Not your ordinary dogs

Yes, I love dogs. And yes, these are lovely photos of dogs. But they are more than just companion canines. These dogs have been trained to find peanuts. Peanuts? Why peanuts?

Well, for all of the people, mostly kids, who are allergic to peanuts they are trained to sniff out the nuts to warn people that they are around them. Some people can go into anaphylactic shock just by inhaling peanut dust. These dogs provide a lifeline for these people. It allows those that have not had the freedom to move about, to now go places they have not been able to go before.  

Yet another reason to love our four legged friends! They are amazing indeed.

We can learn something from these four

Unlikely pairs are a passion of mine. If the animal kingdom can be accepting of others why can't the human race? 

These pairs are fast friends who hang out with each other every moment of the day and evening. Perhaps we could all learn from these fabulous four!

Fashion

I love fashion. But only if it is good fashion that is flattering.

I'm, at times, more interested in the clothes at the Academy Awards than the awards themselves. While I was watching the 81st Awards tonight, I was surfing the photos of the clothes worn on the red carpet. I came across this photo. The following is what accompanied the photo.

"Amanda Seyfried wears a brick red Valentino gown with a bow embellishment."

Good thing they pointed out the bow. Might have missed it otherwise. 

And, uh, who the heck is Amanda Seyfried? I know I'm getting older, because I didn't know A LOT of the people listed in the photo section. 

But it doesn't really matter because I don't care that I don't know. I'm more interested in the clothes....

Broccoli and Mr. Knuckles

Yep. Broccoli. I love it. So does my cat. I first discovered this when I had two pieces left over on my dinner plate. I set the plate on my counter and walked away for a few minutes. When I came back it was gone. My cat had eaten each piece. 

I didn't realize how much he liked it until the next time I made it. I was sitting at my dining room table and he was inching closer and closer to my plate. Then he made his move and stole a piece off my plate, ran off under the table where I couldn't reach him and ate it. I realized that I couldn't eat my broccoli in peace, so I began building a barrier around my plate. Eventually I relented and gave in and now when I make broccoli, I make him his very own serving. Now I can eat my dinner in peace.

This cartoon brought back my learning curve. Fortunately, he doesn't suffer form the same symptoms as Rover the dog.

Good Grips misses mark

This timer is produced by a company called Good Grips. They originated as an alternative for folks who had trouble gripping items. They began with the potato peeler with a wide handle. It was so successful that they have expanded to areas such as timers. 

Frankly, I don't understand why this is different than other timers as the buttons are small and the stop/start button is annoying as heck. But that is not really the reason I posted this. No, the question that I had concerns the packaging. This timer came in a blister pack that was exceeding difficult to open. It was one of those thick packages that are hard to cut open. Then when you've cut it open it is near impossible to pull the pieces away from the timer. 

So, my question is, shouldn't someone be paying attention to the packaging as well as the product? Who cares if the product is easy to use, if you can't get it out of the package? Yet another example of good design ideas poorly executed through to the last step. I see this everywhere.

Thanks to a great car

I donated my car to the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor today. This is the second time I've done this. With a little work, it could be a good car for someone who doesn't have one. It made more sense to go this route than to take the trade in value which would have been a pittance. 

It was a good car that ran for 11 years with little work done to it. I never got stuck in snow, I could barrel though anything. It carried my two big dogs easily in the back cargo area. It was an anonymous car so people ignored you. Police and idiots alike. It was hard to part with it today as it has so many memories associated with it. Mostly my beloved past dogs whom I still miss dearly. Hopefully whoever gets it will have as much luck as I did with it. 

Think before you name your pet

It's good to know that people are looking out for one another. As sometimes this can be a very cruel world. However, if this situation continues, it has the potential of turning into a result of crying wolf if help is someday needed. Let's hope that never happens.

Before and After

So, I was sitting in in the historic Michigan Theater watching the movie trailers while waiting for "Milk" to start. Now I'm a real stickler for etiquette and am annoyed at rude people who talk, even during trailers. Imagine my surprise when watching a trailer for "The Wrestler", when I blurted out, THAT'S MICKEY ROURKE! I had heard he was making a comeback but was so shocked when I realized that that is who was on the screen!

Wholly cripes! He was almost unrecognizable. What a sad, sad, sad example of body mutilation. You don't see it so much in men, but boy-oh-boy when you do, it is clear they have body dismorphic issues as well. 

This just makes me really sad for him. I'm told his performance is spectacular and that it is the possible beginning of a come back for him. Maybe. But what kind of future roles would we see him in? Limited at best. There just are certain roles that one won't be cast in because of how you look. Ironically, that is what he hoped to avoid by undergoing the procedures in the first place. Like I said. Sad, sad, sad, ever so sad. There are a lot of mixed messages in this world.

ttly

Talk to ya later! Yep. That's what ttyl means in text messaging.

So, one of my passions is reading books that others don't want me to read. I am fascinated by books that others find offensive and want to ban. This is one of many books challenged regularly last year. 

When I found it, I immediately checked it out from my public library. While I'm reading banned books, I note what would be the perceived offence and imagine who would find it offensive. Almost always anything that is a "sin" is offensive. Even if the premise of the book is to talk of it publicly to allow an outlet for a person felling isolated. In other words to to be used as a learning tool. This book covers several "taboo" subjects. 

I just finished it recently. I loved it. It reminded me of my days in high school and helped me to understand this generation and how they process information and deal with everyday issues. If you have or knows middle school aged or high school aged girls, buy a copy, read it and then give it to her. This is a poignant read. Read and share! But I would suggest you not tell the receiver that you have read it first. Wait until later after she has read it, then have an open discussion. 

Lemon the Duck

If this story doesn't warm your heart, you better check yourself into a hospital.

Meet Lemon the duck, her canaine friend Casey, and mom Laura Backman.

Lemon was born in Laura's elementary classroom and it was immediately apparent that the duck had a neurological disorder that prevented her from standing upright. Being a kind and caring person that values animal life, Laura decided to take her home and care for her.

Casey, a foster mom to other unfortunate animals, befriended the duck and is often found sleeping next to her when she is not pushing herself around in her PVC pipe custom chair.

How delightful is this? If we could all learn to be kind to other beings of all physical abilites, this would be a much kinder world to live in. 

Lemon, Laura and Casey are an inspiration!

A different kind of cosmetic surgery

Now this is the kind of cosmetic surgery I can get behind. Make up is expensive and it is frustrating when your lipstick breaks or is smushed into the top of the container. 

This just might be a new business opportunity since folks are fixing things rather than buying new in these economically challenging times. Perhaps this could be marketed to the out of work skilled tradespeople in Michigan and elsewhere? After all, the word is that creativity is key to survival right now.

CRUD seeks new name

Yea. Ya think?

CRUD has come to it's senses and is seeking a new name as "the current one is too long, and the 'CRUD acronym is too negative" according to Amanda Naugle, a community organizer. 

Really? And how long did it take this organization to come to that realization?

CRUD, or the Dexter Coalition to Reduce Underage Drinking services a group that you would think might have pointed this out from the beginning, but apparently not. Hence they are now asking for suggestions for new less negative names. 

To submit your suggestions, email them to nauglea@ewashtenaw.org by Friday January 16th. The cream of the crop will be compiled and submitted for your approval (vote) at their website.

Hmm. It will be interesting to see what comes forward. Could be worth checking back in.... 

Pigeon Tales

A persistent pigeon in Grand Haven, Michigan kept hanging out in front of the Fat Chix Coffee Cantina wandering outside the shop. The owner, Mary Mitchell attempted to shoo the bird away but it would not leave.

When temperatures dropped and snow fell a couple of days later, Mary decided to rescue the bird from the winter weather. She wrapped it in an apron and drove it to her barn ten miles from her business.

"He was a really friendly bird," she said.

The next morning, she discovered the bird had found its way back to the shop.

Recognizing its determination, Mitchell and other workers at the coffee shop finally embraced the pigeon and named in Mocha. An employee, Ron Schoenborn (shown), built a small home for the bird underneath the building's front awning, where he regularly feeds it.

Apparently persistence pays off. What a nice story about animals and humans helping each other.

R.I.P. My Love

My beloved dog, Cooper passed away today. In the end, her rear legs gave out on her, similar to her long time companion Bear. 

She is no longer is any pain. 

I miss her horribly. 

R.I.P. Sweet Pea. I love you.

Goodbye little Boo.

Bella and Tara

This is the story of an elephant, Tara, that befriended a dog Bella, at a Tennessee sanctuary. When elephants appear at the sanctuary, they seek out a friend that they hang out with. Tara decided that Bella was the friend for her. They are so dedicated to one another that when Bella had an injury that caused her to be isolated for three weeks, Tara stood in the corner near the building Bellas was housed in until she was better.

Gotta love how wonderful animals treat one another. This is an amazingly endearing story. To see the video click here.

Seeing eye horse?

That's right. That is what you are seeing here. This is a mini horse that has been trained to function as a seeing eye "dog" (horse). The primary advantage to a horse is the lifespan of your companion. Horses live much longer than dogs so one doesn't have to experience the pain of loosing ones best friend and companion every decade or so as one does with a dog. 

I love the little tennis shoes that the horse wears! 

To learn more see the Guide Horse Foundation at this link.

Who knew? I love it!

Weight loss advertising

It is obvious that we are into 2009. I was home today with a cold and watching a program on TV while blowing my nose and consuming lots of liquids. 

Commercial after commercial were advertisements for weight loss gimmicks. I say gimmicks, because the only true way to loose weight and keep it off is through lifestyle changes. Diets and pills might help you to loose the weight but unless you address the issues in your life that got you where you were, you will gain all the lost weight back. 

The latest to join the market to prey on hopeful folks in the Smart for Life diet. Their tag line is who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? The diet consists of replacing real food with cookies. Really? Cookies? How affective in the long run do you think this diet will be? We have become a society that consumes in excess and wants quick fixes to problems. 

If you want to loose weight, add exercise to your routine and learn to eat real food in proper portions. It's really that simple folks. The problem is most people look for an easy way out and are not really willing to put the effort in to make the changes necessary to have a more healthful life. 

Don't waste you time or money on the quick fix gimmicks. They don't work. Start with short goals and work toward achieving each one. Be realistic and reward yourself for the baby steps that are necessary to attain the long term goal.

Now get out there and take each day one at a time!

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.