Verbiage Spillage

Name and Shame

2010-06-15T18:30:00.008+10:00

Bad Bad Car Drivers continued . . .

When: Tuesday 15th June 2010

Car: Outlander

Colour: Dark Blue (Navy Blue)

Registration Plate: Vic SEE 387

Driver: Female (seems they always are)

Action: Did NOT give way to bus

How the driver must fix this action: Read the latest VicRoads laws regarding giving way to buses. You MUST give way to buses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When: Friday 25th June 2010

Car: Discovery

Colour: Red (Burgundy)

Registration Plate: Vic RRB 634

Driver: Female (seems they always are)

Action: Did NOT give way to bus

How the driver must fix this action: Read the latest VicRoads laws regarding giving way to buses. You MUST give way to buses.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When: Saturday 26th June 2010

Car: Corolla

Colour: Silver

Registration Plate: Vic TTA 947

Driver: Female (seems they always are)

Action: Pulled out in front of a bus

How the driver must fix this action: Do NOT do that! A bus can NOT stop on a 5 cent coin! A bus is approximately 11 tonne (about 6 times the weight of a car) and can make a pancake out of you before you can blink. DO NOT do that.

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When: Friday 2nd July 2010

Car: Magna Executive

Colour: Dark Grey

Registration Plate: Vic WQJ 938

Driver: Male

Action: Pulled out in front of a bus

How the driver must fix this action: Do NOT do that! A bus can NOT stop on a 5 cent coin! A bus is approximately 11 tonne (about 6 times the weight of a car) and can make a pancake out of you before you can blink. DO NOT do that.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When: Saturday 3rd July 2010

Car: Mazda 329 with "P" Plates

Colour: Red

Registration Plate: Vic EXR 082

Driver: Female (seems they always are)

Action: Overtaking bus as it pulled out of a bus stop, went on the wrong side of the road nearly hitting an oncoming car.

How the driver must fix this action: Do NOT do that! It says that on the back of the bus "DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE". It is against the law for you to do that. Read VicRoads Road Rule Book . . . AGAIN! Gees you are still on P's!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When: Saturday 3rd July 2010

Car: Kia

Colour: White

Registration Plate: Vic WJY 765

Driver: Male (senior wearing glasses)

Action: Overtaking bus as it pulled out of a bus stop, then toots the bus!

How the driver must fix this action: Do NOT do that! It says that on the back of the bus "DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE". It is against the law for you to do that. Read VicRoads Road Rule Book . . . AGAIN! Do you need new glasses?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When: Saturday 3rd July 2010

Car: Ford Sedan

Colour: Red

Registration Plate: Vic NFO 999

Driver: Male

Action: Overtaking bus as it pulled out of a bus stop, then does the 'finger'.!

How the driver must fix this action: Do NOT do that! It says that on the back of the bus "DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE". It is against the law for you to do that. Read VicRoads Road Rule Book . . . AGAIN!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bad Bad Car Drivers

2010-06-15T18:13:00.001+10:00

It is LAW to give way to Buses!

Full Stop!

No correspondence will be entered into!

When you, the car driver, see a bus indicating to pull out, you the car driver MUST give way!

Hey but don't believe me check it out for your self on the VicRoads web site or read the Herald-Sun; VicRoads placed an ad advising motorists of this!

So stop speeding up and trying to cut off the bus driver; 11 tonne is just a bit large to come into close contact with.

Oh yeah buses can not turn or stop on a '5 cent coin'.

Buses need room to turn and stop!

Another itty bitty teeny tiny tip; when a bus is turn a corner don't cut on the inside of it because you WILL end up flat as a pancake.

Let's all be nice to each other and just obey the VicRoads road laws.

$100 Note

2010-05-23T17:02:00.005+10:00

It's a slow day in a dusty little Australian town. The sun is beating down and the streets are deserted. Times are tough, everybody is in debt, and everybody lives on credit.

On this particular day a rich tourist from down south is driving through town, stops at the local motel and lays a $100 bill on the desk saying he wants to inspect the rooms upstairs in order to pick one to spend the night.

The Motelier gives him keys to a few rooms and as soon as the man walks upstairs, the owner grabs the $100 bill and runs next door to pay his debt to the butcher.

The butcher takes the $100 and runs down the street to repay his debt to the pig farmer.

The pig farmer takes the $100 and heads off to pay his bill at the supplier of feed and fuel.

The guy at the Farmer's Co-op takes the $100 and runs to pay his drinks bill at the local pub.

The publican slips the money along to the local prostitute drinking at the bar, who has also been facing hard times and has had to offer him "services" on credit.

The hooker rushes to the motel and pays off her room bill to the motel owner with the $100.

The motel proprietor then places the $100 back on the counter so the rich traveler will not suspect anything.

At that moment the traveler comes down the stairs, picks up the $100 bill, states that the rooms are not satisfactory, pockets the money, and leaves town.

No one produced anything. No one earned anything.

However, the whole town is now out of debt and looking to the future with a lot more optimism.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the Australian Government's stimulus package works.

Ray Martin Go Away

2010-02-06T16:03:00.000+11:00

I grow tired of the constant push to erode Australia History.

I see it in the beautiful old houses that get knocked down, cleared away to make room for the sake of greed . . . oh I mean for the sake of sub-dividing and building multi flats . . . oops, they are called apartments now.

I see it in the beautiful old building for the sake of . . . oh hells bells see the above reason.

And now, NOW Mr Ray Martin is pushing to change the Australia flag which is the oldest piece of history our beautiful Nation has.

Like the history or not, it is ours and we should use it to grow a better Nation and learn from past errors but not change the flag and pretend that will be OK for 'everything'.

The Australia flag is sacred, as is the flag of every Nation around the world.

Our flag must NOT be changed, it must NOT be used as a piece of something disposable.
Why is Mr Ray Martin so ashamed of our Nation and our flag, so much so that he pushes to change it.

Perhaps Mr Ray Mmartin needs to address is own 'ghosts' rather then use our proud Australian flag as his 'therapy'.

New World Survey . . . NOT!

2009-08-10T19:35:00.002+10:00

NEW WORLD SURVEY

Last month a world-wide survey was conducted by the UN. The only question asked was:

"Would you please give your honest opinion about solutions to the food shortage in the rest of the world?"

The survey was a huge failure because of the following:

In Eastern Europe they didn't know what "honest" meant.

In Western Europe they didn't know what "shortage" meant.

In Africa they didn't know what "food" meant.

In China they didn't know what "opinion" meant.

In the Middle East they didn't know what "solution" meant.

In South America they didn't know what "please" meant.

In the US they didn't know what "the rest of the world" meant.

And Finally . . .

In Australia they hung up because they can't understand an Indian accent.

Thomas The Tank Engine

2009-07-04T20:24:00.005+10:00

A mother was working in the kitchen, listening to her five-year-old son playing with his new electric train set in the living room.

She heard the train stop and her son saying,

'All of You B*****ds who want off, get the f**k off now, cause we're in a hurry! And all of you B*****ds who are getting on, get the f**k on, cause we're going down the tracks.'

The horrified mother went in and told her son,

'We don't Use that kind of language in this house. Now I want you to go to your room and stay there for TWO HOURS. When you come out, you may play with your train, but I want you to use nice language.'

Two hours later, the son came out of the bedroom and resumed Playing with his train. Soon the train stopped and the mother heard her son say,

'All passengers who are disembarking the train, please remember to take all of your belongings with you. We thank you for traveling with us today and hope your trip was a pleasant one.'

She hears the little boy continue,

'For those of you just boarding, we ask you to stow all of your hand luggage under your seat. Remember, there is no smoking on the train. We hope you will have a pleasant and relaxing journey with us Today'

As the mother began to smile, the child added..........

'For those of you who are pissed off about the TWO HOUR delay, please see the fat bitch in the kitchen.'

Image courtesy http://www.dltk-kids.com

Who's On First?

2009-07-04T15:36:00.007+10:00

If Abbott and Costello were alive today, their very famous Who's On First sketch may be very different in the age of computers:

COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: No, the name's Lou.

ABBOTT: Your computer?

COSTELLO: I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.

ABBOTT: Mac?

COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou

ABBOTT: What about Windows?

COSTELLO: Why? Will it get stuffy in here?

ABBOTT: Do you want a computer with Windows?

COSTELLO: I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?

ABBOTT: Wallpaper.

COSTELLO: Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.

ABBOTT: Software for Windows?

COSTELLO: No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Office.

COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?

ABBOTT: I just did.

COSTELLO: You just did what?

ABBOTT: Recommend something.

COSTELLO: You recommended something?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: For my office?

ABBOTT: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK, what did you recommend for my office?

ABBOTT: Office...

COSTELLO: Yes, for my office!

ABBOTT: I recommend Office with Windows

COSTELLO: I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?

ABBOTT: Word.

COSTELLO: What word?

ABBOTT: Word in Office.

COSTELLO: The only word in office is office.

ABBOTT: The Word in Office for Windows.

COSTELLO: Which word in office for windows?

ABBOTT: The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.

COSTELLO: I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: That's right. What do you have?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: I need money to track my money?

ABBOTT: It comes bundled with your computer.

COSTELLO: What's bundled with my computer?

ABBOTT: Money.

COSTELLO: Money comes with my computer?

ABBOTT: Yes. No extra charge.

COSTELLO: I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?

ABBOTT: One copy.

COSTELLO: Isn't it illegal to copy money?

ABBOTT: Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.

COSTELLO: They can give you a license to copy money?

ABBOTT: Why not? THEY OWN IT!

(A few days later)

ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?

COSTELLO: How do I turn my computer off?

ABBOTT: Click on 'START'...

You Can Not Fix Stupid

2009-06-28T19:45:00.005+10:00

Any one can place an advert in the paper or shout from their soap box, even 'stupid'.

Yeah right and milk comes from a carton!

This 'stupid' most likely votes and drives AND may have already reproduced ! ! !

Duck Season 2009 Is ON!

2009-06-28T19:41:00.000+10:00

2009 Duck Season Announced

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Field and Game Australia Inc. fga@fga.net.au
Date: 2009/2/4
Subject: 2009 Duck Season Announced

Dear Duck Hunters,

MINISTER JENNINGS ANNOUNCES VICTORIAN GAMEBIRD SEASON

The Victorian Government has today announced a limited 2009 season. The 49 day season will start on Saturday 21 March and finish on Friday 8 May 2009.
The bag limit TOTAL is Five (5) birds per day of which at least three (3) must be wood ducks.

NOTE: Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Mountain Duck may be taken as long as your total of these species is not more than two birds per day.

NOTE: Pink Ear, Blue Wing Shoveller and Hard Head ducks are banned in 2009.
This is the shortest duck season every announced by the Victorian Government.

The Government's Press Release:

Media release
From the Minister for Environment and Climate Change
Wednesday, 4 February, 2009
MOST RESTRICTED VICTORIAN DUCK SEASON EVER
The shortest, most restricted duck season ever will be declared for Victoria to ensure that duck numbers remain sustainable into the future. Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings today said he had considered advice
from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), which advised against a season and the Government’s Hunting Advisory Committee, which had proposed a less restricted season.

Mr Jennings said a 49 day season would run from Saturday March 21 to Friday May 8.

The Minister will seek detailed advice from DSE regarding the implementation of restrictions which form part of his announcement today. “Following a waterfowl count later this month, a number of key wetlands are likely to be closed
because they will provide refuges for breeding. These and other restrictions form part of the safeguards against over-harvesting of duck numbers,” Mr Jennings said.”

To further ensure duck populations are not adversely affected, recreational shooters will be
restricted to a maximum bag limit of five game ducks of which at least three must be Wood
Duck, with a total ban on the taking of Blue Wing Shoveller, Pink Ear and Hard Head.
In addition, duck hunters will be subject to a range of strong penalties up to $2685 for breaching
any one of the conditions.
“Recent high rainfall events in Queensland and New South Wales had increased the likelihood
of breeding events,” Mr Jennings said.
“Aerial counting across the eastern states shows the Game Duck Index in 2008 has increased
by more than 87 per cent from 2007 and the Wood Duck Index has increased by more than 84
per cent,” Mr Jennings said.
“The specific bag limit for wood ducks is partially due to the fact that the species is subject to
Authorities to ControlWildlife – permits available to landholders to protect crops and dams.
“Applications to the DSE from farmers to control wood ducks have increased significantly, almost
doubling since 2005 and increasing by more than 20 per cent compared to the previous year.
“These factors seem to indicate a growing numbers of wood ducks in Victoria. There will be an
extensive survey of wetlands across the State at the end of this month to determine which sites
are unsuitable for inclusion in the season.
“Many of our wetlands are already dry and will not be available for hunting. Other areas will be
identified through the summer waterfowl count as not being appropriate sites because they
contain significant numbers of fragile species or are breeding refuges.
“DSE will review refuge sites across the region closer to the commencement of the season to
determine which areas should be closed.
Media contact: Nick Talbot 03 9651 5799/0408 473 278 www.premier.vic.gov.au
“The timing of the review will ensure that the conditions of the chosen refuges are suitable for
the protection of waterbirds. These changes are aimed at protecting waterfowl not only in
Victoria, but across the whole of eastern Australia.
“Wood ducks feed on pasture and are therefore more likely to be found on farmland than in
wetland systems and all duck hunters must ensure they seek the permission of land owners
before entering private property.”

To View FGA's response Click Here...

The Victorian quail season commences Saturday 4 April and closes Tuesday 30 June 2009. The bag limit remains twenty (20) birds per day.
Happy and safe hunting...

Copyright 2002Field & Game Australia Inc. All rights reserved. Address: P.O. Box 464, Seymour 3660 Tel: 03 5799 0960 Fax: 03 5799 0961 Email: fga@fga.net.au

Getting Even

2009-06-19T17:08:00.001+10:00

One December day we found an old straggly cat at our door. She was a sorry sight starving, dirty, smelled terrible, skinny, and hair all matted down. We felt sorry for her so we put her in a carrier and took her to the vet.

We didn't know what to call her so we named her "Pussycat."

The vet decided to keep her for a day or so. He said he would let us know when we could come and get her.

My husband (the complainer) said, "OK, but don't forget to wash her, she stinks." He reminded the vet that it was his WIFE (me) that wanted the dirty cat, not him.

My husband and my Vet don't see eye to eye.

The vet calls my husband 'El-Cheap-O', and my husband calls the vet 'El-Charge-O'. They love to hate each other and constantly 'snipe' at one another, with my husband getting in the last word on this particular occasion.

The next day my husband had an appointment with his doctor, who is located in the same building, next door to the vet. The MD's waiting room and office were full of people waiting to see the doctor.

A side door opened and the vet leaned in - he had obviously seen my husband arrive.

He looked straight at my husband and in a loud voice said, "Your wife's pussy doesn't stink any more. We washed and shaved it, and now she smells like a rose. Oh, and, by the way, I think she's pregnant. God only knows who the father is!" then he closed the door.

Now T H A T my friends, is getting even!

Link Exchange Requests

2009-06-11T22:31:00.000+10:00

Hands up who is sick of getting these . . .

. . . you and me both!

I mean why do these people bother writing you a b$#* s%$# e-mail when you know darn well it's all lies, lies and more lies.

Take a look at this e-mail I received today:

[quote]

Dear Webmaster,

I have visited your site http://www.american-cocker-spaniels.com and found it quite impressive. John dearest this is NOT my site, it is a site belonging to a webring I once managed that has the HTML version of the webring code on the site and you got my e-mail address from the NavBar. If you wanted to contact the site owner you needed to write them on THEIR e-mail address found on THEIR site.

I am dealing with a site which is based on the same theme of yours and looking for high quality related sites who can give me link backs. Hells bells John I just don't see how THEIR site and your site are based on the same theme, but hey maybe I missed something. Be damned if I can find it! Me thinks you didn't even go to THEIR site John darling! My site is having a PR of 4 and if you will give me a link back then definitely our site will also get benefited.

This would be a win situation for both of us and I would really appreciate if you add my site with this information.

Link Details:

Title: Lap Band Surgery

URL: http://www.topsurgeons.com/

Description: TopSurgeons is a premier provider of surgical services on the West Coast. We offer Lap Band surgery, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery and dermatology services. The Lap-Band surgery is proven highly effective in helping morbidly obese patients lose excess weight.

Thanks & Regards,
John B.
topsurgeons@dwtseo.com
http://www.topsurgeons.com/

[/quote]

John clearly didn't look at the site just wrote a standard e-mail asking for a link exchange. He lost any credibilty he may have had in writing lies, lies, lies!

I grow so tired of it all.

Wysong V Purina ~ A David and Goliath Battle

2009-02-21T13:32:00.000+11:00

with permission:

Yes I work there, I am a nutrition tech and can say without a doubt Wysong wants to do best by the animals. Dr. Wysong writes and encourages raw feeding at every opportunity. Even if you don't feed it, don't plan to, don't want to, what is happening to Wysong is just WRONG! Many good dog foods have been ruined by the big guys buying them out, and while at this point, Purina/Nestle intends to try to make money off Wysong when they were using the procedure to enrobe
probiotics on their kibble foods for over 25 years - and they don't even use this supposedly invented technology in their own foods.

Wysong is the first probably of many they will try this with - to ruin them and force closure from legal fees or running them into the ground with their undeserved 'royalties'.

This affects all of us, from our choices of what to feed our pets, to their choice to hit when the economy is at its worse, possibly forcing more companies out of business and the loss of more jobs.

Read and pass on - Wysong needs all the support they can get!

www.wysong.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wysong Corporation

Contact:

989.631.0009

989.631.9280

Wysong@Wysong.net

www.Wysong.net

Wysong vs Purina ~ A David and Goliath Battle

Midland, Michigan—Nestec S.A. (better known as Nestle), parentcompany of Purina, a pet food manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri, and Wysong Corporation, a health education and nutritional development company in Midland, Michigan, have filed suits against one another in the Eastern District Federal Court in Missouri.

The suits are related to a technology invented by Dr. Wysong in the early 1980's to enrobe pet and human foods with probiotics. These are health giving organisms, such as found in yogurt, that can boost the immune system, fight pathogens, produce nutrients and growth factors, and help digestion.

Although Wysong did not seek a patent, it has used the technology in both animal and human foods since the early 1980s. Due in large part to Wysong's educational efforts and product development, probiotics have become a part of the collective health consciousness of the public and food industry. Of late, many natural pet food companies have begun using Dr. Wysong's technology as well.

Nestle/Purina obtained a patent granted in 1999 for the same technology. To this date, however, Purina has not incorporated probiotics in its own products—although its patent describes in detail the many health benefits of probiotics. Instead, it is attempting to prevent Wysong and other companies from using
probiotics unless a licensing fee (tax) is paid to Purina.

A patent is not valid if the invention (prior art) exists in the public domain prior to the patent. The evidence of Wysong's prior art for over fifteen years before the 1999 Nestle patent was granted is, according to Wysong, incontrovertible and ample. In fact, in 2004 just a portion of Wysong's prior art evidence swayed a European
patent review board to deny Nestle/Purina a like European patent.

These facts have been repeatedly made known to, but ignored by Nestle/Purina. Purina's ultimatum is that Wysong either pay sales- based licensing fees (essentially, a tax) going back six years and forward into the future, or pay for expensive patent litigation that can run into the millions.

Wysong, a small family owned company, is unwilling to pay licensing fees to the multibillion dollar Nestle/Purina for what amounts to Wysong's own invention, and consequently now finds itself being sued by a company literally hundreds of times its size. Purina takes the position that since they were granted a patent they intend to enforce it and extract commissions from all natural pet food companies using probiotics.

Wysong argues that the patent should have never been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office, is invalid and unenforceable, and that any attempt by Purina to use the threat of litigation costs to force licensing fees is unethical and illegal.

Wysong publicized and used the technology in products distributed nationally for more than 15 years prior to the patent. Therefore, Wysong claims that the patent holders copied Wysong art and did not fulfill their duty to reveal this to the patent office when filing.

Thus, Wysong has either filed or is exploring the filing of claims against Purina for Sherman Act violations/patent misuse, misleading the United States Patent Office, failing to comply with the U.S. Patent Laws, including 35 USC §101-103, 111-113 and 133, improper attempts to monopolize the market, unfair competition, antitrust violations, false advertising under the Lanham Act, state claims for
deceptive trade practices, RICO violations, and punitive damages under the Clayton Act.

More is at stake than a giant company out muscling a small one. If Purina succeeds, they will, in effect, be imposing a tax on all companies who have followed Wysong's lead and now use probiotics. This tax will significantly increase the cost to manufacturers, distributors, and stores, as well as to consumers wanting to use
healthy pet foods. Over time, this could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars in increased costs for the natural pet food industry and their customers.

For updates and a lively forum, visit www.Wysong.net.

Company Policy For 2009

2009-01-27T22:39:00.010+11:00

Due to the current financial situation caused by the slowdown of economy, Management has decided to implement a scheme to put workers of 40 years of age and above on early retirement. This scheme will be known as RAPE (Retire Aged People Early).

Persons selected to be RAPED can apply to management to be eligible for the SHAFT scheme (Special Help After Forced Termination).

Persons who have been RAPED and SHAFTED will be reviewed under the SCREW program (Scheme Covering Retired Early Workers).

A person may be RAPED once, SHAFTED twice and SCREWED as many times as Management deems appropriate.

Persons who have been RAPED can only get AIDS (Additional Income for Dependants Spouse) or HERPES (Half Earnings for Retired Personnel Early Severance). Obviously persons who have AIDS or HERPES will not be SHAFTED or SCREWED any further by Management.

Persons who are not RAPED and are staying on will receive as much SHIT (Special High Intensity Training) as possible. Management has always prided itself on the amount of SHIT it gives employees. Should you feel that you do not receive enough SHIT, please bring to the attention of your Supervisor. They have been trained to give you all the SHIT you can handle.!

Enjoy the Holidays! Sincerely, The Management

Bullshit

2009-01-25T08:48:00.002+11:00

You'll have all heard the buzz phrase for cross bred pure bred dogs, designer dogs. No need to tell you there is no such breed as Labradoodle. It's just another mutt!

Well it appears there is in fact a new designer breed, BULLSHIT.

Seems a good name for ALL 'designer dogs', haha haha haha! Or is that what comes from the mouths of those who breed them . . .

Oh sorry 'designer dogs', hehe hehe hehe!

Two Days Post Stitches Out

2009-01-24T22:22:00.001+11:00

All things considered my hand is OK .

Sort of.

I think.

But Friday was really bad.

I decided I would give it a shot at making coffee for myself.

As I proceeded to place the sugar bowl lid on the sugar bowl, as you do, it slipped and I grabbed it with my right hand jabbing the lid top into the cut.

Of course it started to bleed! What do you think!!!

Tears streamed down my face before noise came out of my lungs and I just made it to mum's bed before I fell to the floor.

Hells bells!

I can not describe to you the pain, in mere human words. There just aren't the words to suit the level of pain.

That was yesterday, Friday. Today is Saturday and I am pleased to say I am using both hands and all fingers to type this post.

I have began to write with my right hand.

I even showered without the plastic bag on my right hand and managed to dry myself without help from mum.

Managed to even put on my bra without mum's help.

So I am feeling some what more positive about the surgery.

I am really happy that all the pain in the elbow has totally gone and no more pins and needles or a numb hand. LOL, I think my left hand has had a bit of a fright and it doesn't hurt either!

The cut is still quiet tender and today I was supposed to begin massaging it with hand cream quite firmly though it's to painful to press too hard and I don't like to look at it or the feel of it.

I really need to get over how I feel and see my hand, soon!

I don't want my brain to reject my own hand!

No images as yet . . .

Florida Braces for MSN Battle

2009-01-24T17:02:00.000+11:00

Cross post with permission

Florida Braces for Mandatory Spay/Neuter Battle

Take Action!
Write your State Representative today!

January 23, 2009

A Mandatory Spay/Neuter (MSN) bill has been introduced in the Florida Legislature. HB 451, sponsored by State Representative Scott Randolph, would require every dog and cat over 4 months of age to be sterilized, unless they meet highly restrictive criteria for exemption.

Mandatory spay/neuter has failed everywhere it has been tried. Even so, animal rights activists continue to propose it as a one-size-fits-all solution to pet population issues. NAIA staunchly opposes mandatory spay/neuter because it does not work, harms animals, harms pet owners, and harms the community.

Visit NAIA web site to read the full text of HB 451.

Better solutions exist for addressing excessive shelter populations: supporting responsible ownership, encouraging adoptions, and limiting pet imports. Each year hundreds of dogs and cats are imported by rescue groups specifically for adoption. This foreign influx poses a health concern for both humans and pets and competes with Florida shelter dogs and cats for new homes.

The time to mobilize is NOW. Experience in defeating similar bills in other areas shown that early and continuous opposition by the grassroots constituency and recognized authorities is the most effective way to defeat this bill. If you live in Florida, you can start by writing your State Representative outlining your concerns about this bill, using the talking points provided. Begin building a relationship with your State Representative. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and family members to do the same.

If you live in Florida, please TAKE ACTION now on behalf of pets and pet owners!

If you received this forwarded message from a friend, please sign up HERE for our Action Alerts to stay informed about HB 451 and other anti-pet legislation.

JOIN OUR 17 YEAR MOVEMENT!
DONATE TO NAIA TRUST NOW

Stitches Are Out

2009-01-22T21:02:00.001+11:00

Honestly I am the biggest sook!

Period!

I first went into the consulting room and saw the surgeon who was present during my Carpal Tunnel Release surgery last week.

I told him I was feeling a bit like The Borg was taking over my body, starting with my right hand.

I told him I couldn't even look at my hand, it felt wierd.

He reassured me the worst of it was over and done with and encouraged me to look at my hand once the bandage was removed.

I did manage to look and seriously it really made me uncomfortable but I continued to look.

The surgeon (Jason) was reassuring me that my hand looked really good. Colour was good and not much swelling or brusing and said I had to rub sorbolene into the scar which made me feel ill.

It took all my will to just look at it now he tells me I have to touch it!

He left saying the nurse would be in to remove the stitches.

Kerry came a few minutes later and I told her I was very scared and anxious and really didn't want to be there.

She positioned a chair next to the bed so I could place my right hand on the bed then began to cut the stitches.

Man that felt wierd and in parts felt like a pin was being stuck into my palm.

Not long after she began I told her I was feeling sick.

She brought in a bottle of H2o, nice and cold.

A big drink, then a lay down on the bed so if I passed out I didn't fall and hurt myself.

Did I tell you I am a big sooky-la-la?

A real big-girls-blouse!

I said to Kerry that I was feeling like the scar would open up when the stitches came out and all the insides of my hand would ooze out. She did reassure me that would not happen.

She removed another stitch or two (I lost count) and stopped to give me a chance to take a breath. With that I looked at my hand to see two huge blood leaks and just fell short of passing out and throwing up.

All stitches out, Kerry placed a peice of tape over the scar and said the hand therapist would be in to talk to me about hand exercises.

Collen came into the room and introduced herself then asked me to come down to a different room. She pulled out a sheet with 4 exercises sketched on it and written description under each one.

BTW, I had al ready been doing the circle one since days 2 after surgery, just couldn't touch my thumb with little finger yet.

Another exercise is to point my fingers at 90 degrees, bending from the closest joint to the palm.

Another is to make a fist.

Another to bend the tips of my fingers towards my palm, making them touch the base of the closest joint to the palm.

Last one was to flex my wrist to make a limp hand and a stretched back hand.

You know how I said I felt like the scar would come open and my hand would ooze out from it . . . well the scar is coming open at the fingers. No my hand is not oozing out but I don't like the look of it!

I'll see if I can pluck up the courage to take some images of my hand and post at a later stage.

But hey don't hold your breath!!!

Six days Post Op

2009-01-21T21:45:00.000+11:00

Well it's six days after my Carpal Tunnel release surgery and things are a tad better though the very tip of my middle finger is still trying to decide if it is numb or not. Go figure!

Tomorrow I go to Casey Hospital Out Patients to have the stitches out and see 'the' cut THEY made last week.

The instant relief was the pain in the elbow and shoulder and of course the hand but the surgery pain is a pain in the rear!

I still can't make a circle with my thumb & ring finger and my thumb & little finger. I guess tomorrow I will find out what's up with that.

I have no strength to speak of as far as the right hand goes. That is some what of a concern but I guess tomorrow will be the day for answers.

I am nervous about getting the stitches out.

Not sure if I will be able to look or not or if I will be able to go through it without the fearful crying.

It's funny really because I can watch no end of cutting and operating on my Weimaraners and I can tend to humans with bleeding yet I am nothing more then jelly when it comes to yours truly . . . actually I think I am even more wobbly then jelly.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery - MINE!

2009-01-16T08:40:00.003+11:00

Yesterday (Thursday 15th January 2009) I went in for much overdue Carpal Tunnel Release surgery on my right hand.

To say I was a tad nervous, would be an outright blatant lie . . . I was shit scared!

Now this is very routine and simple surgery. Takes about 20 minutes and the job is donr BUT for me it was a major deal. I have never had to go to hospital and the last time I was in hospital I don't even remember it. It was the day I was born.

Leading up to this surgery I did nothing but complain about this and about that, totally and unequivocally absorbed in my own life problems. SHIT, I was really, I mean REALLY scared and as far I was concerned my "stuff" was more serious then anyone elses or anything else.

I arrived in hospital at 1000 as requested.

I was admitted for surgery a short while later during which I broke down in tears. The administration nurse was fantastic, she was very understanding and caring. So much so that she took me to my bed after the administration process was completed. Another wonderful nurse came to ask me some questions and to comfort me and reassure me about the whole thing. She even said I could talk to the anesthetist about that side of it.

A lady anesthetist came over shortly after the second nurse left and began to talk about what she would do, speaking ever so gently and the whole time reassuring me and encouraging me to ask anything I wanted and to express any concerns I had. She suggested that I could think about having a sedative as well as a local aneathetic though I was so scared and over whelmed by everything that I had no idea what I wanted RE: the surgery but I was very clear that I did want the pain to go away without being chopped up!

After she left I dosed off to sleep, waking up a while later to go to the toilet. That done I went back to bed and dosed off again. I woke up again to go to the toilet though I have no idea why . . . I had not eaten or had anything to drink since 2330 the night before! As I was heading back to my bed the nurse asked how I was to which I said I was feeling sick and wanted to go home. She walked back to my bed and talked with me for a while. of course it was the nerves talking! I was so scared that I just wanted to run away.

Shortly after she left a male anesthetist came over to talk to me. HE gave me a mind sedative which relaxed me a little. Some 20 minutes later I was wheeled into the operating room and it all just went so slow yet so fast.

I started to get all worked up and asked for a General not just Local anesthetic but that was not going to happen, just more gas to relax me.

It was all done in about 20 minutes.

Here is a really good video clip of the surgery I had. It goes for an hour but well worth it to see exactly what goes on. Thanks to Google and to OR Live for providing this excellent video footage.

YouTube has a few clips also that may interest you:

Carpal Tunnel Release for carpal tunnel syndrome, by John Mahoney, M.D., more at www.DoctorMahoney.com

Australian Letter of the Year -At Least It Should Be!

2009-01-01T16:39:00.002+11:00

A fabulous characteristic of Australians is that we are far more direct and outspoken than others when dealing with the sort of elected wanker who wouldn't otherwise get the full drift of what they were trying to communicate.

Below is one such wonderful communication...

Dear Mr. Minister,

I'm in the process of renewing my passport, and still cannot believe this.

How is it that K-Mart has my address and telephone number, and knows that I bought a Television Set and Golf Clubs from them back in 1997, and yet, the Federal Government is still asking me where I was born and on what date.

For Christ sakes, do you guys do this by hand?

My birth date you have in my Medicare information, and it is on all the income tax forms I've filed for the past 40 years. It is on my driver's license, on the last eight passports I've ever had, on all those stupid customs declaration forms I've had to fill out before being allowed off the planes over the last 30 years, and all those insufferable census forms that I've filled out every 5 years since 1966.

Also..would somebody please take note, once and for all, that my mother's name is Audrey, my Father's name is Jack, and I'd be absolutely astounded if that ever changed between now and when I drop dead!!!...

Boy!

I apologise, Mr. Minister. But I'm really pissed off this morning. Between you an' me, I've had enough of all this bull! You send the application to my house, then you ask me for my friggin' address!! What the hell is going on with your mob? Have you got a gang of mindless Neanderthal Idiots workin' there!

And another thing, look at my damn picture. Do I look like Bin Laden? I can't even grow a beard for God's sakes. I just want to go to New Zealand and see my new granddaughter. (Yes, my son interbred with a Kiwi girl). And would someone please tell me, why would you give a stuff whether I plan on visiting a farm in the next 15 days? If I ever got the urge to do something weird to a sheep or a horse, believe you me, I'd sure as hell not want to tell anyone!

Well, I have to go now, 'cause I have to go to the other end of the city, and get another friggin' copy of my birth certificate, and to part with another $80 for the privilege of accessing MY OWN INFORMATION!

Would it be so complicated to have all the services in the same spot, to assist in the issuance of a new passport on the same day?? Nooooo.. that'd be too friggin' easy and makes far too much sense. You would much prefer to have us running all over the place like chickens with our friggin' heads cut off, and then having to find some high society wanker to confirm that it's really me in the goddamn photo! You know the photo..the one where we're not allowed to smile?! ...you friggin' morons

Signed - An Irate Australian Citizen.

P.S Remember what I said above about the picture, and getting someone in high-society to confirm that it's me? Well, my family has been in this country since before 1850! In 1856, one of my forefathers took up arms with Peter Lalor. (You do remember the Eureka Stockade!!) I have also served in both the CMF and regular Army something over 30 years (I went to Vietnam in 1967), and still have high security clearances. I'm also a personal friend of the president of the RSL.. and Lt General Peter Cosgrove sends me a Christmas card each year.

However, your rules require that I have to get someone 'important' to verify who I am; You know.. someone like my doctor; WHO WAS BORN AND RAISED IN FRIGGIN' PAKISTAN!!!......a country where they either assassinate or hang their ex-Prime Ministers, and are suspended from the Commonwealth for not having the 'right sort of government.'

You are all FRIGGIN' idiots

A Chritmas Tale

2008-12-20T19:15:00.001+11:00

A CHRISTMAS TALE

T'was the night before Christmas, he lived all alone

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone,

I had come down the chimney, with presents to give,

And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did see:

no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree,

No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand.

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds

A sober thought came through my mind -

For this house was different, it was dark and dreary

I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder:

Not how I pictured an Australian soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read -

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realised that families that I saw this night

Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

And grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day

They all enjoyed freedom, each month of the year

Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder, how many lay alone

On a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home?

The very thought brought a tear to my eye.

I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened, and I heard a rough voice:

"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice

I fought for freedom. I don't ask for more.

My life is my God, my country, my corps."

The soldier rolled over, and drifted to sleep.

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night

This guardian of honour so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, and with a voice soft and pure,

Whispered "Carry on, Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.

"Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a Good Night".

This poem was written by an Australian Peacekeeping soldier stationed overseas. Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to all of our Service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Trisha Walsh-Smith - I'm Going BONKERS

2008-12-14T09:45:00.001+11:00

I was watching the Sunday show this morning on 7HD and heard this song as I tapped away on my computer. It actually got me out of the computer room and in front of the television.

Well needless to say I was Googling to get more information about this woman.

I searched YouTube and have now subscribed to her Channel.

So here is TRISHA!

Go Girl ! ! !

Who is your Friend ? ? ?

2008-12-14T08:39:00.002+11:00

Who is your real friend?

This really works...!

If you don't believe it, just try this experiment.

Put your dog and your spouse in the trunk of the car for an hour.

When you open the trunk, who is really happy to see you?

P.S. Please DO NOT do this. This is just for you to read and maybe put a Grin On Your Chin.

Chris Isaak - Wicked Game

2008-11-25T19:57:00.000+11:00

I am a huge Chris Isaak fan.

Chris Isaak ~ Wicked Game lyrics

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd meet somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I knew somebody like you.

No, I don't want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I don't want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you. With you. (This world is only gonna break your heart)

What a wicked game to play, to make me feel this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to let me dream of you.
What a wicked thing to say, you never felt this way.
What a wicked thing to do, to make me dream of you and,

I want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you.

The world was on fire and no one could save me but you.
It's strange what desire will make foolish people do.
I never dreamed that I'd love somebody like you.
And I never dreamed that I'd lose somebody like you no,

No, I want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I want to fall in love. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
With you. (This world is only gonna break your heart)
No, I... (This world is only gonna break your heart)
(This world is only gonna break your heart)

Nobody loves no one.

HELP GET A VIC DUCK SEASON IN 2009

2008-11-19T21:13:00.000+11:00

HELP GET A VIC DUCK SEASON IN 2009

A decision will be made on the 2009 Victorian Duck Season soon. To help secure a season, complete your details below, click go and this petition will be sent directly to Minister Jennings.

Alternatively, you can download the petition by Clicking Here... and mail it to the Minister.

SUBMIT A PETITION NOW!

Dear Minister Jennings,

Please allow me to take this opportunity to urge you to declare a duck season in 2009.

As you will be aware, environmental conditions have improved considerably since the years preceding the 2007 and 2008 ‘no season’ decisions. Floods and subsequent duck breeding in Gippsland (2007), NSW, QLD and across Northern Australia, earlier this year has been widely publicized as the best waterfowl breeding conditions for many years. Australia’s ducks are essentially ‘drought proof’ as they are extremely mobile and move around the continent in response to favorable conditions.

Like many hunters I believe that the suspension of duck hunting in 2007 was an over-cautious decision however it was accepted by the broader hunting community. However, and as you are undoubtedly aware, that the decision to declare “no season” in 2008 did not enjoy the same level of support.

Leading scientists have reviewed hunting seasons in the past and have found no detrimental impact on the survival of the legally sought species. In this vein I would draw your attention to the findings of the Scientific Panel Review of Open Seasons for Waterfowl in New South Wales which was chaired by Dr. Richard Kingsford and which concluded that “hunting has no effect on waterfowl populations” Minister, I would respectfully remind you that duck hunting has been demonstrated to bring significant economic benefit to much of rural Victoria and especially to the north west of the state which has struggled under the drought conditions of recent years.

The declaration of a season in 2009 will be welcomed by those communities.

Mr. Jennings, I recognise your government has shown strong leadership through the State Game Initiative. As a duck hunter, I am hopeful this initiative will provide tangible benefits and hunting opportunities. I look forward to your announcement of a duck hunting season in 2009.
Yours sincerely,

*Name
*Surname
*Email
*Postcode

The Human Race

2008-10-17T08:12:00.002+11:00

A little girl asked her father:

'How did the human race appear?'

The father answered, 'God made Adam and Eve; they had children; and so was all mankind made.'

Two days later the girl asked her mother the same question.

The mother answered,

'Many years ago there were monkeys from which the human race evolved.'

The confused girl returned to her father and said,

'Dad, how is it possible that you told me the human race was created by God, and mum said they developed from monkeys?'

The father answered,

'Well dear it is very simple. I told you about my side of the family, and your mother told you about hers.'

Jasper and the Unbaked Yeast Rolls

2008-10-16T22:29:00.001+11:00

Jasper and the Unbaked Yeast Rolls

Those of you who have/had animals will probably appreciate it more. It is a story that is hilarious in itself and the person that wrote it is a good writer and made the story even better. Enjoy...

We have a fox terrier by the name of Jasper. He came to us in the summer of 2001 from the fox terrier rescue program . For those of you, who are unfamiliar with this type of adoption, imagine taking in a 10 year old child about whom you know nothing and committing to doing your best to be a good parent.

Like a child, the dog came with his own idiosyncrasies. He will only sleep on the bed, on top of the covers, nuzzled as close to my face as he can get without actually performing a French kiss on me.

Lest you think this is a bad case of 'no discipline,' I should tell you that Perry and I tried every means to break him of this habit including locking him in a separate bedroom for several nights. The new door cost over $200. But I digress.

Five weeks ago we began remodeling our house. Although the cost of the project is downright obnoxious, it was 20 years overdue AND it got me out of cooking Thanksgiving f or family, extended family, and a lot of friends that I like more than family most of the time.

I was assigned the task of preparing 124 of my famous yeast dinner rolls for the two Thanksgiving feasts we did attend.

I am still cursing the electrician for getting the new oven hooked up so quickly. It was the only appliance in the whole darn house that worked, thus the assignment.

I made the decision to cook the rolls on Wed evening to reheat Thurs am. Since the kitchen was freshly painted, you can imagine the odor. Not wanting the rolls to smell like Sherwin Williams #586, I put the rolls on baking sheets and set them in the living room to rise for a few hours. Perry and I decided to go out to eat, returning in about an hour. The rolls were ready to go in the oven.

It was 8:30 PM. When I went to the living room to retrieve the pans, much to my shock one whole pan of 12 rolls was empty. I called out to Jasper and my worst nightmare became a reality. He literally wobbled over to me. He looked like a combination of the Pillsbury dough boy and the Michelin Tire man wrapped up in fur. He groaned when he walked. I swear even his cheeks were bloated.

I ran to the phone and called our vet. After a few seconds of uproario us laughter, he told me the dog would probably be OK, however, I needed to give him Pepto Bismol every 2 hours for the rest of the night.

God only knows why I thought a dog would like Pepto Bismol any more than my kids did when they were sick. Suffice it to say that by the time we went to bed the dog was black, white and pink. He was so bloated we had to lift him onto the bed for the night.

We arose at 7:30 and as we always do first thing; put the dog out to relieve himself. Well, the dog was as drunk as a sailor on his first leave. He was running into walls, falling flat on his butt and most of the time when he was walking his front half was going one direction and the other half was either dragging the grass or headed 90 degrees in another direction.

He couldn't lift his leg to pee, so he would just walk and pee at the same time. When he ran down the small incline in our back yard he couldn't stop himself and nearly ended up running into the fence.

His pupils were dilated and he was as dizzy as a loon. I endured another few seconds of laughter from the vet (second call within 12 hours) before he explained that the yeast had fermented in his belly and that he was indeed drunk.

He assured me that, not unlike mos t binges we humans go through, it would wear off after about 4 or 5 hours and to keep giving him Pepto Bismol.

Afraid to leave him by himself in the house, Perry and I loaded him up and took him with us to my sister's house for the first Thanksgiving meal of the day.

My sister lives outside of Muskogee on a ranch, (10 to 15 minute drive). Rolls firmly secured in the trunk (124 less 12) and drunk dog leaning from the back seat onto the console of the car between Perry and I, we took off.

Now I know you probably don't believe that do gs burp, but believe me when I say that after eating a tray of risen unbaked yeast rolls, DOGS WILL BURP. These burps were pure Old Charter. They would have matched or beat any smell in a drunk tank at the police station. But that's not the worst of it.

Now he was beginning to fart and they smelled like baked rolls. God strike me dead if I am not telling the truth! We endured this for the entire trip to Karen's, thankful she didn't live any further away than she did.

Once Jasper was firmly placed in my sister's garage with the door locked, we finally sat down to enjoy our first Thanksgiving meal of the day. The dog was the topic of conversation all morning long and everyone made tr ips to the garage to witness my drunken dog, each returning with a tale of Jasper's latest endeavor to walk without running into something. Of course, as the old adage goes, 'what goes in must come out' and Jasper was no exception.

Granted if it had been me that had eaten 12 risen, unbaked yeast rolls, you might as well have put a concrete block up my behind, but alas a dog's digestive system is quite different from yours or mine. I discovered this was a mixed blessing when we prepared to leave Karen's house. Having discovered his 'packages' on the garage floor, we loaded him up in the car so we could hose down the floor.

This was another naive decision on our part. The blast of wa ter from the hose hit the poop on the floor and the poop on the floor withstood the blast from the hose. It was like Portland cement beginning to set up and cure.

We finally tried to remove it with a shovel. I (obviously no one else was going to offer their services) had to get on my hands and knees with a coarse brush to get the remnants off of the floor. And as if this wasn't degrading enough, the darn dog in his drunken state had walked through the poop and left paw prints all over the garage floor that had to be brushed too.

Well, by this time the dog was sobering up nicely so we took him home and dropped him off before we left for our second Thanksgiving dinner at Perry's sist er's house.

I am happy to report that as of today (Monday) the dog is back to normal both in size and temperament. He has had a bath and is no longer tricolor. None the worse for wear I presume. I am also happy to report that just this evening I found 2 risen unbaked yeast rolls hidden inside my closet door.

It appears he must have come to his senses after eating 10 of them but decided hiding 2 of them for later would not be a bad idea. Now, I'm doing research on the computer as to: 'How to clean unbaked dough from the carpet.'

And how was your day?

(Not sure if this IS in fact truth or fiction but it was just too funny not to share)

My Car a Write Off

2008-10-11T21:28:00.002+11:00

Some 13 years ago I purchased a brand new Mazda Bravo plus.

It was decked out to suit my dog oriented life style; going to dog shows, obedience trials, a little tracking and the odd hunting trip.

Perfect for the job and I loved that car.

In that whole time it had been in two accidents. Both in a car park and both time my car was hit by a reversing car, both times I was not at fault.

This second time was very bad, very very bad. The only panel that was not damaged was the front quarter panel. I have no idea how the driver of the other vehicle could have done soooooooooooooooooo much damaged except to say he surely must have reversed way too fast and obviously was not looking for other cars.

My mum was in the front passenger seat and it was that passenger door that got the full brunt of the hit by the other car; window glass smashed and mostly landed in mums lap, some on the ground. Mum was very shaken up and was taken to Casey hospital for a check up. Thank the good Lord above, she was not hurt. She was kept under observation for some 3 hours (give or take) but was glad to be released from hospital and to come home.

I have to say publicly how wonderful my insurance company of choice, GIO, was. Within a week everything was sorted out and I was able to go and purchase my new car.

I purchased another Mazda. This time a BT50 dual cab turbo diesel. Dark blue, with bull bar and hard canopy already on. Not brand new but good enough for me. It is an ex Mazda demo vehicle which had done 12660 kms.

Thumbs down to the driver of the other car . . . watch where you are going and who is around you!

Reward Offered

2008-09-22T21:19:00.002+10:00

The Department of Homeland Security has reported that James S. Huggins has escaped from the Hospital.

James was incarcerated yesterday after suffering a stroke.

He spent the night in captivity while the mad scientists poked and prodded including the use of a  cat scan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_scan)and an MRI (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mri) however, shortly after lunch after insisting that he just had to pee he escaped info the wild.

An all out hunt is under way for the lunatic programmer and officials fear that he may actually be able to convince honest citizens that he is normal.

All citizens are strongly cautioned to watch out for this crazy man and to approach with extreme caution.

It's A Jungle Out There

2008-08-21T22:16:00.001+10:00

Quite some time ago I watched a few episodes of Monk and loved it. One of very few shows I enjoyed on television, sadly I did not see every episode nor is it on television in Australia any more.

Along comes Yan with 4 DVDs in her hot litle hand; Season 1, 2, 3 and 4 to give to me. YES! YES! YES!

Last night I watched the last episode in Season 4 and I feel a little sad and a little low down low that I can not see any more.

Watching Monk made me think about myself and how similar some of my behaviour is . . . well of course it made perfect sense why Yan would give me the nick name MONK.

Show aside, the theme song is great.

It goes around and around in my head as I people watch while out and about.

I think I need to get it as a ringtone for my mobile phone.

IT'S A JUNGLE OUT THERE by Randy Newman

It's a jungle out there
Disorder and confusion everywhere
No one seems to care
Well I do
Hey, who's in charge here?
It's a jungle out there
Poison in the very air we breathe
Do you know what's in the water that you drink?
Well I do, and it's amazing
People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time
If you paid attention, you'd be worried too
You better pay attention
Or this world we love so much might just kill you
I could be wrong now, but I don't think so
It's a jungle out there

Longhair Weimaraners in America

2008-08-11T19:05:00.000+10:00

My gratitude to Elena Smith Lamberson for her open permission to cross post.

Like many of you, I am opposed to the Blues being accepted in our standard as they have never been accepted by the Germans except for a brief period during which they investigated and determined a cross breeding by a German breeder(who lied to them). There is no basis to the "Blue Weim Club's" claim to the WCA because it was simply a mistake that the color was accepted when the puppy was imported to the US by a "broker." The beginning of our puppy mill woes.

At that time, 1949-50, no one really knew that this color was from a cross breeding. There was no internet or email and information spread very slowly. The Germans recognized their error and revoked the registration of Casar - the original Blue. The blue color was allowed for a while in the US and then disqualified. The dog was bred and is in the pedigrees of our dogs. This cannot be changed.

But, we can resist the inclusion of the blue color.

If we don't act NOW, there will be a Black Weimaraner Club, a Brown Weimaraner Club and a Parti colored Weim Club.

Except for 22 yrs of mystery in the US, the Weimaraner is and always has been a GREY DOG in Germany and all other countries.

The Longhair was mistakenly thought to be an unacceptable coat by the WCA. You can imagine there were not many LH in Germany and Austria after WWII. Due to ignorance by the WCA Board, it was lumped into the blue problem and both were made disqualifications in the current breed standard in 1972. To this day, the LH are only about 10% of the German litters. Of course, no Blues are ever recognized by the German Weimaraner club nor any other Weimaraner club in the entire world.

The Longhair has been a legitimate part of our breed in Germany and Austria since 1935.

If any disqualification needs to be removed, the Longhair should be. Since the Blue people seem to be organizing, the Longhair fanciers need to take notice and organize. We have a real reason to want Longhairs to be recognized. Even Canada has removed the LH disqualification. We are the only country in the world that refuses to recognize the Longhair - and, yet, we are the only country that ever heard of Blue Weims. The only Blue Weims in the world either came from the US or were cross bred to pick up the black gene.

I am in Alaska at this time, but would be willing to help organize Longhair fanciers. We can form an email group and gather the real historical evidence for accepting this true part of our breed's German history. Those of us who belong to the German Weim Club can get information from the German Breed Warden to substantiate our case. I will send a message to them as soon as I return to the lower 48. Right now we are enjoying sitting on our veranda in Homer Alaska watching the sun not setting!

When I was in Germany attending the Herbstzuchtprufung in 1987, the German Breed Warden, Dr. Werner Petri asked me:

"Why does the Weimaraner Club of America hate Longhair Weimaraners."

I was ashamed to say that even though I was Vice President of the WCA, I did not know the answer. I told him I did not know but I would try to find out. I researched it and realized the terrible mistake the WCA made when it made the LH a disqualification. It was at these working trials that Dr. Petri told me that the original Blue had been found to be a cross breeding; the mistake was rectified and the registration revoked. There was only ONE blue male puppy in that litter - despite the fabricated history by the blue fanatic, Elizabeth Wood.

I have not done any organization of the LH because I felt it was not time. Well, apparently, it is TIME.

If you are interested in recognizing the Longhair Weimaraner as a separate coat variety in the Open class, please contact me. Apparently, we need 250 signatures. Please do NOT send me hate mail or any weirdo reasons you hate longhairs. I only want to hear from you if you are interested in seeing the Longhair Weimaraner finally receive the recognition it has deserved since our breed came to the United States.

This is serious. You can accept the Blue or the Longhair -

the unacceptable or ...

....the legimate history of our breed. One or both will survive.........................

PLEASE CROSS POST!!!

Elena

Elena Smith Lamberson

Silversmith Weimaraners

Johns Island, SC

Our World

2008-08-10T19:05:00.001+10:00

It takes a child to speak the truth.

It takes a child to make heads turn and ears prick up and listen.

This video clip has only had 5375 views as at this evening and since being uploaded on 23rd December 2007. I would like to increase that by sharing it with my readers who will share it with their friends who will share it with their family who will share it with everyone they know.

We MUST do everything each of us can to start the change!

Fort Dodgey, AGAIN!

2008-08-02T18:56:00.000+10:00

Do Not Give Your Dogs ProMeris, a Fort Dodge Product

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Do Not Give Your Dogs ProMeris, a Fort Dodge Product

The following is a true story of a negative reaction to this product but want amazes me more with each of these warnings is that fact that Fortn Dodge is ALWAYS the company that makes them!

Down with Fort Dodge.

"This is a very important message to my family & friends who have dogs-cats--and to alert you to the hazard of using a new Flea & Tick Preventative called ProMeris http://www.promeris.com/consumer/

This is a new product designed to be a more effective product than other flea/tick treatments that was just released this year. It is available thru a vet and not currently on-line. I got ProMeris this week for my 7 dogs (6 Huskies & 1 Golden-Airedale) , and the results were debilitating for nearly all of them-including me. Since my incident this week, my vet has pulled it from distribution and alerted the manufacturer, Fort Dodge .

Here are my results: Within less than 2 hours after applying, 4 of my dogs had vomited from 2-4 times, 3 were disoriented and stumbling, 1 was dragging his back leg, 1 was salivating. I had very similar symptoms like an allergic reaction-my
lips were swollen, eyes very red, mucous membranes such as eyes, nose, and mouth were stinging. I was very disoriented-dizzy equilibrium and not able to drive.

To make this a short story-all 7 of my dogs were admitted to the hospital for veterinarian care, and 3 of them remained for care, IV fluids and observation for 24 hours. I was in the emergency room.

I'm home now and so are the dogs.

We're all feeling much better.

Vet bills were over $2,500 and Fort Dodge is paying for these.

Not only can the product cause this reaction, it has a highly noxious odor that permeated the house and is just starting to dissipate after 3 days.

Your dogs/cats might not have the same reaction, but given my experience-I wanted to help you all become well-educated about the product.

Kathryn L. Leinthall
Kalein T Welsh Terriers"

Annie Wan, Sam Wan, Noe Wan

2008-08-02T18:26:00.000+10:00

CHINESE CALL-CENTER

Caller: Hello, can I speak to Annie Wan?

Operator: Yes, you can speak to me.

Caller: No, I want to speak to Annie Wan!

Operator: Yes I understand you want to speak to anyone. You can speak to Me. Who is this?

Caller: I'm Sam Wan. And I need to talk to Annie Wan! It's urgent.

Operator: I know you are someone and you want to talk to anyone! But what's this urgent matter about?

Caller: Well... just tell my sister Annie Wan that our brother Noe Wan was involved in an accident. Noe Wan got injured and now Noe Wan is being sent to the hospital. Right now, Avery Wan is on his way to the Hospital.

Operator: Look, if no one was injured and no one was sent to the hospital, then the accident isn't an urgent matter! You may find this hilarious but I don't have time for this!

Caller: You are so rude! Who are you?

Operator: I'm Saw Ree.

Caller: Yes! You should be sorry. Now give me your name!!

Operator: That's what I said. I'm Saw Ree...

Caller: Oh ........God! !!!

The Douchiest Phone Message In History

2008-07-30T20:39:00.001+10:00

What's left to say!

http://view.break.com/527579 - Watch more free videos

Christian The Lion

2008-07-26T16:09:00.001+10:00

What a wonderful video clip.

I cried as I watched this touching movie about a truly remarkable bond forged between human and beast.

Even as I write here about it, my skin is covered in goose bumps.

What Was He Thinking?

2008-07-22T17:08:00.002+10:00

BUS ROUTE: 800
BUS NUMBER: 29
BUS SCHEDULED DEPARTURE: 0708
BUS ACTUAL DEPARTURE: 0709
BUS STOP: Oakleigh Train Station
BUS LINE: Grenda's

I catch public transport to work each week day.

It saves me a small fortune.

Yesterday I boarded the Grenda's bus service at Oakleigh train station at 0705.

The bus had arrived before scheduled time so it waited until the next scheduled departure time, 0708, from the Oakleigh stop.

Shortly after boarding the drivers mobile phone rang. He answered and talked a while.

He talked a while longer.

He talked a while longer still.

At 0709 I walked to the driver to ask when he would be departing and just as I got to him he began to drive off, still talking on the mobile phone, driving with one hand.

I told him he should not be talking and driving and he should stop the call.

He did not.

I sat shit scared as I watched him driving single handed, laughing out loud with some one on the other end of the mobile phone line.

He continued to talk and drive single handed right up to the very last traffic lights located on Middle Road in Chadstone.

When he pulled in to the bus stop I told him it was the worst trip I had ever had and I would be reporting him to Grenda's and the Police.

Can you believe he actually tried to convince me he was talking to his sick wife!

Granted I only heard his side of the conversation but it was no indication he was talking to some one sick. Besides he is NOT allowed to drive and talk on the mobile phone.

Simple!

It IS against the law.

I was beside myself and could not think what to do while this dangerous journey continued. I now wish I just asked him to stop and let me off but when the heart has stopped racing from fear and the mind is not processing all the bad stuff that can happen, it is easy to see that would have been the best thing to do.

After stepping off the bus, I called Grenda's and lodged a complaint.

I now have Oakleigh Police Station number in my mobile phone so should some other selfish, careless driver decide to do the same I will call them to catch him/her in the act.

How can a bus driver who is entrusted with the lives of other people be so selfish and care so little for them to continue a dangerous activity of talking on the mobile phone and drive (in peak traffic)single handed.

Dog In Heat

2008-07-22T16:38:00.000+10:00

A little girl asks her mum, 'Mum, can I take the dog for a walk around the block?'

Her mum replies 'No, because she is on heat.'

'What does that mean?' asked the child.

'Go and ask your father. I think he's in the garage.'

The little girl goes out to the garage and says, 'Dad, can I take Lulu for a walk around the block? I asked Mum, but she said the dog was on the heat, and to come ask you.'

He took a rag, soaked it in petrol, and scrubbed the dog's backside with it to disguise the scent, and said 'Ok, you can go now, but keep Lulu on the leash and only go one time around the block.'

The little girl left and returned a few minutes later with no dog on the leash..

Surprised, Dad asked, 'Where's Lulu?'

The little girl said, 'She ran out of petrol about halfway round the block, so another dog is pushing her home.'

Immune System Disorders

2008-07-13T20:03:00.003+10:00

You many have tried to get your head around what an Immune System Disorder is?

Or perhaps you have heard the term Auto Immune Disease and don't know what it is.

The answer is quite simple;

"FAILURE OF SELF TOLERANCE" - Dr. W. Jean Dodds

I was fortunate to be able to attend a seminar by Dr. W. Jean Dodds on the evening of Wednesday 25th June 2008. I would not have missed this seminar for anything in the world not even my latest fetish for gold and diamonds.

This is one passionate lady.

Much of what she talked about I already knew because I have been following her work for many years but there was much new and updated information presented on the night. There was a written hand out of her seminar to take home and refer to.

As someone who has tried many different feeding regimes for my Weimaraners and the rescued felines, I will stick with raw feeding as close as possible to what a carnivorous animal, the dog, would eat in the wild. Feeding as close as possible to the wild feeding boosts the immune system far beyond any other type of feeding.

Dr. W. Jean Dodds' hand out only provided scientifically backed information and the comparisons of the control groups of dogs showed the following:

Higher Packed cell volume (hematocrit) in all raw fed groups versus cereal-based kibble.
Higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in all raw fed groups versus cereal-based kibble.
Higher serum creatinine in the Volhard raw diet group only versus cereal-based kibble.

Zeta is my first raw fed Weimaraner since my first involvement with this beautiful breed back in 1983 and certainly I have noticed a few differences though not immune related;

Zeta does not have a smelly breath
Zeta has the most amazing pearly white teeth which amaze her vet on the few rare visits she has had
Zeta does not smell doggy
Zeta does not poop like there is no tomorrow
Zeta's poop is firm and does not smell that hideous shitty smell commercial feeding produces in poop
Zeta has not had any negative health issues from birth to present

Milly is due to whelp 13th September 2008 and this litter will be my first raw fed litter. I will post progressive updates how they get on the raw feeding.

Thanks to my hunter friends Richard Boots and Steve Tilley I have a few exciting bits and pieces in the freezer for this grey bundle of joy.

For me the seminar only further solidified that raw feeding builds a strong immune system. Something every dog owner needs to consider before thinking about the perceived inconvenience of this type of feeding.

Puppy Scam

2008-06-28T00:31:00.003+10:00

Looks like puppy scams are starting up again.

I received the following a few days ago and wanted to share with my readers to make them aware that these types of emails are scams to get money from you and nothing more. You never see the puppies and certainly this is NO way to buy them!

Hi!

My name is Angelina and I have 3 wonderful kids and one of my daughter is diagnosed with tourrette's syndrome,the doctor says it is a child onset disorder with symptoms appearing between 2 and 15 years of age, so she needs me more than ever, due to our family emergency , I am looking to place a litter of gorgeous english bulldog puppies and parents, I cannot afford to care for these dogs anymore. They are so adorable with wonderful personalities and they have their complete shots and worming.Please contact me immediately if you are interested in the dogs.

Have a beautiful day,

Angelina.

More Poisonous Plants To Our Pets

2008-06-22T14:26:00.005+10:00

The following information is courtesy of The
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Aloe

Amaryllis

American Bittersweet

Andromeda Japonica

Asian Lily (Liliaceae)

Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron)

Charming Diffenbachia

Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant)

Cornstalk Plant (aka Corn Plant)

Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman)

Deadly Nightshade (See Nightshade)

Easter Lily

Elephant Ears

Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern)

Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather)

English Ivy

European Bittersweet

Fiddle-Leaf Philodendron

Green Gold Nephthysis

Hahn's self branching English Ivy

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heavenly Bamboo

Holly

Hops

Horsehead Philodendron

Japanese Yew (aka Yew)

Madagascar Dragon Tree

Marble Queen

Marijuana

Mauna Loa Peace Lily (aka Peace Lily)

Peace Lily (aka Mauna Loa Peace Lily)

Philodendron Pertusum

Red-Margined Dracaena (aka Straight-Margined Dracaena)

Red Princess

Rhododendron

Ribbon Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)

Rubrum Lily

Saddle Leaf Philodendron

Tree Philodendron

Variable Dieffenbachia

Variegated Philodendron

Warneckei Dracaena

Wood Lily

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Yew (aka Japanese Yew)

Yucca

I Have A Really Bad Headache

2008-06-22T13:40:00.002+10:00

Yesterday I had a big argument with mum and said some stuff I wish I had not but there you have it, it's done now and I can not take it back.

I hate arguing with mum.

I REALLY hate it.

Mum lives with and has done so for 2 years, could be 3. Not sure now.

She is a great mum.

The best.

These are not just words, they are true.

Just when we argue I hate it and it seems to be about the same sort of stuff.

These same things are what you would call my very, VERY HOT spots.

I know they are and as much as I throw ice at them they just seem to get hotter and hotter.

I don't want to and don't like to argue with mum.

Poisonous Plants To Your Dogs And Cats

2008-06-22T10:39:00.004+10:00

17 Common Poisonous Plants

Lilies
Members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the poisonous component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestions of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.

What flora should be forbidden in your home, pet parents? Dr. Steven Hansen, veterinary toxicologist & ASPCA Senior Vice President, shows you examples of the most common potentially dangerous plants.

Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis sativa by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, increased heart rate, and even seizures and coma.

Sago Palm
All parts of Cycas Revoluta are poisonous, but the seeds or “nuts” contain the largest amount of toxin. The ingestion of just one or two seeds can result in very serious effects, which include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure.

Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
The bulb portions of Tulipa/Narcissus spp. contain toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities.

Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of the Rhododenron spp. contain substances known as grayantoxins, which can produce vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.

Oleander
All parts of Nerium oleander are considered to be toxic, as they contain cardiac glycosides that have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.

Castor Bean
The poisonous principle in Ricinus communis is ricin, a highly toxic protein that can produce severe abdominal pain, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness and loss of appetite. Severe cases of poisoning can result in dehydration, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, coma and death.

Cyclamen
Cyclamen species contain cyclamine, but the highest concentration of this toxic component is typically located in the root portion of the plant. If consumed, Cylamen can produce significant gastrointestinal irritation, including intense vomiting. Fatalities have also been reported in some cases.

Kalanchoe
This plant contains components that can produce gastrointestinal irritation, as well as those that are toxic to the heart, and can seriously affect cardiac rhythm and rate.

Yew
Taxus spp. contains a toxic component known as taxine, which causes central nervous system effects such as trembling, incoordination, and difficulty breathing. It can also cause significant gastrointestinal irritation and cardiac failure, which can result in death.

Amaryllis
Common garden plants popular around Easter, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors.

Autumn Crocus
Ingestion of Colchicum autumnale by pets can result in oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms are part of the Compositae family, which contain pyrethrins that may produce gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.

English Ivy
Also called branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy and California ivy, Hedera helix contains triterpenoid saponins that, should pets ingest, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea.

Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily)
Spathiphyllum contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

Pothos
Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) belongs to the Araceae family. If chewed or ingested, this popular household plant can cause significant mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.

Schefflera
Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla contain calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue in pets who ingest.

The above information is courtesy of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

No Charges Against Bill Henson

2008-06-08T11:13:00.006+10:00

Bill Henson will NOT face any charges over his photography of naked girls and boys as young as 12 and 13 years of age.

RIGHT: This is one of the images removed from the Henson Installation at Oxley9 Gallery.

LEFT: Another Bill Henson image which shows a boy and a girl naked.

Reported in The Australian (if this page does not show for you, please see a screen capture of this page located here):

{quote}

NSW police, who last month triggered a storm of controversy by seizing acclaimed artist Bill Henson's photographs of underage girls, will be told today there is insufficient evidence to proceed with obscenity charges.The Australian understands that Crown prosecutors do not believe a case can be made out against Henson under Section 91G of the NSW Crimes Act, which prohibits the use of children for pornographic purposes.

They also consider charges against Henson or the Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, which was raided by police, for the "production, dissemination or possession of child pornography" under Section 91H will be too difficult toprove.

The laws attract jail terms of up to 14 years.

It also emerged last night that federal police would not be laying child pornography charges over 79 images by Henson owned by the National Gallery of Australia, none of which are on display.

{/quote}

LEFT: Another of unacceptable images from the Bill Henson nude children collection.

I am sad the law is written in such a way that because of it a case can not be built against Bill Henson. No matter what the arty-farty people what to call it (these hideous images of young children naked, plastered in Galleries around Australia), it is simply unacceptable in my eyes and many others.

Perhaps the law needs to be changed so that IN THE NAME OF ART, children can not be abused and exploited by their parents and photographers.

I would hope that Ms Hetty Johnston will not give up on this issue and lobby for changes to the law.

PennHIP Australian News

2008-06-08T11:00:00.002+10:00

Some good news (though a little dated now) for dog breeders, AVA and PennHIP are working together. Well for 5 years anyway. Read the announcement below taken from the PennHIP web site.

[quote]

Big News From Down Under!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

At the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) conference in Sydney, Australia, it was announced that the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) will adopt the PennHIP screening method and use it in conjunction with their current hip screening system for a period of 5 years; at the end of that time, both methods will be reevaluated for their efficacy in reducing canine hip dysplasia.

All of us at PennHIP are delighted by this news and are proud to be part of this momentous event.

[/quote]

I'm Bored

2008-06-05T20:37:00.007+10:00

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Confronting

2008-06-02T09:28:00.005+10:00

The buzz word in the art world is "confronting".

I don't get that.

Actually I would love to find out when this word first began to be used to describe art.

I mean why does art have to be confronting? We have the nightly news 7 days a week to confront us on television, we have the daily newspapers to confront us with their confronting images of our decaying moral world and we have the internet, the most confronting of all, at our finger tips.

Why can't art be enjoyable, pleasurable, easy on the eye and mind?

I can not help but feel the use of the word 'confronting' is yet another way around those things that are done in the name of art which would never be so readily excused otherwise.

These images are not art, they are the physical proof of the sick mind of Bill Henson.

Double Standard

2008-06-01T22:34:00.007+10:00

Passions are red hot on the both sides of the Bill Henson coin, there is no question of that.

Clearly what remains is the fact that children were photographed in inappropriate ways regardless if the children gave permission (questionable in itself) or not or if the parent/s of the children gave permission (questionable once again but for a different reason).

This clip summarises the height of hypocrisy our society has reached; naked photographs of children in a gallery are 'art' - naked photographs of children on some ones computer are 'child pornography'.

Art CAN NOT and MUST NOT be used an as excuse for abuse and exploitation therefore art MUST have boundaries!

Defiant

2008-05-31T20:38:00.006+10:00

Bill Henson remains defiant on the identity of the 13 year old girl who is the subject of some 20 photographs seized from Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery by Rose Bay police last week.

Why?

Privacy?

Not a good enough reason given she is 13. Her privacy has been well and truly invaded through Bill Henson's camera lens.

The public out cry continues against Bill Henson as does support for him but not a single word from his partner, Louise Hearman.

Her silence is deafening.

Does she stand by her man or does she not?

How long can she remain out of the media spot light?

Should Art Have Boundaries?

2008-05-30T15:46:00.004+10:00

The immediate answer that comes to mind is NO!

I am no art critique, far from it. I have a passion for canines, Weimaraners in particular so I guess my appreciation for art is very limited but in the recent weeks Bill Henson has appeared in the news quite a bit. I had not heard of the man before his name hit the news; on TV, on the radio and in the newspapers.

The continuing news reports about the 13 year old girl posed in nude and photographed by Bill Henson and then those photographs to be part of an exhibition in Sydney got my blood pressure up enough to go crawling the web for more information about this photographer.

See, I have a passionately hideous dislike for those who exploit and abuse children and animals. Those who know me know exactly how I feel about such things!

My web crawling took me to view some images I did not like to see or know that an artist would do such a thing to the young and innocent.

Many have come to Bill Henson's defence however to read of Cate Blanchett's support for the artist was bitterly disappointing. Cate put her name to an open letter to the PM stating,

[quote]

Rather this action will encourage a repressive climate of hysterical condemnation.

[/quote]

Cate recently gave birth to her third child, a brother to her two older boys; Dashiel John 5 and Roman Robert 3.

The obvious question for Cate would she still hold the same position if it were her boys in those images displayed at an exhibition? Perhaps I just don't buy the publicity stunt but Cate really doesn't need to do publicity stunts, she is a well known and respected actor though I have to question how coming out in support of Bill Henson's nude images of 13 year old children will go down with her fans?

She lost me.

She was on the front page of the Herald Sun newspaper Wednesday 28th May 2008 with a headline CATE'S MATES HIT PM.

There has been and continues to be a huge public outcry over these images and it certainly doesn't not help Bill Henson noting,

[quote]

I might meet people who have had, for many years, a very intense relationship with one of my pictures hanging on their wall, above their bed . . .

[/quote]

In the words of Andrew Bolt,

[quote]

If he photographed not naked girls but cows, I doubt his works would sell half as well, or hang over so many beds.

[/quote]

Many images from the web have been removed and many photographs has been taken by police with charges expected to be pressed.

Art CAN NOT and MUST NOT be used an as excuse for abuse and exploitation therefore art MUST have boundaries!

Having Fun In Tesco

2008-05-29T18:19:00.003+10:00

Dear Mrs. Murray,

While we thank you for your valued custom and use of the Tesco Loyalty Card, the Manager of our store in Banbury is considering banning you and your family from shopping with us, unless your husband stops his antics.

Below is a list of offences over the past few months all verified by our surveillance cameras:

June 15: Took 24 boxes of condoms and randomly put them in people's trolleys when they weren't looking.

July 2: Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.

July 7: Made a trail of tomato juice on the floor leading to feminine products aisle.

July 19: Walked up to an employee and told her in an official tone,'Code 3' in housewares..... and watched what happened.

August 14: Moved a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.

September 15: Set up a tent in the outdoor clothing department and told shoppers he'd invite them in if they would bring sausages and a Calor gas stove.

September 23: When the Deputy Manager asked if she could help him, he began to cry and asked, 'Why can't you people just leave me alone?'

October 4: Looked right into the security camera; used it as a mirror, picked his nose, and ate it.

November 10: While appearing to be choosing kitchen knives in the Housewares aisle asked an assistant if he knew where the antidepressants were.

December 3: Darted around the store suspiciously, loudly humming the 'Mission Impossible' theme.

December 6: In the kitchenware aisle, practised the 'Madonna look' using different size funnels.

December 18: Hid in a clothing rack and when people browsed, yelled 'PICK ME!' 'PICK ME!'

December 21: When an announcement came over the loud speaker, assumed the foetal position and screamed 'NO! NO! It's those voices again.'

And, last, but not least

December 23: Went into a fitting room, shut the door, waited a while; then yelled, very loudly, 'There is no toilet paper in here.'

Yours sincerely,

Charles Brown
Store Manager

A truly amazing story

2008-05-20T19:10:00.010+10:00

Yesterday I received the most wonderful email from my dear friend, James S. Huggins which brought tears to my eyes in the middle of the shopping centre where the internet cafe is located during my lunch break.

I could hardy wait to get home to print it out and share it with the people at work and now I share it with my readers.

I have read this amazing story so many times since receiving it but still it brings tears of hope and joy to my eyes.

THIS IS TRULY A STORY TO INSPIRE!

Meet Molly. She's a gray speckled pony who was abandoned by her owners when Katrina hit southern Louisiana, USA . She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and taken to a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier, and almost died. Her gnawed right front leg became infected and her vet went to LSU for help. But LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes.

But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her. She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight, and didn't overload her good leg. She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic.

Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.

"This was the right horse and the right owner," Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious she understood (that) she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to Moore , is having a truly committed and compliant owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.

Molly's story turns into a parable for life in post-Katrina Louisiana . The little pony gained weight, her mane felt a comb. A human prosthesis designer built her a leg.

The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports. And she asks for it! She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too." And sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. "It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse", she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people. And she had a good time doing it.

"It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life", Moore said, "She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others."
"She's not back to normal," Barca concluded, "but she's going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself."

This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind!

RSPCA Poll 200508

2008-05-20T18:43:00.002+10:00

Please take the time to visit the RSPCA web site and vote on the poll.

URL:
http://www.rspca.org.au/

Results as at 1845 on 20th May 2008 are as follows:

RSPCA Poll

Thank you!

Your opinion has been recorded in our poll.

The current opinions on "If you were buying a new dog or cat, where would you start looking?" are:

Breeder	56%
Pet Shop	5%
Newspaper	4%
RSPCA	31%
Online	5%

Total responses received : 2904

Please let others know about the poll.

Well Done UK Kennel Club

2008-05-18T12:13:00.009+10:00

Over exaggerations have been causing big problems for dog breeds for many years now. Breeders seem to be hell bent on MORE IS BETTER and in the process failing to see the problems caused by this thought process when it comes down to the health of the dog and the function of the dog.

The UK Kennel Club has taken this on board, KUDOs to you for doing so. I hope the America breeders and the AKC are going to follow the UK lead. After all America is the birth of over exaggeration not just in dogs but many other things also; cars to to mind.

Take a look at these two Chevy s.

Now that's BIG!

Back to dogs.

Let us look at what has happened to the Irish setter over the years, left in the hands of over zest breeders who breed by the rule of MORE IS BETTER.

This is an Irish Setter of 1912.

Here is an Irish Setter of present day.

This one on the left is hunting.

While this one looks to have good coat length which would allow it to hunt while giving protection to the animal.

Breeders MUST stop this pretence of MORE IS BETTER if any given pure bred breed is to survive the attacks of animal right movements. These very exaggerations are used against pure bred dog breeders in an all mighty push to stop breeding of pure bred dogs.

The Irish setter is an excellent example of breeders loosing the plot!

P.S. For those who can not identify the over exaggeration, look at the length of coat (hair) in each of the images.

I Work With This Guy

2008-05-11T20:20:00.002+10:00

With Brad that is ...

Paddle Store

2008-05-11T18:20:00.003+10:00

I bet you thought there was not such place.

Well you were wrong.

Here you can get just what you need when you are -- ---- ----- ------ - paddle!

Simple Home Remedies

2008-05-05T22:02:00.001+10:00

IF YOU'RE CHOKING ON AN ICE CUBE, SIMPLY POUR A CUP OF BOILING WATER DOWN YOUR THROAT. PRESTO! THE BLOCKAGE WILL INSTANTLY REMOVE ITSELF.

AVOID CUTTING YOURSELF WHEN SLICING VEGETABLES BY GETTING SOMEONE ELSE TO HOLD THE VEGETABLES WHILE YOU CHOP.

AVOID ARGUMENTS WITH THE FEMALES ABOUT LIFTING THE TOILET SEAT BY USING THE SINK.

FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE SUFFERERS ~ SIMPLY CUT YOURSELF AND BLEED FOR A FEW MINUTES, THUS REDUCING THE PRESSURE ON YOUR VEINS. REMEMBER TO USE A TIMER.

A MOUSE TRAP PLACED ON TOP OF YOUR ALARM CLOCK WILL PREVENT YOU FROM ROLLING OVER AND GOING BACK TO SLEEP AFTER YOU HIT THE SNOOZE BUTTON.

IF YOU HAVE A BAD COUGH, TAKE A LARGE DOSE OF LAXATIVES. THEN YOU'LL BE AFRAID TO COUGH.

YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE.

REMEMBER - EVERYONE SEEMS NORMAL UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THEM.

IF YOU CAN'T FIX IT WITH A HAMMER, YOU'VE GOT AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.

Can You Tell The Difference?

2008-05-04T20:35:00.004+10:00

I am a bit of a fan of the fun the quirky and the odd stuff you can do on the net and this little gem of a test cracked me up >G<

Can you tell the difference between your arse and your elbow?

Take the quiz and tell me your score.

The Energy Non Crisis

2008-05-04T20:17:00.004+10:00

The Energy Non Crisis a book by Lindsey Williams talks about his first hand experience and knowledge about the people who control the world.

You can hear Lindsey talk about The Energy Non Crisis in this Google Video:

You may want to tale a look at International Monetary Fund and The World Bank after watching the video.

Lost In Translation

2008-05-01T22:18:00.003+10:00

I work in retail and have done since my first job with McEwans as a casual after school. NOW THAT is going back quite some years. During the many years of retail work I have been asked for help with the many different things sold or help to find a particular item in those retail outlets where I worked but the funniest things are always those which are just totally lost in translation.

On Monday when I came to work, one of the guys was telling me about a customer who was in on the week end asking for forceps.

Yes you read that correctly, FORCEPS.

After a few minutes of very carefully worded question, it was established the item this newly migrated customer wanted was in fact tweezers.

Aries

2008-04-26T16:38:00.001+10:00

Drum roll please . . .

Yours truly is an Aries.

ARIES - The Daredevil ~ (Mar 21 - April 19 )

Energetic.

Adventurous and spontaneous.

Confident and enthusiastic.

Fun.

Loves a challenge.

EXTREMELY impatient.

Sometimes selfish.

Short fuse. (easily angered.)

Lively, passionate, and sharp wit.

Outgoing.

Lose interest quickly - easily bored.

Egotistical.

Courageous and assertive.

Tends to be physical and athletic.

Aquarius

2008-04-26T16:34:00.000+10:00

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart ~ ( Jan 20 - Feb 18 )

Optimistic and honest.

Sweet personality.

Very independent.

Inventive and intelligent.

Friendly and loyal.

Can seem unemotional.

Can be a bit rebellious.

Very stubborn, but original and unique.

Attractive on the inside and out.

Eccentric personality.

Capricorn

2008-04-26T16:32:00.000+10:00

CAPRICORN - The Go-Getter ~ ( Dec 22 - Jan 19 )

Patient and wise.

Practical and rigid.

Ambitious.

Tends to be Good-looking.

Humorous and funny.

Can be a bit shy and reserved.

Often pessimistic.

Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be unfriendly at times.

Hold grudges.

Like competition.

Get what they want.

Sagittarius

2008-04-26T16:31:00.001+10:00

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One ~ (Nov 22 - Dec 21 )

Good-natured optimist.

Doesn't want to grow up (Peter Pan Syndrome ).

Indulges self.

Boastful.

Likes luxuries and gambling.

Social and outgoing.

Doesn't like responsibilities.

Often fantasises.

Impatient.

Fun to be around.

Having lots of friends.

Flirtatious.

Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes.

Beautiful inside and out.

Scorpio

2008-04-26T16:20:00.000+10:00

SCORPIO - The Intense One ~ Very Energetic ~ (Oct 23 - Nov 21 )

Intelligent.

Can be jealous and/or possessive.

Hardworking.

Great kisser.

Can become obsessive or secretive.

Holds grudges.

Attractive.

Determined.

Loves being in long Relationships.

Talkative.

Romantic.

Can be self-centered at times.

Passionate and Emotional.

Libra

2008-04-26T16:18:00.000+10:00

LIBRA - The Harmonizer ( Sept 23 - Oct 22 )

Nice to everyone they meet.

Can't make up their mind.

Have own unique appeal.

Creative, energetic, and very social.

Hates to be alone.

Peaceful, generous.

Very loving and beautiful.

Flirtatious.

Give in too easily.

Procrastinators.

Very gullible.

Virgo

2008-04-26T16:17:00.001+10:00

VIRGO - The Perfectionist ~ Dominant ~ ( Aug 23 - Sept 22)

In relationships, very conservative.

Always wants the last word.

Argumentative.

Worries.

Very smart.

Dislikes noise and chaos.

Eager.

Hardworking.

Loyal.

Beautiful.

Easy to talk to.

Hard to please.

Harsh.

Practical and very fussy.

Often shy.

Pessimistic.

Leo

2008-04-26T16:15:00.000+10:00

LEO - The Boss ~ ( July 23 - Aug 22 )

Very organized.

Need order in their lives - like being in control.

Likes boundaries.

Tend to take over everything.

Bossy. Like to help others.

Social and outgoing.

Extroverted.

Generous, warm-hearted.

Sensitive.

Creative energy.

Full of themselves.

Loving.

Doing the right thing is important to Leo's.

Attractive.

Cancer

2008-04-26T16:14:00.000+10:00

CANCER - The Protector ~ (June 21 - July 22 )

Moody, emotional.

May be shy.

Very loving and caring.

Pretty/handsome.

Excellent partners for life.

Protective.

Inventive and imaginative.

Cautious.

Touchy-feely kind of person.

Needs love from others.

Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

Pisces

2008-04-26T16:11:00.000+10:00

PISCES - The Dreamer ~ ( Feb 19 - Mar 20 )

Generous, kind, and thoughtful.

Very creative and imaginative.

May become secretive and vague.

Sensitive.

Don't like details.

Dreamy and unrealistic.

Sympathetic and loving.

Kind.

Unselfish.

Good kisser.

Beautiful.

Taurus

2008-04-26T16:10:00.001+10:00

TAURUS - The Enduring One ~ ( April 20 - May 20th )

Charming but aggressive.

Can come off as boring, but they are not.

Hard workers.

Warm-hearted.

Strong, has endurance.

Solid beings who are stable and secure in their ways.

Not looking for shortcuts.

Take pride in their beauty.

Patient and reliable.

Make great friends and give good advice.

Loving and kind.

Loves hard - passionate.

Express themselves emotionally.

Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums.

Determined.

Indulge themselves often.

Very generous.

Gemini

2008-04-26T16:08:00.000+10:00

GEMINI - The Chatterbox ~ ( May 21 - June 20 )

Smart and witty.

Outgoing, very chatty.

Lively, energetic.

Adaptable but needs to express themselves.

Argumentative and outspoken.

Likes change.

Versatile.

Busy, sometimes nervous and tense.

Gossips.

May seem superficial or inconsistent.

Beautiful physically and mentally.

Fido For Dinner

2008-04-26T15:43:00.002+10:00

Head of Seoul's (South Korea) department of food safety, Lee Hae-Woo, will do his darnedest to convince the central government that dogs must be classified as livestock.

It is no secret that dogs are consumed in their millions in South Korea each year. This brings about a whole set of health and hygiene issues relating to the slaughter of dogs because they are not classed as livestock therefore there are no regulation to control this mass killing each year, a situation that must be addressed according to Lee Hae-Woo.

The South Korean government has always been somewhat ambivalent about dog meat and to avoid any adverse publicity before the 1988 Olympics, the city banned dog and snake meat. With some 500 plus dog meat restaurants operating in Seoul, the order is largely ignored.

Animal activists call it a step back towards stone age, calling for support to help stop this reclassification.

"Imagine dog meat next to beef in the supermarket equally it would be sickening to see roast dog on the menu," said Lee Won-Bok president of the Korea Association for Animal Protection.

Fancy Dress

2008-04-16T18:32:00.002+10:00

A man with a bald head and a wooden leg is invited to a fancy dress party.

He doesn't know what to wear to hide his head and his wooden leg so he writes to a fancy dress company to explain his problem. A few days later he receives a parcel with a note:

Dear Sir,

Please find enclosed a pirate's outfit. The spotted handkerchief will cover your bald head and with your wooden leg you will be just right as a Pirate.

The man thinks this is terrible because they emphasised his disability, so he writes a letter of complaint.

A week passes and he received another parcel.

Dear Sir,

Sorry about the previous parcel. Please find a monk's habit. The long robe will cover your wooden leg and with your bald head you will really look the part.

The man is extremely furious now, because the company has gone from emphasising his wooden leg to drawing attention to his bald head. So he writes a really rude letter of complaint. A few days later he gets a very small parcel from the company with an accompanying letter:

Dear Sir,

Please find enclosed a tin of Golden Syrup. Pour the tin of Golden Syrup over your bald head, stick your wooden leg up your bum and go as a toffee apple.

Victims of BSL On Your Door Step

2008-04-12T21:24:00.003+10:00

As a dog community we have all failed when we decided not to shout out loud in support of the Pitt Bull. This was the key that unlocked the door to what has followed and continues to happen and I am NOT talking about America. It is happening on your door step, in your front yard . . .

I had heard of the many many canine lives lost in Queensland all too often.

I share what I hear and learn with other doggy people in the hope that they will understand the gravity of what is going on. Sad but true so many dismiss it as Sally j's rantings. I do rant, without doubt, but for one hell of a worthy cause; MAN'S BEST FRIEND! ! !

While surfing the web I found Victims of BSL web site. It is dedicated to the lost canine lives in Queensland, Australia.

The stories are heartbreaking.

Dogs were taken, on Council orders, and killed!

Yes you read that correctly.

Taken and KILLED!

Queensland dog owners must be delighted since Peter Beattie's departure from Office as Queensland Premier. Peter's arrogance in an interviews speaks volumes.

[Quote]

Talk of the Town 4RO 7:30am 9th November 2004

Jeff Goodwin
Premier Peter Beattie

Premier, I don’t want to ambush you

No Jeff you can ambush any time

We just had a listener who rang from the Gold Coast actually and Quadriplegic Justin Tailor had his PitBull taken off him with this 22 point system. It was actually am AmStaff but the 22 point system identified it as being a PitBull. He went to court and won and he’s got his dog back after 4 mths of being incarcerated, the listener wanted to know what about the other 68, 69 dogs that have been taken away that might have been falsely identified with this 22 point system.

Well he had a fight with the Gold Coast City Council, which he won. There was an argument about the dog and what, and the quality of the determination by the council as to weather it was a PitBull or not, let me be relay clear about this. We the government don’t support PitBulls, they have damaged to many people, we will obviously keep continuing to review with the local government as to the accreditation system, for the determination of PitBull. I got a dog. I love dogs. I am a dog lover but I think PitBulls frankly I don’t agree with them at all

They say the statistics show that PitBull attacks compared with other breeds of dog is very low, but I suppose they highlight PitBulls in the news.

Well yeah, the point about all that Jeff is that PitBulls are for all sorts of reasons have been determined to be dangerous and you know when they attack let me tall you there is not a lot left. There is a little bit different between getting a nip on the knee and PitBulls don’t leave a lot left. They are very dangerous dogs. The issue he’s got is though, is weather or not it was a PitBull, as I understand it, I haven’t followed this case closely and I just soar it in the news, my understanding it his case, there was an argument as to weather in fact it fitted with the category of the PitBull or not. And I think in the end the determination was made and he was a special case because of his disability and I am pleased he won good luck to him.

Electorate Office

Unit 2, Hill House,
541 Boundary Street
(Corner Bradley Street),
SPRING HILL QLD 4000

Email: Brisbane.Central@parliament.qld.gov.au

[/Quote]

Do YOU know what is going on in your locality on the subject of BSL?

Isn't it time you started going to Council meetings and expressed yourself?

A Day That Will NEVER Be Forgotten

2008-04-12T14:06:00.004+10:00

Wednesday, 13th February 2008 Prime Minister Kevin Rudd did what the former PM resisted his whole term in office, Kevin Rudd apologised to the indigenous people of Australia for the "Stolen Generations".

I have mixed feelings about this.

It has taken me all this time to post about it and I still have mixed feelings.

I feel deeply upset this had happened to the indigenous people however I did not DO IT and an apology by Mr. Rudd on my behave does not sit well.

I feel a sense of guilt when I should not.

I have no ideas how this issue should have been dealt with but I do have a strong sense that an apology was not the right one. I have already stated one reason but the second and possibly even far more significant is the long (possibly forever) term consequences of this apology; monetary compensation.

MX Newspapaer ran a front page spread about this historic day and an additional two pages inside reporting one the various events of the day.

[Quote]

But one activist says it isn't enough. Sam Watson said Rudd's speech should be backed by action, including compensation.

[/Quote]

Will future generations of Australians be paying indefinite compensation?

Each time an indigenous community is unable to accept person accountability for its actions or that of individuals within that community, will future generations of Australian's be blamed?

The pattern is very clear on this; according to the indigenous people white Australians are to blame for everything, including the very personal and individual choice each indigenous person makes which turns out to be a backward step in some way or other, yet the same kind of thinking for those successful indigenous people is not applied but rather they accredit the good stuff to their indigenous people.

This is commonly known as floating values or floating moral base; based on emotion it varies according to the end result of given actions.

GOOD result = credit goes to the indigenous people

BAD result = credit goes to the white Australians

I have no time for this kind of measuring gage, you either take the good with the bad or give it up!

Ten Peeves That Dogs Have About Humans

2008-03-30T10:47:00.003+11:00

'1'
Blaming your farts on me.....
not funny... not funny at all !!!

'2'
Yelling at me for barking.
I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG!!!

'3'
Taking me for a walk, then
not letting me check stuff out.
Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

'4'
Any trick that involves balancing
food on my nose. Stop it!

'5'
Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons.
Now you know why we chew your stuff
up when you're not home!

'6'
The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw.
You fooled a dog! Whoooo Hoooooooo, what
a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

'7'
Taking me to the vet for 'the big snip',
then acting surprised when I freak
out every time we go back!

'8'
Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests.
Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

'9'
Dog sweaters. Hello???
Haven't you noticed the fur?

'10'
How you act disgusted when I lick myself.
Look, we both know the truth. You're just jealous.

Now lay off me on some of these things.

We both know who's boss here!

You don't see me picking up your poop, do you!

Feelings Today

2008-03-19T14:14:00.004+11:00

Sad = Unhappy

bitter, blue, cheerless, dejected, depressed, despairing, despondent, disconsolate, dismal, distressed, doleful, down, downcast, gloomy, glum, heartbroken, heartsick, heavy-hearted, hurting, in doldrums, languishing, low, low-spirited, pessimistic, somber, sorrowful, sorry, troubled, weeping, wistful

Angry = Mad

affronted, annoyed, antagonized, bitter, chafed, convulsed, cross, displeased, enraged, exacerbated, exasperated, ferocious, fierce, fiery, fuming, furious, hateful, heated, huffy, ill-tempered, impassioned, incensed, inflamed, infuriated, irate, ireful, irritable, irritated, maddened, nettled, offended, outraged, passionate, piqued, provoked, raging, resentful, riled, sore, storming, sulky, sullen, tumultuous, turbulent, uptight, wrathful

Depressed = Discouraged

bad, bleeding, cast down, crestfallen, crummy, dejected, despondent, destroyed, disconsolate, downhearted, dragged, fed up, hurting, in pain*, let down, low, low down, low-spirited, moody,ripped, sad, spiritless, taken down, torn up, unhappy, weeper,

Kansas USA Rabies Law

2008-03-19T12:21:00.003+11:00

Here are rabies law updates from Kris Christine. I would like to thank Kris for these important updates and for her permission to allow me to post them here on my Blog.

Greetings!

To update you, there is a front-page article in today's (3/18/08)Wichita Eagle by Diane McCartney entitled:

Are annual shots a risk for dogs? Many wonder why city requires 3-year rabies vaccine yearly http://www.kansas.com/news/story/344780.html

Please post a response at the bottom of the online article!

Regards, Kris
Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee
The Rabies Challenge Fund
http://www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

The following quotes are from that article:

Most veterinarians, including those in Wichita, use a rabies vaccine for dogs that is guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to give immunity for three years.

That's why Michael Nawrocki, president of the Wichita Veterinary Medical Association, calls yearly rabies vaccinations "overkill."

"Every animal, whether they get the one-year or the three-year vaccine, it's the exact same vaccine; it's good for three years," Nawrocki said.

If the vaccine is good for three years, why does the city of Wichita require pets to be vaccinated every year?

Kay Johnson, director of the city's department of environmental services, says irresponsible pet owners are to blame.

Until we see better compliance with vaccinations in general, I'm not inclined to relax our position" on the yearly vaccine, she said.

"It's insane for them to go through this every year," said Christopher Hesse of College Hill Animal Hospital.

Requiring all dogs to be vaccinated annually because some people don't take their dogs in for shots is "ludicrous thinking," Hesse said.

If you would like to see the national 3 year rabies protocol adopted, you can contact Kay Johnson at KJohnson@wichita.gov Phone (316) 268-8351 Fax: (316) 268-8356 Environmental Services1900 E. 9th St. N. Wichita, KS 67214. Kansas Legislators can be contacted by clicking on the link below or by copying and pasting the e-mails at the bottom of this post.

Maine Rabies Update

2008-03-19T12:09:00.005+11:00

News from Kris Christine one the latest about the proposed changes to Rabies Laws in Maine, see below.

Once again I would like to extend my gratitude to Kris Christine for her kind permission to share these updates with my visitors.

Greetings All!

I've just returned from the Maine Agriculture Committee's work session on Section 7 of LD 2171, the proposed legislation which would have amended the Animal Welfare law to require that puppies be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months instead of at 6 months as the law currently stands.

The official word from the Co-Chair of the Committee, Representative Wendy Pieh, was: "Your testimony plus the followup that we have all received has made the decision that the rabies vaccination time will NOT be changed."

"The followup" that the committee members received was SEVERAL HUNDRED E-MAILS in opposition to the amendment -- they were swamped!! The response was so overwhelming that even the Director of Animal Welfare, Norma Worley, who wrote and pushed the amendment requested that it be deleted!

MANY, MANY THANKS for responding to the action alert! Contacting the committee made a huge difference in the lives of Maine dogs, and the law will not be changed as a result!

Respectfully submitted,
Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee
THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND
http://www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

Rabies Update - Maine USA

2008-03-19T10:13:00.002+11:00

My thanks to Kris Christine for updates regarding vaccination changes in USA and for her kind permission to share this valuable information with my reads.

Greetings!

The Director of Animal Welfare, Norma Worley, is trying to change the rabies immunization requirement for puppies from 6 months to 3 months despite the fact that Maine hasn't had a documented case of a rabid dog since 2003 and there have only been 5 documented cases since 1994 (14 years), and none of them were noted as being puppies. Please read the testimony I presented in opposition to Section 7 of LD 2171 at yesterday's hearing before Maine's Agriculture Committee. If you are concerned about this and wish to voice your opposition, PLEASE e-MAIL THE COMMITTEE members by cutting and pasting their addresses below and putting something like Oppose LD 2171 Section 7 in your subject line. The committee wants to hear from the dog-owning public, and if it doesn't, you may end up being required to add a rabies vaccine into the mix of puppyhood shots (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, etc..) that are being administered at that age.

Below is Kris' submission, for your information.

TO: The Agriculture, Conservation and Forest Committee

RE: LD 2171, An Act To Amend the Animal Welfare Laws

My name is Kris Christine and I live with my family in Alna, Maine. I am the Founder and Co-Trustee of The Rabies Challenge Fund (RCF). My colleagues -- Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet, Co-Trustee of the RCF and Dr. Ronald Schultz of The University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, currently conducting 5 & 7 year rabies challenge studies for the RCF -- are the world’s two leading veterinary vaccine research scientists.

I am here to testify against Sec. 7. 7 MRSA §3916, sub-§1-A of LD 2171, which would amend the law to require that puppies be vaccinated against rabies at 3 months of age rather than 6.

There is no scientific or epidemiological data justifying amendment of this law as there has been no increase in rabies in puppies under the age of 6 months in the State of Maine. Dr. Donald Hoenig, Maine’s State Public Health Veterinarian, told me on Wednesday, February 6th that “The last case of canine rabies in Maine was in 2003.......there have only been 5 cases of canine rabies in the past 14 years in Maine…….Cases of canine rabies are EXTREMELY UNUSUAL.”

Five cases of rabies in dogs since 1994 (no mention was made of these cases being puppies under 6 months of age), with the last one being in 2003, evidences the fact that the current law requiring puppies be vaccinated against rabies at 6 months of age is effective at controlling rabies in Maine’s canine community and does not need to be changed.

Vaccinating puppies at too young an age can be ineffective. The 2003 American Animal Hospital Association's (AAHA) Canine Vaccine Guidelines reports on Page 17 (Attachment #1) that: “…when puppies are first vaccinated at > 16 weeks of age (an age when passively acquired antibodies generally don’t cause interference), one dose of an MLV vaccine, or two doses of a killed vaccine, are adequate to stimulate an immune response.”

On Page 16 of the 2003 AAHA Guidelines (Attachment #2), it states that: "When vaccinating an animal, the age of the animal, the animal's immune status, and interference by maternal antibodies in the development of immunity must be considered. Research has demonstrated that the presence of passively acquired maternal antibodies interferes with the immune response to many canine vaccines, including CPV, CDV, CAV-2 and rabies vaccines."

The 2006 AAHA Guidelines (Attachment #3), states on Page 13 as the most common reason for vaccination failure that “the puppy has a sufficient amount of passively acquired maternal antibody (PAMA) to block the vaccine......" The older the puppy is when it receives its first rabies vaccination, the more likely it will elicit the desired immunological response – as demonstrated by the extraordinarily low number of canine rabies cases in Maine over a 14 year period under the current 6 month vaccination protocol for puppies.

Rabies, a “killed” vaccine, is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and is associated with clinically significant adverse reactions -- it should only be given when warranted. According to the 2003AAHA Guidelines (Page 16) (Attachment #2), "...killed vaccines are much more likely to cause hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., immune-mediated disease)." Further, the AAHA task force reports on Page 18 (Attachment #4) that, "Bacterial vaccines, especially killed whole organism products …..are much more likely to cause adverse reactions than subunit or live bacterial vaccines or MLV vaccines, especially if given topically. Several killed bacterial products are used as immunomodulators/adjuvants. Thus, their presence in a combination vaccine product may enhance or suppress the immune response or may cause an undesired response (e.g., IgE hypersensitivity or a class of antibody that is not protective)."

Adverse reactions such autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations.

In sum, the law, as it currently stands requiring puppies to be vaccinated at 6 months of age is and has been effective at controlling rabies in Maine’s canine population. There is no epidemiological or scientific rationale for changing this law and prematurely exposing puppies to the potentially harmful, sometimes fatal, adverse side affects of the rabies vaccine prior to the age of 6 months.

Respectfully submitted,
Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee
THE RABIES CHALLENGE FUND
www.RabiesChallengeFund.org

OK OK I Am A Linux Fan

2008-03-08T18:10:00.004+11:00

I spend a bit of time checking out stuff on YouTube and came across this little gem.

Enjoy :o)

Bird Feeder

2008-03-05T20:02:00.001+11:00

I bought a bird feeder. I hung it on my back porch and filled it with seed. What a beauty of a bird feeder it is, as I filled it lovingly with seed. Within a week we had hundreds of birds taking advantage of the continuous flow of free and easily accessible food.

But then the birds started building nests in the boards of the patio, above the table, and next to the barbecue. Then came the poop. It was everywhere: on the patio tile, the chairs, the table . Everywhere!

Then some of the birds turned mean. They would dive bomb me and try topeck me even though I hadfed them out of my own pocket.

And other birds were boisterous and loud. They sat on the feeder and squawked and screamed at all hours of the day and night and demanded that I fill it when it got low on food.

After a while, I couldn't even sit on my own back porch anymore. So I took down the bird feeder and in three days the birds were gone. I cleaned up their mess and took down the many nests they had built all over the patio.

Soon, the back yard was like it used to be.... quiet, serene and no one demanding their rights to a free meal.

Now let's see.

Our government gives out free food, subsidized housing, free medical care, and free education and allows anyone born here to be an automatic citizen.

Then the illegals came by the tens of thousands. Suddenly our taxes went up to pay for free services; small apartments are housing 5 families; you have to wait 6 hours to be seen by an emergency room doctor; your child's 2nd grade class is behind other schools because over half the class doesn't speak English.

Corn Flakes now come in a bilingual box; I have to "press one" to hear my bank talk to me in English, and people waving flags other than "Old Glory" are squawking and screaming in the streets, demanding more rights and free liberties.

Just a thought, maybe it's time for the government to take down the bird feeder.

Save The Internet . . . uh???

2008-03-03T20:11:00.004+11:00

What the ! ! !

Who does ComCast think they are?

Don't just sit there, go write the law makers to stop ComCast.

Or go see SAVE THE INTERNET dot com.

A Few Good Creative Men

2008-02-17T09:29:00.003+11:00

The things people think of to do, LOL.

But wait there's more:

A Few Good Expenses

Episudics Epidemic

2008-02-10T18:04:00.000+11:00

The last two week ends plus the week days in between I spent at home.

Sick.

I seem to get this same "sick" thing every year around February/March.

It starts with a sore throat for about 3 to 4 days and progresses to a blocked nose, sore glands and leads (in me any way) to secondary infection of the ears, chest and throat.

Coughing up yucky green and yellow stuff . . .

. . . not nice at all.

Monday 4th February 2008 I took myself to the doctor.

Tuesday I was on the phone to doctors surgery reporting I started coughing up green and yellow stuff.

Tuesday afternoon mum drove to the surgery to collect my script for medication and picked it up at the Chemist.

I started taking medication that day, for the full 5 day course.

I really didn't start to feel better until Friday, even better Saturday and today I feel even better still. And so I will be returning to work tomorrow.

But the reason for writing is to let my readers know that my dearest friends (James S. Huggins) mother has identified the exact name for this "sick" thing I get every year.

It is called an EPISUDICS EPIDEMIC.

Each year for the last 4 years I have been suffering from Episudie.

I believe there is a medical reference page for the EPISUDICS EPIDEMIC but I have not located it. Stay tuned to this Blog for updates.

Rescuing Charlie

2008-01-26T22:37:00.001+11:00

In my previous post Would Be Commuter, I told you about Charlie.

When I made the follow up call to see if he had been claimed by his owners and have it confirm so, I thought that was the end of it.

No No No.

Last Monday, 21st January 2008 I got a call from The Cranbourne News at work asking if I would be happy to have my story written up in the paper.

"Sure", I said.

I went over what happened and on Tuesday a photographer came to my home to take pictures of Zeta, my Weimaraner who played with Charlie, and I.

I made the front cover and page 3 so I am sharing it here with you.

Would Be Commuter

2008-01-26T21:20:00.000+11:00

It's Tuesday 15th January 2008 and it's 0611.

I am boarding the train, following a lady and her dog with other commuters boarding after me. I thought it unusual for this lady to have her dog unleashed and boarding a train.

She sat facing in the direction the train was traveling, sat on the opposite side one seat back and facing with my back to her. Her dog began crying and whimpering as it moved up and down the carriage and sniffed everyone. I asked if that was her dog, she said he wasn't, just followed her in.

I sat watching the dog and everyone who just pretended the dog was not even there, for a short time. I couldn't stand it any more. The dog seemed so distressed and worried, I called and the dog came over to me. I talked gently and reassuringly as I took off my hand bag strap and put it on the chain collar.

The dog seemed young, had no street smarts and gave me the impression that the train ride was a mistake as a result of perhaps an accidental escape from the home clearly loved and missed. The dog was a male, I managed to see that much but thought it best not to examine if he was entire or not with an audience of commuters but wait until I got him home. He had no ID tags only the chain collar around his neck and he was a German Shepherd cross with a Kelpie. I am reasonably certain of that. He had the Shepherd marking and heavier bone structure but only the height of a Kelpie and a pretty face of a Kelpie.

That particular train, the 0611, is only a shuttle train to the next station where I would disenbark and board another train that we take me to my destination station to then get on a bus to take me to work. However I did not disembark nor did my new temporary canine friend. We returned back to where we came from.

On the way back I called my boss to tell him I would be late and briefly explained why as I left a message . . . well two messages on him mobile phone and one on his land line phone. I also called the ABC Radio Station and told them about the 'would-be-commuter' and asked if they could put announcements over the airways. I left my mobile number, home number and work number with ABC Radio if his owner did hear the announcements they could call me.

He was very well behaved on the way back but he did insist sitting on the seat next to me. We arrived back at the station that we originally boarded and walked to my car. He was a good dog and did not object to being picked up and put in the back on my Mazda Bravo Dual Cab. My car is all decked out for dogs with a mesh divider and a mesh back with a door to each divided section.

The pound is just a short 4 minute drive from the station and only a 6 minute drive from my home but I knew the pound would not be open at that early hour of the morning, I drove past anyway too see what hours it was open.

The pound operating hour are 1000 to 1300.

I then called mum to tell her nothing was wrong I was coming home with a dog I rescued on the train.

There was silence on the other end.

I said I am just around the corner and would be home shortly.

There was silence at the other end.

When I got home I put him yard and went inside to make another call to my boss. This time I called the work number. Scott answered and I explained in a little more detail what had happened and told him the pound hours. He said all is good and just to call Vania and let her know also.

Mother spoke at last.

"Why do you always get yourself involved in these things! You should be at work now! Why did you not let someone else do this!," she said in a some what higher then normal decibel level.

I told mum no one else was even taking any notice of him, like he was not even there. I couldn't just pretend like the others.

Mum has a few good reason to speak in that higher decibel range. I can not be trusted around homeless animals.

When mum lost her cat Micky, I was at the vets a few days later and they had a kitten handed in that would be put to sleep if they could not find a home her her. Mimmi came home with me and I gave her to mum.

Last year I brought home a dumped cat from a factory estate that had be there for at least the past 12 months. Apparently she was dumped the Christmas before with a newly born litter of kittens. I tried to get her before she got pregnant again but it was not to be. Smokey had a litter of 4 girls and 1 boy April 2007. Mum and I now have 3 cats and 1 Weimaraner. The white kitten was the boy and when he chooses he answers to the name Fonzi.

OK back to the 'would-be-commuter'.

I called back at 0800 and spoke to Vania.

When she came on the phone I asked if she was mad at me.

"Yes Sally," she replied.

I began to try and explain why I couldn't just leave him on the train, allowing him . . .

"It's OK Sally I am just kidding. You take care of the dog and come in when it's all done. We can talk about how you want to deal with the lost work time when you come in," Vania said.

Both Scott and Vania are the most wonderful people and great bosses. Very understanding and supportive when ever and where ever they can be.

I decided to have a little snooze until 0930. I had a late night the night before, didn't sleep real well so the snooze was nice.

At 1000 the 'would-be-commuter' and I were at the South Eastern pound. I had about a 30 minute wait because there were 2 rangers there already.

My turn.

The guy behind the counter tells me they can not take him.

"What!" I asked.

He replied they can not take him and added the South Eastern pound does not have the Casey contract.

Oh my God, I thought.

I am late for work, I can not get this dog into the pound, what am I going to tell Scott and Vania . . .

The guy gave me a list of shelters and the pound which had the Casey contract.

Off we go to Peninsula Animal Aid which was a further distance that took 20 minutes.

I arrived and went to the office.

I explained to the lady over the counter what happened. She asked me to bring him inside and then I answered a few questions. She kept asking where I found him. I don't think she could believe he boarded a train. As I answered her questions two assistants came ouot with a microchip scanner and run it over him.

YES!

He was microchipped!

I asked about the process once a dog is handed into the pound.

The lady explained he would be kenneled for 8 days while they try and locate his owners. If this was unsuccessful, he would be impounded, examined by the vet and if he passed the vet check he would be put up for adoption for a period of 31 days. Should he not be adopted he would be killed by lethal injection.

My heart skipped a beat as I heard those last few words and lloked up at the adoption price table behind the counter.

Adoption of $210 for a dog.

OK, I thought, I will call at the end of 8 days to see if the owners have been located.

I would wait for a few weeks to see if he is adopted, if not I would adopt him. He was such a well behaved boy and a gentle nature and so sweet I could not allow for him to die.

Yippy! There is a much higher chance of locating his owner.

I drove back to the station. As I approached the platform I thought it was odd not to see another single commuter. An older gentleman said the train was not running between here and the next station because of rail track upgrading.

Great! Just what I need! I thought to myself.

He said all those people at the bus stop are waiting for the shuttle bus to take us to the next station where we can get the train needed for our destination.

Shit! Shit! Shit! I thought.

The bus trip will take forever but no real choice left now.

I finally arrived to work at 1230.

Vania was terrific.

I asked how she wanted me to make up the time.

"Sally what ever suits you will be fine", she replied.

Tell me who else has such a great boss?

I think these types of bosses are very few and far between.

That same week on Thursday I called the pound (I could not wait for the 8 days to be up) to check on my 'would-be-commuter' to be told Charlie was picked up by his owner yesterday (Wednesday, the day after I handed him in). She asked me where I found him and I explained it all again to which she replied, "Yes I read that on his form but I couldn't believe it". I assured her that was where he was, LOL.

What a happy ending for Charlie.

Although I am not a huge supported of microchipping your pets for so many reasons, I do support it for the reuniting of animal with owner.

101 Dogs Suffered

2008-01-26T20:27:00.000+11:00

On Wednesday 9th January 2008 RSPCA raided Waterford Boarding Kennel and Cattery located at Lot 13 Buccan Road, Benleigh 4207, Gold Coast, Queensland and found more than 100 dogs in the most appalling conditions.

Geraldine Fooi Fong Robertson is registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission as the owner of the "grooming and boading" business however she does not have a valid license for the boarding kennel nor does she have any environmental authority to conduct such a business in the Shire, according to Beaudesert Shire Council.

Of the 101 dogs found on the property, 6 were boarded there by their owners all of whom have been contacted by the RSPCA and a further 8 were bought and were to be shipped overseas.

This is a timely reminder to those who seek to board their beloved pets to make ABSOLUTELY certain you know where you are leaving your best friend. All too often what we see in the office a boarding kennel is not what is behind the closed door.

Here is a newspaper clip about the above kennel, FYI.

A good boarding kennel is happy for you to come and inspect the premises and some will even allow you to 'test board' your pet before you leave them for boarding. There will be a fee of course but this is a good way to see how you pet will settle and certainly a good way to judge the quality of care for your four legged family member.

I would also suggest you speak with the breeder of your dog and/or cat to see if they might offer care service while you are away on holiday. I do this for Weimaraners I have bred. I feel happier knowing they will be safer and happier in a home environment. AND of course my gorgeous Zeta loves to have company for a play and chase. The owners feel happier and more relaxed knowing their precious and beloved four legged family member is safe and happy.

You May Need An Alias One Day

2008-01-13T22:09:00.000+11:00

Follow the instructions to find your new name.

The following is excerpted from a children's book, Captain Underpants And the Perilous Plot Professor Poopypants, by Dave Pilkey, in which the evil Professor forces everyone to assume new names...

1. Use the third letter of your first name to determine your new first name:

a = snickle
b = doombah
c = goober
d = cheesey
e = crusty
f = greasy
g = dumbo
h = farcus
i = dorky
j = doofus
k = funky
l = boobie
m = sleezy
n = sloopy
o = fluffy
p = stinky
q = slimy
r = dorfus
s = snooty
t = tootsie
u = dipsy
v = sneezy
w = liver
x = skippy
y = dinky
z = zippy

2. Use the second letter of your last name to determine the first half of
your new last name:

a = dippin
b = feather
c = batty
d = burger
e = chicken
f = barffy
g = lizard
h = waffle
i = farkle
j = monkey
k = flippin
l = fricken
m = bubble
n = rhino
o = potty
p = hamster
q = buckle
r = gizzard
s = lickin
t = snickle
u = chuckle
v = pickle
w = hubble
x = dingle
y = gorilla
z = girdle

3. Use the third letter of your last name to determine the second half of
your new last name:

a = butt
b = boob
c = face
d = nose
e = hump
f = breath
g = pants
h = shorts
i = lips
j = honker
k = head
l = tush
m = chunks
n = dunkin
o = brains
p = biscuits
q = toes
r = doodle
s = fanny
t = sniffer
u = sprinkles
v = frack
w = squirt
x = humperdinck
y = hiney
z = juice

Thus, for example, John Howard's new name is: Farcus Pottysquirt, while Kevin Rudd's new name is Sneezy Chucklenose.

Children laugh an average of 146 times a day; adults laugh an average of 4 times a day. Put more laughter in an adults day.

Yours Truly

Boobie Pottyshorts

Who Gets The Contract?

2008-01-13T22:00:00.000+11:00

Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House in D.C.

One is from New Jersey , another from Tennessee and the third from Florida.

They go with a White House official to examine the fence.

The Florida contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. 'Well', he says, 'I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The Tennessee contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, 'I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me.'

The New Jersey contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, '$2,700'

The official, incredulous, says, 'You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?'

The New Jersey contractor whispers back, '$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Tennessee to fix the fence.'

'Done!', replies the government official.

And that friends, is how it all works !!!

Marriage Help

2008-01-13T15:29:00.000+11:00

I was speaking to James, my dear friend from Texas, this morning.

That's morning my time not Texan time.

Anyway, we chatted about heaps of stuff as we do, though I think I actually let him do some talking this time and the subject of the differences between men and women came up. This lead to James sending through a link to the most hilarious video clip which I just had to share with you. The guy in the clip really knows how to deliver the message.

You'll be giggling long after you see the clip!

The Rabies Challenge Studies Begin

2007-12-30T21:54:00.000+11:00

Some years ago I was fortunate enough to meet Kris Christine through a mutual interest, that of over vaccination of our beloved dogs. Kris has stayed in touch through her regular updates VIA e-mail and I have shared this valuable information Kris has provided on my web site or here on my Blog.

On December 1, 2007 an announcement was made by The Rabies Challenge Fund Organisation and although a little late coming through on Verbiage Spillage, it is of such high importance and well deserving of promotion.

Following is the official announcement received from Kris. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do Kris.

One of the most important vaccine research studies in veterinary medicine is underway at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine in Madison. Dr. Ronald Schultz, a leading authority on veterinary vaccines and Chair of the Department of Pathobiological Sciences, has begun concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies to determine the long-term duration of immunity of the canine rabies vaccine, with the goal of extending the state-mandated interval for boosters. These will be the first long-term challenge studies on the canine rabies vaccine to be published in the United States.

Dr. Schultz comments that: "We are all very excited to start this study that will hopefully demonstrate that rabies vaccines can provide a minimum of 7 years of immunity."

This research is being financed by The Rabies Challenge Fund, a charitable trust founded by pet vaccine disclosure advocate Kris L. Christine of Maine, who serves as Co-Trustee with world-renowned veterinary research scientist and practicing clinician, Dr. W. Jean Dodds of Hemopet in California. The Rabies Challenge Fund recently met its goal of $177,000 to fund the studies’ first year budget with contributions from dog owners, canine groups, trainers, veterinarians, and small businesses. Annual budget goals of $150,000 for the studies must be met in the future.

Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM states: "This is the first time in my 43 years of involvement in veterinary issues that what started as a grass-roots effort to change an outmoded regulation affecting animals will be addressed scientifically by an acknowledged expert to benefit all canines in the future."

Scientific data published in 1992 by Michel Aubert and his research team demonstrated that dogs were immune to a rabies challenge 5 years after vaccination, while Dr. Schultz’s serological studies documented antibody titer counts at levels known to confer immunity to rabies 7 years post-vaccination. This data strongly suggests that state laws requiring annual or triennial rabies boosters for dogs are redundant. Because the rabies vaccine is the most potent of the veterinary vaccines and associated with significant adverse reactions, it should not be given more often than is necessary to maintain immunity. Adverse reactions such autoimmune diseases affecting the thyroid, joints, blood, eyes, skin, kidney, liver, bowel and central nervous system; anaphylactic shock; aggression; seizures; epilepsy; and fibrosarcomas at injection sites are linked to rabies vaccinations.

Study co-trustee Kris Christine adds: “Because the USDA does not require vaccine manufacturers to provide long-term duration of immunity studies documenting maximum effectiveness when licensing their products, concerned dog owners have contributed the money to fund this research themselves. We want to ensure that rabies immunization laws are based upon independent, long-term scientific data.”

More information and regular updates on The Rabies Challenge Fund and the concurrent 5 and 7 year challenge studies it is financing can be found at the fund’s website designed by volunteer Andrea Brin at: Rabies Challenge Fund.

US Declared Canine-Rabies Free

2007-12-30T17:19:00.000+11:00

Here is another update regarding Rabies Vaccinations from Kris Christine. Once again my appreciation to Kris for this valuable information. Please visit The Rabies Challenge Fund web site and find out how you can help.

"Headlines to the contrary, that didn't mean that rabies - an essentially untreatable disease, with only one documented human survivor in this country - has disappeared for good."

Quote above is from a Newsday article entitled Giving Rabies Vaccine is Sure Way to Protect Pets by Denise Flaim (10/29/07). This article, with comments from Dr. W. Jean Dodds of The Rabies Challenge Fund and Hemopet, clarifies some of the confusion which arose in response to the Center For Disease Control's press release, US Declared Canine-Rabies Free -- CDC Announces at Inaugural World Rabies Day Symposium.

Challenging the Rabies Vaccine

2007-12-30T16:42:00.000+11:00

I wanted to share a few important informational e-mails I receive from Kris Christine. Below is the first of these. My gratitude is extended to Kris for allowing me to share this valuable information with me readers and most definitely for her tireless passion for the health and well being of our dogs and cats.

An article was published by Reuters on September 7, 2007 that is of interest to dog owners:

U.S. Free of Canine Rabies Virus
by Maggie Fox (Health & Science Editor) September 7, 2007

"The elimination of canine rabies in the United States represents one of the major public health success stories in the last 50 years," CDC Director Dr. Julie Gerberding said in a statement

For more information on the canine rabies vaccine and The Rabies Challenge Fund.

Rabies Challenge Fund Reaches First-Year Goal
Pets: Rabies vaccine research may save some pain
The Vaccine Challenge
How Often Does He REALLY Need a Rabies Shot?
Get Out Your Wallets, Rabies Challenge Fund a Reality
Are We Over Vaccinating Our Pets?
Rabies Challenge Kicks Off Fundraiser
Nationwide Campaign Launched to Fund Rabies Vaccine Study
Challenging the Rabies Vaccine
The Rabies Challenge Fund
Rabies Challenge Fund & Master Dog Training at the Womens Podcasting Expo - Show #42

Anyone wishing to have a copy of the 1992 French challenge study data from a research team led by Michel Aubert in which dogs were demonstrated to be immune to a rabies challenge 5 years after vaccination, or Vascellari's study which documented cancerous tumors in dogs at presumed injection sites of rabies vaccine, please e-mail me.

Regards, Kris L. Christine
Founder, Co-Trustee
The Rabies Challenge Fund

History Mystery

2007-12-29T12:11:00.000+11:00

Hey, this is one history lesson people will find creepy.

Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress in 1846.
John F. Kennedy was elected to Congress in 1946.

Abraham Lincoln was elected President in 1860.
John F. Kennedy was elected President in 1960.

Both were particularly concerned with civil rights.
Both wives lost their children while living in the White House.

Both Presidents were shot on a Friday.
Both Presidents were shot in the head.

Now it gets really weird.

Lincoln 's secretary was named Kennedy.
Kennedy's Secretary was named Lincoln .

Both were assassinated by Southerners.
Both were succeeded by Southerners named Johnson.

Andrew Johnson, who succeeded Lincoln , was born in 1808.
Lyndon Johnson, who succeeded Kennedy, was born in 1908.

John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln , was born in 1839.
Lee Harvey Oswald, who assassinated Kennedy, was born in 1939.

Both assassins were known by their three names.
Both names are composed of fifteen letters.

Now hang on to your seat.

Lincoln was shot at the theater named 'Ford.'
Kennedy was shot in a car called ' Lincoln ' made by 'Ford.'

Lincoln was shot in a theater and his assassin ran and hid in a warehouse.
Kennedy was shot from a warehouse and his assassin ran and hid in a theater.

Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials.

And here's the kicker...

A week before Lincoln was shot, he was in Monroe , Maryland
A week before Kennedy was shot, he was with Marilyn Monroe.

Before you get totally creeped out, go check out this little break down of the above located here. I find it intriguing how the human mind work and how humans spend their time. This chain e-mail took some work by someone with a great deal of time and it was entertaining reading but that is all.

Back Rub

2007-12-26T00:22:00.000+11:00

Did you know???

"When Google was a Stanford research project, it was nicknamed BackRub because the technology checks backlinks to determine a site's importance."

Source: Wikipedia

Sir Arthur C. Clarke

2007-12-25T21:25:00.000+11:00

I've spent the last week or so working on updates for my web site, Britfeld Weimaraners, in doing so I needed to find the official web site for Arthur C. Clarke. Much to my disappointment I could not find one but I did find a gem of a web site which is just fantastic.

The site is ARTHURCCLARKE.NET

I began strolling around the site yesterday and what a wonderful journey it has been so far. This site has to be the next best thing to an official ACC site. If you are a fan, go and treat yourself to a rewarding experience.

I would like to take this opportunity thank the site owner (who I think is Roger Deforest of California) for the generous and easy to access information provided on this site.

I especially love the ACC quotations

Q and A : Animal Care Bill 2007

2007-12-23T19:03:00.000+11:00

V.C.A. Inc Announcement
Clause 82 - Your Questions Answered

Dogs Victoria has obtained a clarification from the Bureau of Animal Welfare of the impact of the new Clause 82 of the Animals Legislation Amendment (Animal Care) Bill 2007 which makes it an offence to exhibit a dog with a docked tail, which is regarded as a prohibited procedure under the legislation.

The following information provides answers to the most common questions. Please continue to call the office for any further clarification that you require.

For your information, management committee at the November meeting approved the following recommendation:

"That as from the enactment of the Animals Legislation Amendment (Animal Care) Bill 2007, DOGS Victoria will not accept the registration of any dog with a shortened tail without full documentation validating that such shortening is in compliance with Clause 82 C and D of the Act."

In 2008 members of dogs with shortened tails will be offered small ID cards to provide evidence that the dog complies with the legislation.

A follow-up Q & A sheet will be also developed early in 2008 to clarify the provisions of Clause 89 which make it an offence to recklessly breed and sell dogs with one of the 5 listed diseases.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tail docking of dogs

On the 1st April 2004, an offence to tail dock dogs was introduced into the Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 1997. From that date only a registered veterinary practitioner could dock the tails of dogs in Victoria and only for therapeutic reasons. This occurred as a result of a national agreement across all Australian States and the Territories to ban the tail docking of dogs.

On 12 December 2007 amendments were introduced into the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act that altered how a range of prohibited procedures under the Act and Regulations were dealt with. All existing procedural offences (relating to a range of animal species) from the Act and Regulations have been put together under an offence to conduct a prohibited procedure.

No new procedures have been introduced in relation to dogs. Existing procedures relating to dogs are ear cropping, debarking and tail docking. These procedures now (or will shortly) come under the definition of a prohibited procedure. Prohibited procedures can only be done in Victoria by a registered veterinary practitioner for therapeutic reasons and in the case of debarking also in accordance with the code of practice (existing requirement). The inclusion of tail docking under this offence in the Act has been delayed as the current offence in the Regulations first needs to be removed. In early 2008 (expected 1 March 2008) the offence for tail docking will be swapped from the Regulations into this new section.

In addition, two new offences relating to prohibited procedures have been introduced into the Act:

It is now an offence for the owner or person in charge to allow a prohibited procedure to be conducted on an animal

and

There is a new offence for an owner or person in charge to show or exhibit an animal or allow an animal to be shown or exhibited where the animal has had a prohibited procedure conducted on it. Provisions have been built into this offence relating to when the procedure was done and where it was done, i.e. if the animal has been imported with the procedure already conducted.

These provisions are detailed below in the question and answer section.

DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Q. When can tail docking be carried out and has this been changed by these recent amendments?
A. Tail docking can only be carried out in Victoria by a registered veterinarian for therapeutic reasons (for the health or welfare of the animal). This hasn't been changed by the recent amendments only the placement of the offence will be moving from an individual offence in the Regulations to part of a wider offence for any prohibited procedure. (Due to a need to amend the Regulations first this movement will not occur until around 1 March 2008 but the offence will remain in the Regulations until that date.)

Q. What is meant by docking?
A. Docking (in relation to the tail of a dog or horse) means the amputation, removal or shortening of the tail of the animal, other than the shortening of the tail hairs of the animal.

Q. What it meant by Person in Charge?
A. "Person in charge of" in relation to an animal or thing, includes-
(a) a person who has the animal or thing in the person's possession or custody, or
under the person's care, control or supervision; and
(b) any employee or agent of the owner of the animal or thing if a person referred to
in paragraph (a) is bound to comply with the directions of that employee or agent
in respect of the animal or thing;

Q. The legislation commenced in December 2007 but tail docking is currently not mentioned in the Act, why?
A. Tail docking is currently an offence in the Regulations, to avoid having duplicate offences in the Act and Regulations the incorporation of tail docking as a prohibited procedure has been delayed until an amendment to the Regulations can be made. In early 2008 (around 1 March 2008) the offence for tail docking of dogs will be removed from the Regulations and added into the Act as a prohibited procedure. This will be coordinated to occur on the same day.

Q. My dog was docked prior to these amendments, can I still show it?
A. Yes, provided the docking was done prior to 12 December 2007 you will still be able to show it. However for any dog born after the commencement of these amendments (12/12/07) which is docked you will need to demonstrate that the docking was done legally if it is to be shown.

Q. What about dogs brought in from interstate or overseas?
A. If a dog has not previously resided in Victoria and is already docked, debarked or ear cropped and then brought in from interstate or overseas, allowance has been made for the dog to be shown provided the procedure was done in accordance with the legislation of the jurisdiction (country/state/territory) in which the procedure was carried out. If the procedure was carried out on the dog in Australia, a veterinary certificate stating that the procedure was done in accordance with the law of the relevant jurisdiction will allow the animal to be shown. In relation to imported dogs, the importation or supporting documentation should show that the procedure had occurred prior to importation and that the procedure was done legally according
to the laws of the jurisdiction in which the procedure was carried out.

Q. Why has the offence to show or exhibit an illegally tail docked dog been introduced?
A. This offence has been introduced as part of wider legislation amendment relating to prohibited procedures, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. This amendment combines all current procedure based offences, from both the Act and Regulations, into one consistent offence for conducting a prohibited procedure. A number of the prohibited procedures were still being carried out despite the individual offences and these animals were consequently being shown or exhibited sometimes with the person benefiting from having the procedure illegally done on the animal. This offence means that only those who are complying with the laws of Victoria (or other jurisdictions) will be able to show or exhibit their animals. As part of this amendment, three new prohibited procedures have also been introduced (declawing of cats, devenomation of snakes and electrical tooth clipping/grinding of sheep).

Q. What are the penalties associated with these offences?
A. Upon conviction, fines of up to $3,215 or 12 months imprisonment apply if a person (other than a vet) docks a dog's tail, or if a vet docks a tail where it is not considered reasonably necessary for therapeutic purposes or for allowing a prohibited procedure to be done. If a person intentionally damages a dog or a pup's tail they would be committing an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, and be liable for a fine of up to $6,429 or 24 months imprisonment. If a person in Victoria shows or exhibits a dog that was illegally tail docked, a penalty up to $2202 applies. These fines apply to any prohibited procedure that is carried out.

For further information about DPI visit the website or call the Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

2007-12-22T10:18:00.000+11:00

I kind of really enjoy Picasa Web Album from Google. This is a test album with a few random images. The boot is my first image using my new digital Fuji camera, just in case you might be thinking WHAT'S WITH THE BOOT!