The coat also functions as a barrier to the dog chewing itself. This was a residual benefit that was unexpected. The Lotzes now sell about 2,000 coats a year. A great example of ingenuity at work!

June says that Jax (one of the dogs) tolerates the coat, but, "he still doesn't like it," she says. "I don't know why. He'll come out of the bedroom and kind of look around the corner to see if I have the suit in my hand. It's almost like he's embarrassed."

Go figure!

An appropriate response from neighbor to farmer

When I saw the above picture, it reminded me of the farmer who built the Redneck Stonehenge (second photo). This hedge seems like the appropriate response to the farmer from the neighbors. Click here for the original post. 

Photo of the Redneck Stonehenge which is shown as well.

 Funny!

Addict attempts amputation of own arm

Police say a man tried to cut off his own arm at a restaurant in Modesto, California because he thought he had injected air into a vein while shooting cocaine and feared he would die unless he took drastic action.

Authorities say that 33-year-old Michael Lasiter rushed into the Denny's restaurant late Friday August 29th and started stabbing himself with a butter knife he grabbed from a table.

They say when that knife didn't do the trick, Lasiter took a butcher knife from the kitchen and dug into his arm.

Police Sarent Brian Findlen says Lasiter told officers he thought he needed to amputate his arm to keep himself from dying from the cocaine injection.

Lasiter was taken to a hospital for treatment of severe cuts and the Denny's closed for the night. No wonder.

Yet another reason not to do drugs kids! 

You'll cut your arm off! You'll cut your arm off! 

(Think 'A Christmas Story'...you'll shoot your eye out!)

Funny!

Need anything more be written? Except perhaps, that we need an updated version?

Michigan Broccoli

If you have never had locally grown Michigan broccoli, then you might count yourself among the broccoli haters like George Bush (the father, not the idiot in office now). Michigan broccoli has softer heads that have a completely different taste. It has pretty much ruined it for me for conventional broccoli. There is just really no comparison.

The other thing I noticed is that Michigan broccoli blooms. Who knew!? Take a close look at this photo and you'll see the beginnings of a yellow blossom. Broccoli is beautiful and tasty!

Peg leg Riley

This is Riley, a horse that was given a second chance with a new leg. He arrived at Best Friends (one of my favorite charities) with a bad injury that ended with the amputation. Fortunately, the Guardian Animal Program came to the rescue and provided him with the prosthetic. He is now up and running (truly!) with the other horses. Heartwarming. It restores my faith in human nature after having a difficult day.

I finally met Ginger!

I encountered this man the other day while walking in the downtown. He graciously posed for my photo, but put the kabash on a ride. 

It is the first and only time I have seen a Segway aka Ginger in person. 

Looks like fun! Although I'm still pining for a Vespa!

Shopping Cart Races

I'm not sure how it started, but years ago a group of people decided to start a race using shopping carts. Every year the racers gather at the top of the hill on Ann Arbor's Main Street and race their cart to the bottom of the hill. I'm not sure what time of the day it occurs as Main St. is a high volume street leading into and out of town.

Somehow this year I missed the race. I usually know about it, but not this year. The only reason I knew I missed it, was the collection of carts shown here that were left outside my office door. One of the people in my office spent a fair amount to time calling various shopping stores notifying them of the relocation of their carts. (Since the average cost of a shopping cart is around $100, it is in their interest to pick them up.) It will be interesting to see how long it takes. When they were notified, it took some explaining to whomever answered the phone. It might require more than one call....

Alas, I hardly knew yee....

I guess I just didn't care too much about the Olympics this time around. I watched it sporadically, but never caught the things that I cared about. 

I love crew. Never saw an ore.

Tried watching beach volleyball, but couldn't stand the loud music that was constantly blaring in the background. I just don't get the current generations need for constant loud stimuli. It makes we worry for the future. But that's another story. Don't get me started. Oye vay!

Anyway, I just wasn't that into the Olympics, except for Michael Phelps. Eight gold medals. Now that is cool. But please, please, please don't ever talk to me about what he eats every day.... That is unless, you eat like below.

I love this time of year!

This is what living in Michigan is all about! August is the best time of year due to the fabulous foods available at the local farmer's markets.

This was my dinner the other evening. Two Red Haven peaches, a sliced tomato, broccoli with homemade cheese sauce and steamed potatoes with cottage cheese. YUM! All flavorful, fresh and beautiful to boot! All of the non-dairy was purchased at my local market. It is a standard dinner for me this time of year. Fabulous!