"Extraordinary individuals are distinguished less by their impressive ‘raw power’ than by their ability to identify their strengths and then to exploit them.” Howard Gardner
As part of my teaching job, I just completed the 'Strengths Quest' activity -- a series of questions which will help you identify your areas of strength. There are 34 areas of strength, and the exercise identifies your top 5.
The idea is that if you work from your strengths, you'll be more successful than if you attempt to overcome your weaknesses (not deficiencies - as in 'I only took high school math' or 'I don't read well'). Spending your time and energy on improving in areas where you are fundamentally week will provide some payoff; one may even develop average proficiency.
Take that same time and energy and spend it in your areas of strength, and you'll excel. In short, the focus is on enhancing an individual's skills, and addressing deficits, not just remediation of problems.
There are some clear benefits -- if you need to hire a team of employees, it's common sense to find team members that augment your strengths and fill voids left by your 'less than strengths.'
The skeptic in me wonders 'how much of this is P.C. BS?' That comes from my northern European/Protestant Work Ethic background. This cultural indoctrination also leaves me cool to the 'toot your own horn' approach. On the other hand, if you're not tooting it, who will?
My 5, in no particular order: Learner, Relator, Input, Responsibility, Self-Assurance.
In aggregate, these would, indeed, be me.
The Little Princess & The Big Guy
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thanks be to whatever gods there are....
Earthquake in Haiti. 230,000 dead. Port Au Prince devastated. The Haitian economy halved in 30 seconds.
Earthquake in Chile. 8.8. Death toll still rising. Tsunami preparations from New Zealand to Japan.
I just heard another ‘major snow storm’ is predicted for next weekend. We’re still getting snow, and still shoveling out from this one. I groaned and rolled my eyes heaven-ward when I heard about the forecast.
Then, I paused. I can prepare for a snow storm. I have canned food, and can heat it on my portable propane grill. I can fill the bathtub with water for keeping the toilets usable (!), make sure I have bottled water for me & the pups, can buy a generator so I have electricity. Extra food for the dogs – check. Flashlights – check. Candles – check. Hard-wired phone – check. In short, I can batten down the hatches and prepare.
You can’t prepare for an earthquake. You can ready yourself, but there’s no warning. If you’re unlucky enough to be under a bridge, in a poorly constructed building, or simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s it.
I’ll take a snow storm any day….
Earthquake in Chile. 8.8. Death toll still rising. Tsunami preparations from New Zealand to Japan.
I just heard another ‘major snow storm’ is predicted for next weekend. We’re still getting snow, and still shoveling out from this one. I groaned and rolled my eyes heaven-ward when I heard about the forecast.
Then, I paused. I can prepare for a snow storm. I have canned food, and can heat it on my portable propane grill. I can fill the bathtub with water for keeping the toilets usable (!), make sure I have bottled water for me & the pups, can buy a generator so I have electricity. Extra food for the dogs – check. Flashlights – check. Candles – check. Hard-wired phone – check. In short, I can batten down the hatches and prepare.
You can’t prepare for an earthquake. You can ready yourself, but there’s no warning. If you’re unlucky enough to be under a bridge, in a poorly constructed building, or simply be in the wrong place at the wrong time, that’s it.
I’ll take a snow storm any day….
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wow! What a Winter Wonderland!
Boy, do we have snow. "Between 12 and 20 inches" according the local meteorologist. It's hard to tell, actually, because the high winds we had last night blew some spots barren, and piled others with 3 foot drifts. Fortunately, the 'hurricane blizzard' did not materialize. Predictions called for 75 mph winds in some areas; while we had high gusts and a heavy winds, they weren't that severe.
I spent most of the morning either shoveling, or trudging through calf-deep snow towing a sled laden with a battery half a mile. A friend with a a plow truck was in urgent need of a battery: the vehicle wasn't going anywhere without one. I had a sled; I had an extra battery. Low tech bails out high tech. The Little Princess came with; the Big Guy stayed home with a bone. I helped shovel a bit once the battery was in, then came back and re-shoveled the paths to the bird feeders, and expanded the dog paths in the yard.
Yes, I shovel paths for the pups. The Big Guy is too old to be wallowing through deep snow. His hips won't take it. I'm keeping an eagle eye on him when he's out. He can't take himself for walks any more. If he falls over in deep snow, he can't get up.
I'm incredibly thankful that Jeff The Plow Guy came. There was a bank of heavy, packed snow at the top of the drive. The town plow came through at 2 a.m., and then not again until just before noon. The mountain the plow spewed at the head of the drive was waist deep and easily 15 feet wide. Too much for me to tackle. I stick to paths.
The pups want to be wherever Mommy is. When I'm out shoveling their labyrinth, they walk about a bit, then stand near the house, looking cold and unhappy. I walk towards the door.
They brighten! "We're going in?"
'No, sweet peas, YOU'RE going in."
They mope. No kidding, they mope. Slowly, they drag themselves to the stoop,
up the 2 small steps, into the house. I leave them behind the storm door, so at least they can see I'm not doing anything exciting without them.
They both stand at the door and look dejected. Lips sinking down, ears drooping. I'm on one side of the door, they're on the other. "Can't we come out?"
Weren't these the same two who were just fussing to get out of the wind? Perhaps they were looking out for my best interests: 'It's cold and windy, we're cold and bored, so we want you to be warm and safe because we want to be inside. With you.'
I cleaned up a few more paths, and filled the bird feeders before heading in. The number and variety of birds has doubled in the past week -- it's the end of the season, other food sources have vanished, and the feeders are hung in sheltered areas. AS I finish shoveling and topped off the feeders, I could hear dozens of birds in the bushes and trees, singing encouragement for me to hurry along -- 'we want to dine!'
The dogs are now sacked out, snoozing. The birds are happily emptying the feeders. I'm inside blogging, a cup of hot apple cider nearby. Driveway is clean, paths are shoveled. All's right with the world.
I spent most of the morning either shoveling, or trudging through calf-deep snow towing a sled laden with a battery half a mile. A friend with a a plow truck was in urgent need of a battery: the vehicle wasn't going anywhere without one. I had a sled; I had an extra battery. Low tech bails out high tech. The Little Princess came with; the Big Guy stayed home with a bone. I helped shovel a bit once the battery was in, then came back and re-shoveled the paths to the bird feeders, and expanded the dog paths in the yard.
Yes, I shovel paths for the pups. The Big Guy is too old to be wallowing through deep snow. His hips won't take it. I'm keeping an eagle eye on him when he's out. He can't take himself for walks any more. If he falls over in deep snow, he can't get up.
I'm incredibly thankful that Jeff The Plow Guy came. There was a bank of heavy, packed snow at the top of the drive. The town plow came through at 2 a.m., and then not again until just before noon. The mountain the plow spewed at the head of the drive was waist deep and easily 15 feet wide. Too much for me to tackle. I stick to paths.
The pups want to be wherever Mommy is. When I'm out shoveling their labyrinth, they walk about a bit, then stand near the house, looking cold and unhappy. I walk towards the door.
They brighten! "We're going in?"
'No, sweet peas, YOU'RE going in."
They mope. No kidding, they mope. Slowly, they drag themselves to the stoop,
up the 2 small steps, into the house. I leave them behind the storm door, so at least they can see I'm not doing anything exciting without them.
They both stand at the door and look dejected. Lips sinking down, ears drooping. I'm on one side of the door, they're on the other. "Can't we come out?"
Weren't these the same two who were just fussing to get out of the wind? Perhaps they were looking out for my best interests: 'It's cold and windy, we're cold and bored, so we want you to be warm and safe because we want to be inside. With you.'
I cleaned up a few more paths, and filled the bird feeders before heading in. The number and variety of birds has doubled in the past week -- it's the end of the season, other food sources have vanished, and the feeders are hung in sheltered areas. AS I finish shoveling and topped off the feeders, I could hear dozens of birds in the bushes and trees, singing encouragement for me to hurry along -- 'we want to dine!'
The dogs are now sacked out, snoozing. The birds are happily emptying the feeders. I'm inside blogging, a cup of hot apple cider nearby. Driveway is clean, paths are shoveled. All's right with the world.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Dog Food Nazi
A friend told me recently ‘you’re a dog Nazi.’ While I’m not quite sure to what he was referring, I readily admit I have very strong opinions about dog care. I've always feed as good a food as I could find.
To start: most vets are the equivalent of MD's. That's not good, that's not bad, it's just what it is. The allopathic medical model does provide certain advantages. If you need drugs or surgery, you need an MD. MD's/DVM's are programmed to see the world in a certain way. I.e., if you only know how to use a hammer, then everything looks like a nail.
I believe in conservative care first. That means non-invasive approaches to health issues. Chiropractic, acupuncture, soft tissue work. Surgery, drugs = last resort to me. Viable option for certain situations, but last resort none-the-less.
Many MD's/DVM's think homeopathists, chiropractors, massage therapists are quacks, or have a placebo effect at best. Yeah, that's why I attended the equivalent of 5 academic years and am a licensed professional in the state of NY, VT & NH.
I work with 3 vets to keep my dogs hale and healthy – or as hale and healthy as I can. Two of the three are gung ho about me feeding the pups a raw diet. Keep this in mind: my dogs are fed meat that has been certified by the FDA for human consumption. The third is a local guy that I use for convenience for things like cleaning anal glands.
Recently I had some blood work done on both pups. Vet #3 wanted to run some expensive tests, and I questioned the requirement of spending additional monies.
He told me 'if you're so concerned about spending a lot of money on The Big Guy, give up that acupuncture stuff.' (He also thinks it's possible to fracture a vertebra through adjusting).
He shut right up when I responded 'Acupuncture is the only thing that is keeping K going. I've stopped giving him drugs unless he has a REALLY bad day. You said he looks great for his age and state - it's the acupuncture that's doing it.' (and thought 'a--hole!')
Likewise, diet. Three years ago I spent days researching foods, and settled on a (the) top grain-less kibble. Within a month, the pups coats were smooth and silky. The Big Guy, who used to get dozens of hot spots each summer, had one per summer. His anal glands needed cleaning half as often.
Because I was concerned about the Old Man’s kidneys, I began cooking organic foods for their meals last year, about the same time my sister began feeding her pups a raw diet. The dogs were wild about their new cuisine! However, I was spending hours each week cooking for the dogs, and began to hear more about feeding raw. In mid-January, I switched.
The Big Guy is over the moon about his food. The Little Princess, not so much. She doesn’t like chicken. Turkey is tolerable. She prefers organic hamburger and ground organ meat. Spare ribs – ok. Pork: maybe. Salmon: Yahoo!
I got harassed by a friend who works at a world-renown vet school. “Raw isn’t balanced! Your dogs aren’t getting the right supplements or any vegetables or carbohydrates.” Actually, the pups get a rigorous application of supplements.
As for a ‘balanced diet,’ dogs are kissing cousins to wolves. Canus lupus & their ilk are definitely not chowing down on gluten-laden products as they forage for themselves.
Larger, deep chested dogs are also prone to bloat. My first Akita succumbed to it -- a tragic, miserable way to die. Dogs on raw have less incidences of gastic torsion. Cagney's last hour was tortured, and I could do nothing to stop it; I'll do whatever I can to prevent another dog of mine ever experiencing that.
Most people feed their dogs kibble. The Kal Kans & Purinas – and any food purchased in grocery stores, Walmart, or Country Max-type stores – are crap-ola. I’m not sure they’re even rated on dogfoodanalysis.com. Hills/Science Diet, IAMS Eukanuba are incrementally better. Perhaps 2 stars (out of 6). For some light reading, check out this article: http://www.4pawsu.com/vet_dogfood.htm
As I've moved my dogs up the dogfoodanalysis.com star rating, we've gotten better & better health results.
Case in point: Kuro. Kerry Brown, DVM (ok with raw diet, has written books on holistic animal care), told me K was 7 or 8 when I adopted him in 2000. It's 10 years later. In December, Kerry said 'he's 15 or 16 years old.'
That's mighty old for a big dog. He attributes K's standing as a ‘senior senior’ to excellent care. A major part of that care is diet.
To start: most vets are the equivalent of MD's. That's not good, that's not bad, it's just what it is. The allopathic medical model does provide certain advantages. If you need drugs or surgery, you need an MD. MD's/DVM's are programmed to see the world in a certain way. I.e., if you only know how to use a hammer, then everything looks like a nail.
I believe in conservative care first. That means non-invasive approaches to health issues. Chiropractic, acupuncture, soft tissue work. Surgery, drugs = last resort to me. Viable option for certain situations, but last resort none-the-less.
Many MD's/DVM's think homeopathists, chiropractors, massage therapists are quacks, or have a placebo effect at best. Yeah, that's why I attended the equivalent of 5 academic years and am a licensed professional in the state of NY, VT & NH.
I work with 3 vets to keep my dogs hale and healthy – or as hale and healthy as I can. Two of the three are gung ho about me feeding the pups a raw diet. Keep this in mind: my dogs are fed meat that has been certified by the FDA for human consumption. The third is a local guy that I use for convenience for things like cleaning anal glands.
Recently I had some blood work done on both pups. Vet #3 wanted to run some expensive tests, and I questioned the requirement of spending additional monies.
He told me 'if you're so concerned about spending a lot of money on The Big Guy, give up that acupuncture stuff.' (He also thinks it's possible to fracture a vertebra through adjusting).
He shut right up when I responded 'Acupuncture is the only thing that is keeping K going. I've stopped giving him drugs unless he has a REALLY bad day. You said he looks great for his age and state - it's the acupuncture that's doing it.' (and thought 'a--hole!')
Likewise, diet. Three years ago I spent days researching foods, and settled on a (the) top grain-less kibble. Within a month, the pups coats were smooth and silky. The Big Guy, who used to get dozens of hot spots each summer, had one per summer. His anal glands needed cleaning half as often.
Because I was concerned about the Old Man’s kidneys, I began cooking organic foods for their meals last year, about the same time my sister began feeding her pups a raw diet. The dogs were wild about their new cuisine! However, I was spending hours each week cooking for the dogs, and began to hear more about feeding raw. In mid-January, I switched.
The Big Guy is over the moon about his food. The Little Princess, not so much. She doesn’t like chicken. Turkey is tolerable. She prefers organic hamburger and ground organ meat. Spare ribs – ok. Pork: maybe. Salmon: Yahoo!
I got harassed by a friend who works at a world-renown vet school. “Raw isn’t balanced! Your dogs aren’t getting the right supplements or any vegetables or carbohydrates.” Actually, the pups get a rigorous application of supplements.
As for a ‘balanced diet,’ dogs are kissing cousins to wolves. Canus lupus & their ilk are definitely not chowing down on gluten-laden products as they forage for themselves.
Larger, deep chested dogs are also prone to bloat. My first Akita succumbed to it -- a tragic, miserable way to die. Dogs on raw have less incidences of gastic torsion. Cagney's last hour was tortured, and I could do nothing to stop it; I'll do whatever I can to prevent another dog of mine ever experiencing that.
Most people feed their dogs kibble. The Kal Kans & Purinas – and any food purchased in grocery stores, Walmart, or Country Max-type stores – are crap-ola. I’m not sure they’re even rated on dogfoodanalysis.com. Hills/Science Diet, IAMS Eukanuba are incrementally better. Perhaps 2 stars (out of 6). For some light reading, check out this article: http://www.4pawsu.com/vet_dogfood.htm
As I've moved my dogs up the dogfoodanalysis.com star rating, we've gotten better & better health results.
Case in point: Kuro. Kerry Brown, DVM (ok with raw diet, has written books on holistic animal care), told me K was 7 or 8 when I adopted him in 2000. It's 10 years later. In December, Kerry said 'he's 15 or 16 years old.'
That's mighty old for a big dog. He attributes K's standing as a ‘senior senior’ to excellent care. A major part of that care is diet.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
What the Frack?
TC3 hosted a forum on hydrofracturing last night. I'm still synthesizing the information. The good news: it's not fracking itself that will cause problems. Or, at least, the experts think not. The bad news: pretty much everything else about the process has severe repercussions.I exited the lecture feeling as though I am the most naive person in the world. Simultaneously, I felt incredibly smart.
RE: Naïvety – Why can’t we work together for the good of our species? More crucial: why can't we work together for the good of *other* species and the earth itself? We've only got one home, and we're ruining it. Our greed and myopic vision of the future are dumbfounding.
RE: Intelligence – "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results."
Based on this definition, we're all certifiable loonies. Pollute the earth, destroy lands & lives, worship the great god of greenbacks, and screw everything (and everyone) else. We've not twigged on to the fact that we only have one home, and we're ruining it.
My strongest reaction to the forum is this: I am dumbfounded.
I am dumbfounded that the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Superfund Act (among others put in place to protect the environment (read: our home)) were, in
essence, dismantled by the Bush regime.
The 2005 energy bill, pushed through Congress by Dick Cheney (evil bastard that he is), exempted the oil and natural gas industries from the Safe Drinking Water Act.
I am dumbfounded that we're so greedy that we don't understand that we'll use approximately the same amount of BTU's extracting natural gas that we'll actually GET from the Marcellus Shale. Zero-sum game. Zero-sum gain.
I am dumbfounded that those who run local municipalities and counties which are pushing like mad for development don't consider these facts:
*In the first 5 years, 80-90% of the jobs that open in association with natural gas development will go to transplants. After that, most of the wells won't be viable. But, what the heck! 50% of the few jobs that still exist go to townies.
*A study done on 300 counties which have engaged in development indicate these counties do, indeed, have a boom period. What follows a boom? You got it! A Big Fat Bust. Turns out that counties that *don't* engage in hydrofracking improve overall, and end up with higher socio-economic rankings than counties that don't.
*It's not the fracking that matters. (However, we do live in a minimally seismic area, but no one knows what the effect of earthquakes plus fracking will cause)
What matters is the almost impossible to control backwash of water out of the wells. This water is contaminated. The polluted water is not classified as 'toxic waste' (though it is incredibly toxic). Thanks to legislation, it's classified as 'industrial waste.'
Something must be done with that contaminated water. What?
**50% or so can be 'recycled' or 'reprocessed.' What happens to the remainder?
**It's stored in pits or in tanks. Pits leak, or overflow (we get rain & snow here in the Finger Lakes).
**It's transported. Spills occur. Accidents with the trucks that transport this polluted material occur. (A tanker truck in PA split in half in one (of many) accidents. The resulting spill of hydrocholoric acid closed a 4 lane highway for 6 hours, as HAZMAT crews attempted to contain & clean the spill.
***To transport, we'll have thousands of truck hours on our roads and in our communities. Think: more traffic. More congestion. More accidents. Damage to our roads. Oh, right, special roads will have to be built to the wells! More taxes to pay for them, as well as repairs to existing roads.
**And what about the Fatigue Factor? And the 'I don't give a rats ass about what's happening in this area as long as I get my money' factor? I can pretty much guarantee that both of those factors will mean that something will be overlooked or ignored, and some of that incredibly polluted, toxic water will simply be dumped.
*How much water are we discussing? 3 to 5 MILLION gallons are required to develop each -- yes EACH -- well. Oh, by the way, what's the water supply? Hmmmm, we've got these incredibly clean lakes right here.....
As one of my students said: describe the situation to any first grader in simple terms. That child would immediately say hydrofracturing is BAD. Kind of scary, isn't it, when a 6 or 7 year old understands how profound an impact fracking has, but the 'adults' who are in charge exonerate and justify pushing forth?
I haven't tackled the health issues. There are too many potential problems for me to wrap my head around. Sadly, unless you're in this area, you could care less about what's happening here. People in the city of my birth should be screaming bloody murder. Because that's what we're doing to our earth and our crucial water supply.
I was disheartened to hear from his own lips that a man who was once an important part of the TC3 administration had sold his mineral rights. I respected this man immensely until I heard what he'd done. "They won't drill on my property." But he'll get the pittance that the oil company will pay for whatever they may extract from his land as someone else's property is ruined, and the entire community pays.
This push to develop natural gas belies the fact that we'll end up with environmental damage (and in some cases devastation) which will last for decades, all for a 10 year supply of natural gas. I cannot understand why the time, energy and funds involved aren't channeled to develop sustainable energy sources.
The most telling information came at the very end of the event. There was a question and answer period for the three presenters. The last question was 'how can we stop this?' All of the presenters snorted with laughter. We can't.
In short, when it comes to hydrofracking,
We
Are
(so)
Hosed.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Not such a small town
I left Island Health & Fitness on my way to TC3 at about 5:45 today. There were multiple police cars, lights flashing, near Pete's.
On my way home from the hydrofracking presentation (gotta wrap my head around the amount of bad news that was delivered there), I took a right off Buffalo Street onto Route 89.
Multiple police cars still around Pete's. State police, IPD, deputy sheriffs. Lights still flashing.
A Facebook entry by a friend queried 'what's going on at Pete's?'
Possible hold up, probable shooting. Probably one dead.
S.W., who runs a B&B about a mile from my home was robbed in January. Targeted theft, too -- someone who had been in her house only took paintings.
My illusion of 'safe little Ithaca' has been shattered
On my way home from the hydrofracking presentation (gotta wrap my head around the amount of bad news that was delivered there), I took a right off Buffalo Street onto Route 89.
Multiple police cars still around Pete's. State police, IPD, deputy sheriffs. Lights still flashing.
A Facebook entry by a friend queried 'what's going on at Pete's?'
Possible hold up, probable shooting. Probably one dead.
S.W., who runs a B&B about a mile from my home was robbed in January. Targeted theft, too -- someone who had been in her house only took paintings.
My illusion of 'safe little Ithaca' has been shattered
Monday, February 22, 2010
Paws and Effect
A quick search on Google shows over 2.8 million hits for the term 'dogs heal.' Dogs can detect impending epileptic seizures, lead the blind, help soldiers with PTSD, lower blood pressure, give some a reason to live. A Japanese study found pet owners made 30 percent fewer visits to doctors.
As a chiropractor, I am not terribly enthusiastic about that last statement. However, I know my dogs have helped people heal. People come to be treated, and often carry terrible stress or immense anger. Their faces will be drawn and pinched, tense with worry. Or they'll be hunched over in pain.
The dogs will hurry out to greet the latest arrival, ears up, tails wagging, and smiling. The person will immediately bend over or squat down to say hello, ruffling the pups' fur and scratching them behind the ears. Within 30 seconds, the tenseness of their faces and posture will begin to relax. Within two or three minutes, their entire demeanor changes. It is as if each person has shed tremendous weight. I always watch for the internal, relaxing sigh.
Dogs are as capable of healing as the very best of doctors.
One practice member in particular adores the dogs. She's an agoraphobic. J had health problems, and her middle-aged daughter had found out about a chiropractor in town who does house calls. That would be me.
The daughter called, and hinted at J's 'retiring character.' J is so retiring she hadn't left her Cayuga Heights home in over 15 years. She has groceries and supplies delivered, does all of her shopping on-line, and has a mint vintage Mercedes in the garage. The car, over 20 years old, barely has 10K miles on the odo.
"J has to call me herself. If she needs help, she has to actually buy into being treated, and the first step to that is to speak with me directly."
A month goes by. J calls; we schedule an appointment.
A day later, J calls, & leaves a message. "I'll have to reschedule."
Another month passes. J calls; we schedule an appointment.
A day later... yep, she calls. Yep, same message.
This pattern repeated itself two or three more times. The last time, I lay down the law. "If you cancel this time, please do not call to reschedule. I'll refer you to another doctor."
The Day arrives. I am prompt. J takes a long time to open the door, but she does, indeed, open the door. Her house is immaculate. Everything is just so. Obsessively, compulsively so.
The first visit is brief. J was clearly uncomfortable, and I opt for discretion. I take a short history, and we arrange another appointment.
The second appointment: we discuss her issues, and somehow I twig onto the fact she loves animals. Not just 'loves animals' but LOVES animals. "They're so giving! They're so majestic! They're so genuine! They're so loyal! They're so beautiful! They're so trustworthy!" That's the Cliff Notes version of her effusiveness.
Well, thinks I, good thing I have dogs!
So I talk about my dogs. Tell her how they were rescued, and what they're like now. She wanted details, details, and more details. J will not get a pet of her own. Animals need vet care, dogs need walks. She'd have to go out, or have strangers in. Both are concepts that are located with Pluto-like distance relative to her comfort zone.
I treated J several times at her house before she asked: 'Will you bring your dogs with you?'
I agree.
The next 'appointment' was all about the dogs. She'd ordered special treats, had asked me to bring brushes, and was clearly over the moon about my polite, well mannered, friendly pooches. As we left, she begged me to bring them back.
Making house calls with dogs, however, is difficult. It can't be too hot, it can't be too cold, there has to be shade, they have to have water. I have to stop to let them out to stretch their legs. I've got equipment that I have to schlep in and out of the station wagon, and after the dogs are settled, there's not much room for it.
So I offer her the ability to come to me. "Oh! I couldn't do that!" was her knee-jerk response.
'Sure you can! The dogs will love to see you again!' And so, the seed was planted.
Each time I treated her, she asked about The Big Guy and The Little Princess. 'Will you pu-leeeeze bring them next time?'
'Come to us! They'll be thrilled to see you.'
She schedules an appointment -- she's coming to us!
A day later: she calls. 'I'll have to reschedule.'
Same pattern. After 3 postponements, I again play the ogre. 'If you reschedule again, I'll have to refer you to another doctor.'
She commits. We have an elaborate plan. She'll come, but only if she's the only one there 'with the dogs.' I agree. I'll call her when the last patient leaves.
I do. 'Everyone's gone. It's just me and the dogs.'
'I know! I'm parked around the corner. I can see your place, and I just saw a car leave! I'll be right there!'
The dogs were happy to see her. Or perhaps they were just happy to see the amazing variety of treats she had brought for them. Whatever it was, my two wonderful, affectionate rescued Akitas inspired this lonely woman to leave her house for the first time in 15 years.
My dogs -- all dogs -- heal.
As a chiropractor, I am not terribly enthusiastic about that last statement. However, I know my dogs have helped people heal. People come to be treated, and often carry terrible stress or immense anger. Their faces will be drawn and pinched, tense with worry. Or they'll be hunched over in pain.
The dogs will hurry out to greet the latest arrival, ears up, tails wagging, and smiling. The person will immediately bend over or squat down to say hello, ruffling the pups' fur and scratching them behind the ears. Within 30 seconds, the tenseness of their faces and posture will begin to relax. Within two or three minutes, their entire demeanor changes. It is as if each person has shed tremendous weight. I always watch for the internal, relaxing sigh.
Dogs are as capable of healing as the very best of doctors.
One practice member in particular adores the dogs. She's an agoraphobic. J had health problems, and her middle-aged daughter had found out about a chiropractor in town who does house calls. That would be me.
The daughter called, and hinted at J's 'retiring character.' J is so retiring she hadn't left her Cayuga Heights home in over 15 years. She has groceries and supplies delivered, does all of her shopping on-line, and has a mint vintage Mercedes in the garage. The car, over 20 years old, barely has 10K miles on the odo.
"J has to call me herself. If she needs help, she has to actually buy into being treated, and the first step to that is to speak with me directly."
A month goes by. J calls; we schedule an appointment.
A day later, J calls, & leaves a message. "I'll have to reschedule."
Another month passes. J calls; we schedule an appointment.
A day later... yep, she calls. Yep, same message.
This pattern repeated itself two or three more times. The last time, I lay down the law. "If you cancel this time, please do not call to reschedule. I'll refer you to another doctor."
The Day arrives. I am prompt. J takes a long time to open the door, but she does, indeed, open the door. Her house is immaculate. Everything is just so. Obsessively, compulsively so.
The first visit is brief. J was clearly uncomfortable, and I opt for discretion. I take a short history, and we arrange another appointment.
The second appointment: we discuss her issues, and somehow I twig onto the fact she loves animals. Not just 'loves animals' but LOVES animals. "They're so giving! They're so majestic! They're so genuine! They're so loyal! They're so beautiful! They're so trustworthy!" That's the Cliff Notes version of her effusiveness.
Well, thinks I, good thing I have dogs!
So I talk about my dogs. Tell her how they were rescued, and what they're like now. She wanted details, details, and more details. J will not get a pet of her own. Animals need vet care, dogs need walks. She'd have to go out, or have strangers in. Both are concepts that are located with Pluto-like distance relative to her comfort zone.
I treated J several times at her house before she asked: 'Will you bring your dogs with you?'
I agree.
The next 'appointment' was all about the dogs. She'd ordered special treats, had asked me to bring brushes, and was clearly over the moon about my polite, well mannered, friendly pooches. As we left, she begged me to bring them back.
Making house calls with dogs, however, is difficult. It can't be too hot, it can't be too cold, there has to be shade, they have to have water. I have to stop to let them out to stretch their legs. I've got equipment that I have to schlep in and out of the station wagon, and after the dogs are settled, there's not much room for it.
So I offer her the ability to come to me. "Oh! I couldn't do that!" was her knee-jerk response.
'Sure you can! The dogs will love to see you again!' And so, the seed was planted.
Each time I treated her, she asked about The Big Guy and The Little Princess. 'Will you pu-leeeeze bring them next time?'
'Come to us! They'll be thrilled to see you.'
She schedules an appointment -- she's coming to us!
A day later: she calls. 'I'll have to reschedule.'
Same pattern. After 3 postponements, I again play the ogre. 'If you reschedule again, I'll have to refer you to another doctor.'
She commits. We have an elaborate plan. She'll come, but only if she's the only one there 'with the dogs.' I agree. I'll call her when the last patient leaves.
I do. 'Everyone's gone. It's just me and the dogs.'
'I know! I'm parked around the corner. I can see your place, and I just saw a car leave! I'll be right there!'
The dogs were happy to see her. Or perhaps they were just happy to see the amazing variety of treats she had brought for them. Whatever it was, my two wonderful, affectionate rescued Akitas inspired this lonely woman to leave her house for the first time in 15 years.
My dogs -- all dogs -- heal.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Why John McCain can't be forgiven
John McCain, (R-AZ) is still out there, representing the GOP. The 74 year old Senator attempts to put forth the image of being a 'maverick' and standing for 'family values.' His persona also include the traits of fiscal responsibility, honesty and reliability.
An hour's worth of research begins to indicate the measure of the man.
Why focus on McCain? Go forth and read to the end... (or simply scroll down to the last 3 paragraphs).
McCain as the 'family man.' While McCain was a P.O.W., his first wife was badly disfigured in an auto accident. In addition, she was severely crippled. Courageously, she demanded that McCain not be told while he was imprisoned.
The hero returned home. Ostensibly, he was supportive and helpful to his wife. None-the-less, they divorced. While she has remained mum about their divorce, close friends indicate McCain liked young women. One month after divorce from Wife #1 was finalized, McCain married his current (and multi-millionaire) wife, Cindy.
Clearly, the 'war hero' had pursued this young beauty while he was still married, with children to consider. What man wouldn't be attracted to a statuesque blonde with a beer fortune?
How 'bout one who didn't have a wife who was re-learning to walk and with 3 kids at home?
Fast forward to December, 2009 and jump to a political setting:
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), acting on the orders of the Senate leadership, refused to grant Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) “an additional moment” to continue speaking on the Senate floor after his 10 minutes expired.
Franken’s objection caused Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to groan about how Franken’s move was unprofessional, unprecedented, and disrespectful:
McCAIN: I’ve been around here 20-some years. First time I’ve ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks. … I just haven’t seen it before myself. And I don’t like it. And I think it harms the community of the Senate not to allow one of our members at least a minute. I’m sure that time is urgent here, but I doubt that it would be that urgent.
Clearly, McCain’s memory has failed.
On October 10, 2002 the Senate rushed a debate on a war authorization giving President Bush the power to use force against Iraq. The resolution ultimately passed the Senate after midnight on an early Friday morning by a vote of 77-23.
During the course of the frenzied floor debate, then-Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN) spoke in favor of an amendment offered by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) that would have restricted Bush’s constitutional powers to wage war against Iraq. After a minute and a half, Dayton ran out of time, prompting this exchange:
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator’s time has expired.
Mr. DAYTON. I ask for unanimous consent that I have 30 seconds more to finish my remarks.
Mr. McCAIN. I object.
Byrd stepped in to grant Dayton time to finish his remarks. But just moments later, Byrd asked for more time to speak for himself.
Again, McCain objected, prompting Byrd to chide him for doing so. “This shows the patience of a Senator,” Byrd said. “This clearly demonstrates that the train is coming down on us like a Mack truck, and we are not even going to consider a few extra minutes for this Senator.”
After being publicly shamed, McCain acquiesced to Byrd’s request. But moments later, McCain added this disclaimer: “I wish to say very briefly that I understand people have a desire to speak. We have a number of Senators who have not spoken on this issue. It is already looking as if we may be here well into this evening. From now on, I will be adhering strictly to the rules.” In other words, he acted just like Franken did.
More McCain hypocrisy
During his campaign, McCain failed to talk about his record of voting with Bush 90% of the time, his behavior on behalf of one of the biggest criminals (Keating) in the Savings & Loan rip-off scam during the Reagan years, his family's vast wealth from an inheritance (alcohol business).
Additional campaign hypocrisy:
**McCain loudly and frequently condemned how campaign money completely corrupted our system of government, yet he campaigned heavily for Bush, one of the worst violators of the system of ‘money for legislation.’
** McCain loudly & frequently condemned (and still does) pork barrel projects that are stuffed into legislation. Yet, he campaigned for Bush, who vetoed NONE of the bloated, pork-filled spending bills. He also selected the woman who, at least initially, OK’ed the ‘Bridge to Nowhere."
** Mr. McCain constantly complains about huge budget deficits that make him ‘sick.’ Yet, he voted ‘yes’ for the invasion of Iraq, and campaigned for Bush, who took the federal budget from the biggest surplus in U.S. history. Further, he selected ‘hard core fiscal conservative’ Sarah Palin for his running mate. As mayor of Wasilla, AK, she ran the town into $20 million in debt.
**McCain once believed that military leaders should be the ones to make the final call on repealing the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, which prohibits openly gay people from serving in the military. As recently as summer ’09, McCain said that the only reason he supported the policy was because his military contacts hadn’t told him not to.
Flip-flop: As soon as several military experts stated DADT should be repealed, McCain reversed his position. At a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, he insisted that military leaders don't get to tell Congress what to do about military policy.
McCAIN’S WORST FAILURE, however, is having unleashed Sarah Palin on the American voter. He idiotically selected her as his running mate in the last presidential election. The magnitude of Ms. Palin’s stupidity, incompetence and lack of experience is stunning. Tackling her ignorance, absurdity and hypocrisy is fodder for another post.
Suffice to say, McCain claims he selected Palin after much thought and strategizing. Insiders state the opposite.
But then, what do you expect from a guy who can't even remember how many cars and homes he owns?
An hour's worth of research begins to indicate the measure of the man.
Why focus on McCain? Go forth and read to the end... (or simply scroll down to the last 3 paragraphs).
McCain as the 'family man.' While McCain was a P.O.W., his first wife was badly disfigured in an auto accident. In addition, she was severely crippled. Courageously, she demanded that McCain not be told while he was imprisoned.
The hero returned home. Ostensibly, he was supportive and helpful to his wife. None-the-less, they divorced. While she has remained mum about their divorce, close friends indicate McCain liked young women. One month after divorce from Wife #1 was finalized, McCain married his current (and multi-millionaire) wife, Cindy.
Clearly, the 'war hero' had pursued this young beauty while he was still married, with children to consider. What man wouldn't be attracted to a statuesque blonde with a beer fortune?
How 'bout one who didn't have a wife who was re-learning to walk and with 3 kids at home?
Fast forward to December, 2009 and jump to a political setting:
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN), acting on the orders of the Senate leadership, refused to grant Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) “an additional moment” to continue speaking on the Senate floor after his 10 minutes expired.
Franken’s objection caused Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) to groan about how Franken’s move was unprofessional, unprecedented, and disrespectful:
McCAIN: I’ve been around here 20-some years. First time I’ve ever seen a member denied an extra minute or two to finish his remarks. … I just haven’t seen it before myself. And I don’t like it. And I think it harms the community of the Senate not to allow one of our members at least a minute. I’m sure that time is urgent here, but I doubt that it would be that urgent.
Clearly, McCain’s memory has failed.
On October 10, 2002 the Senate rushed a debate on a war authorization giving President Bush the power to use force against Iraq. The resolution ultimately passed the Senate after midnight on an early Friday morning by a vote of 77-23.
During the course of the frenzied floor debate, then-Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN) spoke in favor of an amendment offered by Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) that would have restricted Bush’s constitutional powers to wage war against Iraq. After a minute and a half, Dayton ran out of time, prompting this exchange:
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator’s time has expired.
Mr. DAYTON. I ask for unanimous consent that I have 30 seconds more to finish my remarks.
Mr. McCAIN. I object.
Byrd stepped in to grant Dayton time to finish his remarks. But just moments later, Byrd asked for more time to speak for himself.
Again, McCain objected, prompting Byrd to chide him for doing so. “This shows the patience of a Senator,” Byrd said. “This clearly demonstrates that the train is coming down on us like a Mack truck, and we are not even going to consider a few extra minutes for this Senator.”
After being publicly shamed, McCain acquiesced to Byrd’s request. But moments later, McCain added this disclaimer: “I wish to say very briefly that I understand people have a desire to speak. We have a number of Senators who have not spoken on this issue. It is already looking as if we may be here well into this evening. From now on, I will be adhering strictly to the rules.” In other words, he acted just like Franken did.
More McCain hypocrisy
During his campaign, McCain failed to talk about his record of voting with Bush 90% of the time, his behavior on behalf of one of the biggest criminals (Keating) in the Savings & Loan rip-off scam during the Reagan years, his family's vast wealth from an inheritance (alcohol business).
Additional campaign hypocrisy:
**McCain loudly and frequently condemned how campaign money completely corrupted our system of government, yet he campaigned heavily for Bush, one of the worst violators of the system of ‘money for legislation.’
** McCain loudly & frequently condemned (and still does) pork barrel projects that are stuffed into legislation. Yet, he campaigned for Bush, who vetoed NONE of the bloated, pork-filled spending bills. He also selected the woman who, at least initially, OK’ed the ‘Bridge to Nowhere."
** Mr. McCain constantly complains about huge budget deficits that make him ‘sick.’ Yet, he voted ‘yes’ for the invasion of Iraq, and campaigned for Bush, who took the federal budget from the biggest surplus in U.S. history. Further, he selected ‘hard core fiscal conservative’ Sarah Palin for his running mate. As mayor of Wasilla, AK, she ran the town into $20 million in debt.
**McCain once believed that military leaders should be the ones to make the final call on repealing the controversial "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, which prohibits openly gay people from serving in the military. As recently as summer ’09, McCain said that the only reason he supported the policy was because his military contacts hadn’t told him not to.
Flip-flop: As soon as several military experts stated DADT should be repealed, McCain reversed his position. At a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, he insisted that military leaders don't get to tell Congress what to do about military policy.
McCAIN’S WORST FAILURE, however, is having unleashed Sarah Palin on the American voter. He idiotically selected her as his running mate in the last presidential election. The magnitude of Ms. Palin’s stupidity, incompetence and lack of experience is stunning. Tackling her ignorance, absurdity and hypocrisy is fodder for another post.
Suffice to say, McCain claims he selected Palin after much thought and strategizing. Insiders state the opposite.
But then, what do you expect from a guy who can't even remember how many cars and homes he owns?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
To 'Drivel' or Not to 'Drivel'
Drivel
1. saliva flowing from the mouth, or mucus from the nose; slaver.
2. childish, silly, or meaningless talk or thinking; nonsense; twaddle.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drivel
I told a friend I was blogging daily. He rolled his eyes.
"What do you write about?"
"Oh, whatever catches my fancy or attention."
"Nothing important then. What did you 'blog' about today?"
"About eating at Viva and having Andy as a waiter.'
Somewhere in there, he used the word 'drivel.'
I told him about 'Julie and Julia,' and how Julie had blogged about cooking Julia Child's recipes, turned it into a book, then had a movie made about her experiences.
"You KNOW that's not going to happen to you. You're not doing anything important."
This from a man who tells me I'm overly critical.
I responded: "you know, you're probably right. I'm probably the only one reading what I write. But I'm doing it for anyone else, I'm doing it because it's fun."
And I am. The pattern I've set is that I usually sit down at the computer late in the evening, and grumbling to myself, navigate to blogspot. Sometimes I have a topic in mind, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I think I'll write about one issue, then, once I start typing, another subject captures my thoughts and overrides my intentions.
Once I sit down and start, it's relatively easy to continue. I tend to return to the post later and edit or polish it. The act of making myself sit at my desk and work is the challenging aspect of blogging. I do not know how full-time writers meet their deadlines, or plop down in front of a blank screen or page and create. I have new respect for authors and journalists.
To drivel or not to drivel, that is the question, at least with this blog.
Sure, few, if any, read this. And yes, the topics are mundane. To me, what's more important is that I enjoy the process. Besides, what's the harm in creating drivel? It's relatively harmless, free and an outlet for my thoughts. Hence, at this point, I choose to write drivel.
Stay tuned! More twaddle ahead!
1. saliva flowing from the mouth, or mucus from the nose; slaver.
2. childish, silly, or meaningless talk or thinking; nonsense; twaddle.
Source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/drivel
I told a friend I was blogging daily. He rolled his eyes.
"What do you write about?"
"Oh, whatever catches my fancy or attention."
"Nothing important then. What did you 'blog' about today?"
"About eating at Viva and having Andy as a waiter.'
Somewhere in there, he used the word 'drivel.'
I told him about 'Julie and Julia,' and how Julie had blogged about cooking Julia Child's recipes, turned it into a book, then had a movie made about her experiences.
"You KNOW that's not going to happen to you. You're not doing anything important."
This from a man who tells me I'm overly critical.
I responded: "you know, you're probably right. I'm probably the only one reading what I write. But I'm doing it for anyone else, I'm doing it because it's fun."
And I am. The pattern I've set is that I usually sit down at the computer late in the evening, and grumbling to myself, navigate to blogspot. Sometimes I have a topic in mind, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I think I'll write about one issue, then, once I start typing, another subject captures my thoughts and overrides my intentions.
Once I sit down and start, it's relatively easy to continue. I tend to return to the post later and edit or polish it. The act of making myself sit at my desk and work is the challenging aspect of blogging. I do not know how full-time writers meet their deadlines, or plop down in front of a blank screen or page and create. I have new respect for authors and journalists.
To drivel or not to drivel, that is the question, at least with this blog.
Sure, few, if any, read this. And yes, the topics are mundane. To me, what's more important is that I enjoy the process. Besides, what's the harm in creating drivel? It's relatively harmless, free and an outlet for my thoughts. Hence, at this point, I choose to write drivel.
Stay tuned! More twaddle ahead!
Friday, February 19, 2010
It's Friday... time for Mexican
Just back from VIVA! the Mexican restaurant at the corner of State & Aurora. Had my usual super nachos (actually, I split them - that's *a lot* of nachos for one person), and house margarita with salt.
I was happy to be seated in Andy's section. He's my favorite waiter (OK, to be p.c., 'waitperson') at Viva. I've never seen him flustered, and is attentive without being obsequious. His dark blond hair, glasses, short Van Dyke style beard and portly physique make him look studious. The quirk at the corner of his mouth and the twinkle in his eye hint at his dry sense of humor.
Andy has worked in the restaurant part of Viva for 10 or so years. He's one of the original restaurant employees. There are two parts to Viva. The cantina (pseudo-fast food) opened in 1995, but I've not eaten there for several years. I prefer the restaurant side because it is a restaurant, rather than 'grab a bite & fly' place. While it's a bit noisy and usually crowded, the food is hearty, relatively inexpensive, and it's a fun place to hang out on a Friday night.
Many of the employees have worked their for years -- the maitre d' (hostess) and one of the bartenders have been there as long as I can remember. These two women are also unflappable. I envy their aplomb.
http://www.vivataqueria.com/Home.html
I was happy to be seated in Andy's section. He's my favorite waiter (OK, to be p.c., 'waitperson') at Viva. I've never seen him flustered, and is attentive without being obsequious. His dark blond hair, glasses, short Van Dyke style beard and portly physique make him look studious. The quirk at the corner of his mouth and the twinkle in his eye hint at his dry sense of humor.
Andy has worked in the restaurant part of Viva for 10 or so years. He's one of the original restaurant employees. There are two parts to Viva. The cantina (pseudo-fast food) opened in 1995, but I've not eaten there for several years. I prefer the restaurant side because it is a restaurant, rather than 'grab a bite & fly' place. While it's a bit noisy and usually crowded, the food is hearty, relatively inexpensive, and it's a fun place to hang out on a Friday night.
Many of the employees have worked their for years -- the maitre d' (hostess) and one of the bartenders have been there as long as I can remember. These two women are also unflappable. I envy their aplomb.
http://www.vivataqueria.com/Home.html
Thursday, February 18, 2010
RawFeeding
I switched the pups to a grain-less kibble (Orijen) a couple of years ago. Many of my dog-owing pals, who know how dedicated I am to maintaining the health and wellness of my 4-legged friends, made the switch after I did. I spent days researching food, analyzing ingredients, comparing brands of grain-free dog food.
Once I made the switch, and my dog-loving friends found out, they followed.... nothing like someone (else) doing the legwork!
For about 3 or 4 months after I made the change, the local feed store would special order Orijen for me and a handful of others. At one point the store's owner commented 'boy, after you started buying that food, we had a rush in demand.' They're carrying it now.
Hmmmmm, I wonder why!
My latest dietary improvement for my canine companions is a raw diet. Having a large freezer is crucial. The stand-up unit I have in my basement (left with the house when I purchased the place) is now stuffed with beef, chicken, ground 'variety meat' (read 'ground organs'), fish, whatever is on sale. I get odd looks from the checkout people when I show up with a cart full of roasters or economy pack hamburger. "Don't you want some vegetables with that?"
The Big Guy is a chow hound. He's always been enthusiastic about food, and is thrilled with the new cuisine. Snarf, inhale, hork are all accurate descriptors of how he consumes his tucker, especially now.
The Little Princess, not so much. She was anointed with her nickname in part because she has always been a dainty diner. When she got kibble, she would enjoy every morsel individually, picking up each piece and chewing happily away.
Now that she's being fed raw, she very much enjoys hamburger and the variety meat. The other food does not appeal to her. She'll lick the bowl, perhaps lick what's there, but frequently picks up a piece then drops it on the floor. Several days ago she did polish off several spare ribs, but who wouldn't? I prefer mine cooked, however.
I give her a tiny bit of hamburger with each meal. This way she can get the supplements she needs. I'm hoping that she'll get hungry enough to twig onto the fact that this food is mmmmm, mmmmmm, G-O-O-D for dogs. The health benefits are supposed to be amazing. She doesn't agree - yet!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Guidelines for raw feeding: adapted from a post from the rawfeeding discussion group on Yahoo!
--------------
The main guidelines for feeding your Canis Lupus Familiaris (domestic wolf) are:
1) Quantity: Feed 2-3% of ideal body weight per day. (More for young, energetic, active dogs. Less for older, slower dogs).
2) Proportions: Feed: 80% meat + 10% bone (in the meat) + 5% liver + 5% other organ (kidney, skin, lung, pancreas, brain, eyeballs, etc.)*
*you don't have to do this everyday. This should balance out approximately over the month.
Note: heart, stomach and intestines are fed as muscle meat.
Note: too much organ at once can cause diarrhoea. Too much bone can cause constipation.
You can add raw fish and whole raw eggs (including shell) occasionally. No veggies, fruits, grains or supplements of any kind are needed.(Dogs can get all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and enzymes they need from raw meat).
3) Types of Meat: Feed whole prey as much as possible as this is what they would eat in the wild (whole chicken or chicken halves or chicken quarters, turkey legs or breasts, whole rabbits, lamb shanks or shoulder, goat or pork racks (ribs), shoulders, back, neck. beef heart, etc., according to the size and requirements of your dog. (Only a lucky few can frequently give whole sheep/goats/pigs/cows/deer, etc. to their dogs, but you can aim to give the same amount of meat /bone / organ over the course of a month). Try to give a variety of meats as much as possible.
4) How to feed: Don't cut, grind or offer small pieces. Let the dog crunch and work his jaws. The bigger the piece you can give, the better. For example, a 25 kg dog can be given a 500 gram chicken quarter (breast and wing, or leg and thigh). There is no danger of choking on large pieces of meat, but avoid smaller, swallow size pieces of meat, such as turkey necks that can be swallowed whole and stick in the throat. Dogs have no trouble crunching and digesting raw bones. Only cooked bones are dangerous.Meat can be offered frozen, cold or at room temperature.Even meat that has gone off (by our standards) is probably fine for your dog. (Think about how your dog can bury meat and dig it up weeks later and eat it).
For simplicity, freeze daily portions of meat in freezer bags. Take out of the freezer several hours ahead of feeding time to defrost. Give to dog.
5) Converting a dog to raw: Puppies can start on raw as soon as they are weaned, from 5-8 weeks. They can eat whole prey including bones and adapt more easily than mature dogs. (Raw meat is better for their steady growth and avoids sudden growth spurts caused by the carbohydrates in dry dog food, which is why dogs brought up on raw do not suffer the joint and bone problems of many other dogs).
Older dogs can be switched 'cold turkey'. No need for a slow transition, but it's best to start with one kind of meat and stick with it until the dog has got used to the change. For example, start with chicken (take skin off if it causes loose stools) and introduce a new meat after a couple of weeks. Don't give liver or other organs until your dog is used to the new meats.
Note: avoid letting your dog decide the menu. If your dog doesn't like what you give him, put it away until the next meal, or the next, or the one after that. He won't starve and will eat when he's hungry. Eventually he'll learn that you are the pack leader, not him, and he'll eat what he's given. If you give him what he wants every time, you'll just make a fussy dog. If they absolutely refuse a meat, you can try lightly searing it or sprinkling some cheese on top until they get used to it.
6) What to avoid: Never give cooked bones - these can pierce and tear a dog's intestine. Never give weight bearing bones (eg: cow leg bones) as these can break teeth. (You can scoop out the marrow with a spoon and give it to your dog). Avoid giving plain bones - always make sure it is hidden in the meat. Wild game (eg: wild boars, venison, possibly rabbit, salmon) should be frozen for up to 2 weeks (at -10 degrees centigrade / -20 farenheit) to kill parasites. Human grade meat from slaughterhouses should be fine, but if in doubt, freeze first.
Never give 'swallow size' pieces of meat. Dogs do not chew their food, they can't. They crunch, break and swallow. Give them big pieces and they will crunch and swallow the right size with each mouthful. Avoid chicken necks and turkey necks on their own, as these can get stuck in the oesophagus. (It's ok if they are attached to the bird still).
Check that the meat you give is not enhanced - no added salt (no more than 0.80mg). Try to give 'organic' meat or meat that has not been treated with antibiotics as much as possible, though unfortunately this is way too expensive for most people.
7 Feeding times: In the wild, wolves eat when they can. This may be smaller animals every day or so, or larger animals once every four or five days. Most or our dogs have got used to eating once or twice a day, but if a dog gets programmed to a rigid feeding schedule, he can start to vomit bile which he will produce in expectation of food. To avoid this do not feed according to a tight schedule. Vary the amount of food each day and the feeding times. Some people prefer to let their dogs self regulate or 'gorge feed'. They allow the dog to eat as much as they can and then don't feed them again until they are hungry, maybe two or three days later. These dogs tend to establish an ideal weight by themselves and never eat more than they need. Work out what works best for your dog. (Others prefer to avoid this method as they suspect that it may lead to bloating or other problems).
Puppies need to be fed 2-3 times a day and pregnant and nursing bitches should be given as much as they want to eat.
8) Things you should notice after switching to raw: your dog will drink less water (meat is 60%+ water), and will poop far less than before (no wasted carbohydrates). This is normal. Stools will vary according to diet - it won't be the same every day. Loose stools are fairly normal and should not be confused with diarrhoea. They may change colour and consistency and occasionally contain mucus and bits of bone. Over time you'll work out what meats suit your dog's digestive system best.
Your dog will soon have better energy levels, but will also sleep better after meals. His coat should become shinier and he will get to a better weight. His immune system will be better so less need for medical interventions. His teeth will be cleaner and whiter and lose the tartar. He will develop better jaw and muscle strength. He will be much happier, and for the majority of dogs, switching to raw is like going to doggy heaven! He will not become more aggressive or prone to attacking other animals. This is a myth.
9) Things to watch out for: some dogs can be allergic to some meats, but they are less likely to be allergic on raw food diets. Many dogs on dry dog food diets that have allergies, clear up completely on a raw diet. However, if you see any of the following signs it may be worth changing meats to try and rule out possible allergens: constant vomiting or diarrhoea, unwillingness to eat, lethargy, excessive blood in vomit or stools. If in doubt - see a vet.
10) Cost: if you shop around it's usually possible to buy good meat for less or same price as you've been spending on dried dog food (kibble). Supermarkets sometimes have deals on certain meats, frozen meats, etc. but try to make sure they are unenhanced with salt or additives. If you visit slaughterhouses or butchers and ask they may be able to give you free stuff, but don't just rely on bags of fat and unwanted bones. Get organs and body parts that are not normally used.
Some people prefer to rear their own meat (rabbits, chicken, etc.) for their dogs, while others are lucky enough to find road kill or hunt their own.
Once I made the switch, and my dog-loving friends found out, they followed.... nothing like someone (else) doing the legwork!
For about 3 or 4 months after I made the change, the local feed store would special order Orijen for me and a handful of others. At one point the store's owner commented 'boy, after you started buying that food, we had a rush in demand.' They're carrying it now.
Hmmmmm, I wonder why!
My latest dietary improvement for my canine companions is a raw diet. Having a large freezer is crucial. The stand-up unit I have in my basement (left with the house when I purchased the place) is now stuffed with beef, chicken, ground 'variety meat' (read 'ground organs'), fish, whatever is on sale. I get odd looks from the checkout people when I show up with a cart full of roasters or economy pack hamburger. "Don't you want some vegetables with that?"
The Big Guy is a chow hound. He's always been enthusiastic about food, and is thrilled with the new cuisine. Snarf, inhale, hork are all accurate descriptors of how he consumes his tucker, especially now.
The Little Princess, not so much. She was anointed with her nickname in part because she has always been a dainty diner. When she got kibble, she would enjoy every morsel individually, picking up each piece and chewing happily away.
Now that she's being fed raw, she very much enjoys hamburger and the variety meat. The other food does not appeal to her. She'll lick the bowl, perhaps lick what's there, but frequently picks up a piece then drops it on the floor. Several days ago she did polish off several spare ribs, but who wouldn't? I prefer mine cooked, however.
I give her a tiny bit of hamburger with each meal. This way she can get the supplements she needs. I'm hoping that she'll get hungry enough to twig onto the fact that this food is mmmmm, mmmmmm, G-O-O-D for dogs. The health benefits are supposed to be amazing. She doesn't agree - yet!
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Guidelines for raw feeding: adapted from a post from the rawfeeding discussion group on Yahoo!
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The main guidelines for feeding your Canis Lupus Familiaris (domestic wolf) are:
1) Quantity: Feed 2-3% of ideal body weight per day. (More for young, energetic, active dogs. Less for older, slower dogs).
2) Proportions: Feed: 80% meat + 10% bone (in the meat) + 5% liver + 5% other organ (kidney, skin, lung, pancreas, brain, eyeballs, etc.)*
*you don't have to do this everyday. This should balance out approximately over the month.
Note: heart, stomach and intestines are fed as muscle meat.
Note: too much organ at once can cause diarrhoea. Too much bone can cause constipation.
You can add raw fish and whole raw eggs (including shell) occasionally. No veggies, fruits, grains or supplements of any kind are needed.(Dogs can get all the vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and enzymes they need from raw meat).
3) Types of Meat: Feed whole prey as much as possible as this is what they would eat in the wild (whole chicken or chicken halves or chicken quarters, turkey legs or breasts, whole rabbits, lamb shanks or shoulder, goat or pork racks (ribs), shoulders, back, neck. beef heart, etc., according to the size and requirements of your dog. (Only a lucky few can frequently give whole sheep/goats/pigs/cows/deer, etc. to their dogs, but you can aim to give the same amount of meat /bone / organ over the course of a month). Try to give a variety of meats as much as possible.
4) How to feed: Don't cut, grind or offer small pieces. Let the dog crunch and work his jaws. The bigger the piece you can give, the better. For example, a 25 kg dog can be given a 500 gram chicken quarter (breast and wing, or leg and thigh). There is no danger of choking on large pieces of meat, but avoid smaller, swallow size pieces of meat, such as turkey necks that can be swallowed whole and stick in the throat. Dogs have no trouble crunching and digesting raw bones. Only cooked bones are dangerous.Meat can be offered frozen, cold or at room temperature.Even meat that has gone off (by our standards) is probably fine for your dog. (Think about how your dog can bury meat and dig it up weeks later and eat it).
For simplicity, freeze daily portions of meat in freezer bags. Take out of the freezer several hours ahead of feeding time to defrost. Give to dog.
5) Converting a dog to raw: Puppies can start on raw as soon as they are weaned, from 5-8 weeks. They can eat whole prey including bones and adapt more easily than mature dogs. (Raw meat is better for their steady growth and avoids sudden growth spurts caused by the carbohydrates in dry dog food, which is why dogs brought up on raw do not suffer the joint and bone problems of many other dogs).
Older dogs can be switched 'cold turkey'. No need for a slow transition, but it's best to start with one kind of meat and stick with it until the dog has got used to the change. For example, start with chicken (take skin off if it causes loose stools) and introduce a new meat after a couple of weeks. Don't give liver or other organs until your dog is used to the new meats.
Note: avoid letting your dog decide the menu. If your dog doesn't like what you give him, put it away until the next meal, or the next, or the one after that. He won't starve and will eat when he's hungry. Eventually he'll learn that you are the pack leader, not him, and he'll eat what he's given. If you give him what he wants every time, you'll just make a fussy dog. If they absolutely refuse a meat, you can try lightly searing it or sprinkling some cheese on top until they get used to it.
6) What to avoid: Never give cooked bones - these can pierce and tear a dog's intestine. Never give weight bearing bones (eg: cow leg bones) as these can break teeth. (You can scoop out the marrow with a spoon and give it to your dog). Avoid giving plain bones - always make sure it is hidden in the meat. Wild game (eg: wild boars, venison, possibly rabbit, salmon) should be frozen for up to 2 weeks (at -10 degrees centigrade / -20 farenheit) to kill parasites. Human grade meat from slaughterhouses should be fine, but if in doubt, freeze first.
Never give 'swallow size' pieces of meat. Dogs do not chew their food, they can't. They crunch, break and swallow. Give them big pieces and they will crunch and swallow the right size with each mouthful. Avoid chicken necks and turkey necks on their own, as these can get stuck in the oesophagus. (It's ok if they are attached to the bird still).
Check that the meat you give is not enhanced - no added salt (no more than 0.80mg). Try to give 'organic' meat or meat that has not been treated with antibiotics as much as possible, though unfortunately this is way too expensive for most people.
7 Feeding times: In the wild, wolves eat when they can. This may be smaller animals every day or so, or larger animals once every four or five days. Most or our dogs have got used to eating once or twice a day, but if a dog gets programmed to a rigid feeding schedule, he can start to vomit bile which he will produce in expectation of food. To avoid this do not feed according to a tight schedule. Vary the amount of food each day and the feeding times. Some people prefer to let their dogs self regulate or 'gorge feed'. They allow the dog to eat as much as they can and then don't feed them again until they are hungry, maybe two or three days later. These dogs tend to establish an ideal weight by themselves and never eat more than they need. Work out what works best for your dog. (Others prefer to avoid this method as they suspect that it may lead to bloating or other problems).
Puppies need to be fed 2-3 times a day and pregnant and nursing bitches should be given as much as they want to eat.
8) Things you should notice after switching to raw: your dog will drink less water (meat is 60%+ water), and will poop far less than before (no wasted carbohydrates). This is normal. Stools will vary according to diet - it won't be the same every day. Loose stools are fairly normal and should not be confused with diarrhoea. They may change colour and consistency and occasionally contain mucus and bits of bone. Over time you'll work out what meats suit your dog's digestive system best.
Your dog will soon have better energy levels, but will also sleep better after meals. His coat should become shinier and he will get to a better weight. His immune system will be better so less need for medical interventions. His teeth will be cleaner and whiter and lose the tartar. He will develop better jaw and muscle strength. He will be much happier, and for the majority of dogs, switching to raw is like going to doggy heaven! He will not become more aggressive or prone to attacking other animals. This is a myth.
9) Things to watch out for: some dogs can be allergic to some meats, but they are less likely to be allergic on raw food diets. Many dogs on dry dog food diets that have allergies, clear up completely on a raw diet. However, if you see any of the following signs it may be worth changing meats to try and rule out possible allergens: constant vomiting or diarrhoea, unwillingness to eat, lethargy, excessive blood in vomit or stools. If in doubt - see a vet.
10) Cost: if you shop around it's usually possible to buy good meat for less or same price as you've been spending on dried dog food (kibble). Supermarkets sometimes have deals on certain meats, frozen meats, etc. but try to make sure they are unenhanced with salt or additives. If you visit slaughterhouses or butchers and ask they may be able to give you free stuff, but don't just rely on bags of fat and unwanted bones. Get organs and body parts that are not normally used.
Some people prefer to rear their own meat (rabbits, chicken, etc.) for their dogs, while others are lucky enough to find road kill or hunt their own.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Snowy roads...
Miserable driving out there -- crazy drivers on unplowed roads, overly cautions drivers on clear roads (c'mon, people, 15 mph on the major -- and plowed -- byways?? Not a flake of snow on the road & you're driving like THAT?) White outs, snow falling so heavily I could barely see out the windscreen in some spots.
I am reasonably confident in my own driving abilities, but far less enthusiastic and trusting about the other yahoos out there.
My little road has not been plowed for hours. There's a good 4 inches of snow on it. It's good to be home, snug inside with the pups, contemplating the nightly sojourn to the Land of Nod. Puppy Dinners first!
A.M. update: Delightful to see the lovely covering of pristine snow. Not so lovely to get stuck -- literally -- in my driveway when I have to go to work. Where's Jeff Brown the Plow Guy when you need him?
I am reasonably confident in my own driving abilities, but far less enthusiastic and trusting about the other yahoos out there.
My little road has not been plowed for hours. There's a good 4 inches of snow on it. It's good to be home, snug inside with the pups, contemplating the nightly sojourn to the Land of Nod. Puppy Dinners first!
A.M. update: Delightful to see the lovely covering of pristine snow. Not so lovely to get stuck -- literally -- in my driveway when I have to go to work. Where's Jeff Brown the Plow Guy when you need him?
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Rest in Peace, Mr. Francis
A long time companion, Mr. Dick Francis, died on Valentine's Day in his home on the Cayman Islands. No cause of death was reported, however, Mr. Francis was treated for prostate cancer in the 1990's. He was 89.
Mr. Francis was a champion steeplechase jockey. His patrons included the British royal family. He was mounted on the Queen Mother's horse, Devon Lock in the 1956 Grand National, and was in first place within striking distance of the finish line when the horse collapsed inexplicably beneath him. The horse suffered no injuries, and the cause of the fall was not determined.
I never met Mr. Francis. I did, however, read nearly all of his 42 mysteries. The protagonists, many of whom (especially early in his writing career) were jump jocks themselves, frequently endured unspeakable torture with the stoic British stiff upper lip, and always got the bad guy as well as the girl. Formulaic? Yes. Vastly entertaining and diverting? Absolutely.
His wife Mary, who died in 2000, was allegedly the unacknowledged research expert upon whom he depended to write his earlier books. He took a hiatus from writing for several years after her death, but co-authored books with his son Felix in recent years.
Mr. Francis was a champion steeplechase jockey. His patrons included the British royal family. He was mounted on the Queen Mother's horse, Devon Lock in the 1956 Grand National, and was in first place within striking distance of the finish line when the horse collapsed inexplicably beneath him. The horse suffered no injuries, and the cause of the fall was not determined.
I never met Mr. Francis. I did, however, read nearly all of his 42 mysteries. The protagonists, many of whom (especially early in his writing career) were jump jocks themselves, frequently endured unspeakable torture with the stoic British stiff upper lip, and always got the bad guy as well as the girl. Formulaic? Yes. Vastly entertaining and diverting? Absolutely.
His wife Mary, who died in 2000, was allegedly the unacknowledged research expert upon whom he depended to write his earlier books. He took a hiatus from writing for several years after her death, but co-authored books with his son Felix in recent years.
Monday, February 15, 2010
New Park, Ithaca, NY
Yesterday, the HallMark Holiday, a friend and I went to a jazz jam at the Goldberg stockade. About a mile from where I live, there's a quarter-mile long stockade fence which obscures the land on the west side of Route 89. Locals have nicknamed it 'Fort Whoopee.'
Rumor (and second hand stories) indicate that the owner is a friend (ex-boyfriend?) of Ms. Goldberg herself. She, in turn, financed his purchase of an old, bland, run down hotel/motel 12 years ago. Further, she also (purportedly) financed most if not all of the enormous amount of renovation that has occurred in the interim.
As we arrived early (very), I asked Jamie, the owner, if he'd be so kind as to give us a tour.
"Defies description" and "labor of love" cannot begin to do justice to the amazing and spectacular work that transformed a funky, boring, low budget motel into a showplace. Unique is too mild a word.
"I only have 7 rooms." So says Jamie of New Park.
Each is a marvel of detail, whimsy, charm, and elegance. One room has a fresco of hot air balloons. Another, to be used as a conference or meeting space, has a floor of tiny blue glass pieces, hand-placed into wire mesh. The shower for a third has a tiled wall, patterned with the Finger Lakes.
Each space has dozens, if not hundreds of details that catch your eye and imagination. I've never seen anything like it. Just when I would focus in on a detail, something else would attract my attention. Even bookshelves had elements worth studying.
As an itinerant corporate clone for a Fortune 5 company, I spent much time on the road, in airports and in a multitude of hotels. I've also traveled a fair amount on holiday. I try, when possible, to select hotels which have charm, grace and interest.
The closest in ambiance and character to New Park was a hotel near Bolzano (Italy). This hotel had an old wing. If I remember correctly, it had been built in the 1700's. Each room was different, in size, shape, layout. There were rough plaster walls and twelve inch wide floor boards. One could feel the weight of history, yet it was inviting and enticing, not intimidating.
Sadly, the proprietors had built a new wing. "People don't like the old rooms. They want modern." The newer rooms were elegant, uniform and incredibly boring. I must have been one of the last patrons to request an older room, before the wing was renovated to appeal those who wanted 'new.'
It wasn't only the historic wing that enticed me. The room I selected looked over a tiny square. In the middle was a fountain. Here, water ran out of a rusty dragon's mouth. The images of that trip, that stay, that hotel, are vivid in my memory.
New Park has scores of details with simliar appeal cheek upon jowl. But it's not over-done. Somehow, the details and beauty of the place mesh and meld to make it an astonishing visual joy.
I'm not a particularly facile writer. I cannot do justice to New Park. I wish all of my creative friends and family could and would see it. It's worth a tour. No, it's worth a marvel.
PS - I'm not much of a jazz fan (sorry, jazz lovers!). I did enjoy myself tremendously, however. After the tour, I made a point of speaking with a number of other attendees. Despite the fact Ithaca is a small town, there were few people I knew there.
Maire Burns of the Burns Sisters gave me a chocolate VD heart. However, when I admitted that I am not an artiste by any stretch of the imagination, she immediately galloped off.
I spoke with a young woman who looks like a movie star. "Claire Johansen/Scarlett Danes?" I asked. She laughed. M had recently purchased a house in Seneca Falls. I said 'right! I lived there too! Around the corner from the church with the sign out front that said 'ASS OF GOD.'"
A few minutes later I found out she actually attends that specific Assembly of God church.
Oooops.
PPS - the owner was quite flirtatious with me! If you can make it to Ithaca for a tour, do so ASAP, while I'm still in his imagination. Of course, very few in their right minds would come to Ithaca in February.....
Rumor (and second hand stories) indicate that the owner is a friend (ex-boyfriend?) of Ms. Goldberg herself. She, in turn, financed his purchase of an old, bland, run down hotel/motel 12 years ago. Further, she also (purportedly) financed most if not all of the enormous amount of renovation that has occurred in the interim.
As we arrived early (very), I asked Jamie, the owner, if he'd be so kind as to give us a tour.
"Defies description" and "labor of love" cannot begin to do justice to the amazing and spectacular work that transformed a funky, boring, low budget motel into a showplace. Unique is too mild a word.
"I only have 7 rooms." So says Jamie of New Park.
Each is a marvel of detail, whimsy, charm, and elegance. One room has a fresco of hot air balloons. Another, to be used as a conference or meeting space, has a floor of tiny blue glass pieces, hand-placed into wire mesh. The shower for a third has a tiled wall, patterned with the Finger Lakes.
Each space has dozens, if not hundreds of details that catch your eye and imagination. I've never seen anything like it. Just when I would focus in on a detail, something else would attract my attention. Even bookshelves had elements worth studying.
As an itinerant corporate clone for a Fortune 5 company, I spent much time on the road, in airports and in a multitude of hotels. I've also traveled a fair amount on holiday. I try, when possible, to select hotels which have charm, grace and interest.
The closest in ambiance and character to New Park was a hotel near Bolzano (Italy). This hotel had an old wing. If I remember correctly, it had been built in the 1700's. Each room was different, in size, shape, layout. There were rough plaster walls and twelve inch wide floor boards. One could feel the weight of history, yet it was inviting and enticing, not intimidating.
Sadly, the proprietors had built a new wing. "People don't like the old rooms. They want modern." The newer rooms were elegant, uniform and incredibly boring. I must have been one of the last patrons to request an older room, before the wing was renovated to appeal those who wanted 'new.'
It wasn't only the historic wing that enticed me. The room I selected looked over a tiny square. In the middle was a fountain. Here, water ran out of a rusty dragon's mouth. The images of that trip, that stay, that hotel, are vivid in my memory.
New Park has scores of details with simliar appeal cheek upon jowl. But it's not over-done. Somehow, the details and beauty of the place mesh and meld to make it an astonishing visual joy.
I'm not a particularly facile writer. I cannot do justice to New Park. I wish all of my creative friends and family could and would see it. It's worth a tour. No, it's worth a marvel.
PS - I'm not much of a jazz fan (sorry, jazz lovers!). I did enjoy myself tremendously, however. After the tour, I made a point of speaking with a number of other attendees. Despite the fact Ithaca is a small town, there were few people I knew there.
Maire Burns of the Burns Sisters gave me a chocolate VD heart. However, when I admitted that I am not an artiste by any stretch of the imagination, she immediately galloped off.
I spoke with a young woman who looks like a movie star. "Claire Johansen/Scarlett Danes?" I asked. She laughed. M had recently purchased a house in Seneca Falls. I said 'right! I lived there too! Around the corner from the church with the sign out front that said 'ASS OF GOD.'"
A few minutes later I found out she actually attends that specific Assembly of God church.
Oooops.
PPS - the owner was quite flirtatious with me! If you can make it to Ithaca for a tour, do so ASAP, while I'm still in his imagination. Of course, very few in their right minds would come to Ithaca in February.....
Sunday, February 14, 2010
St. Valentine(s) and his day
A google of 'St. Valentine' indicates no one knows who he is. The honorary 'saint' indicates he was martyred: in Catholic-ese, that equates to some sort of terrible death -- stoning, immolation, savaged by lions, the historic equivalent of water-boarding.
Best guess is that he was either a martyr in Africa, a Roman priest or a bishop. If it was the priest, he allegedly got arrested for marrying christian couples and aiding others of the same faith. These were big time no-no's under Claudius. Arrested, Valentine became a favorite of the Emporer, until his missionary fervor kicked in. Bad idea to attempt to convert someone like Claudius, who had the poor guy beaten with clubs and stoned. When he didn't die from that, he was beheaded.
Others claim St Valentine's day was implemented to supersede a pagan holiday celebrated about the same time. An alternative theory is that back in the 14th century, Chaucer and his cronies invented the holiday and associated it with romantic love. Some date the holiday to the 18th century, with authors and historians of the time correlated St. Valentine's and love.
I like the last two theories the best. It is just too bizarre that millions will rush out and buy chocolate, roses and lingerie in honor of someone who was clubbed, stoned and beheaded. And what does love have to do with that amount of violence and anger? Or chocolate, roses and lingerie, come to think of it.
The motivation and actions behind St. Valentine's day are comparable to mother's or father's day. Are there truly just a handful of days in the year where you're supposed to celebrate your love and affection? Rather than Hallmark holidays, perhaps we could vote with our feet and make every day one in which we make the people that are nearest and dearest feel special.
Happy VD, all!
Best guess is that he was either a martyr in Africa, a Roman priest or a bishop. If it was the priest, he allegedly got arrested for marrying christian couples and aiding others of the same faith. These were big time no-no's under Claudius. Arrested, Valentine became a favorite of the Emporer, until his missionary fervor kicked in. Bad idea to attempt to convert someone like Claudius, who had the poor guy beaten with clubs and stoned. When he didn't die from that, he was beheaded.
Others claim St Valentine's day was implemented to supersede a pagan holiday celebrated about the same time. An alternative theory is that back in the 14th century, Chaucer and his cronies invented the holiday and associated it with romantic love. Some date the holiday to the 18th century, with authors and historians of the time correlated St. Valentine's and love.
I like the last two theories the best. It is just too bizarre that millions will rush out and buy chocolate, roses and lingerie in honor of someone who was clubbed, stoned and beheaded. And what does love have to do with that amount of violence and anger? Or chocolate, roses and lingerie, come to think of it.
The motivation and actions behind St. Valentine's day are comparable to mother's or father's day. Are there truly just a handful of days in the year where you're supposed to celebrate your love and affection? Rather than Hallmark holidays, perhaps we could vote with our feet and make every day one in which we make the people that are nearest and dearest feel special.
Happy VD, all!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Reunions
I bumped into a woman from my high school class a couple of weeks ago. She was all a-flutter about the Big Reunion that is being scheduled for this summer.
'Oh, you should come! It'll be fun!'
'Well, I was never a big joiner in high school, and that hasn't changed much.'
'Oh, neither was I! But I'm one of the organizers! So is A - remember her?. We'll have sooooo much fun!'
I remember N from high school, and she was far more involved in scholastic events and networks than I was; I'm not surprised that she's one of the organizers.
Way back when I was a teenager, I had activities and interests that pulled me out of and away from high school. I can't recall any stories that begin with 'remember when you...?' Attending would be, at best, an anthropological investigation.
Truth be told, my fellow classmates were anything but accepting, tolerant and open. As a shy, geeky kid with little self-confidence or self-esteem, I had a few close friends as a teenager. I can guarantee that these kids matured into people who, like me, are puzzled by the need to bond with those who, at best, overlooked and undervalued them.
The friends I have today are not people I knew in high school. College, graduate degrees, travel, first an itinerant corporate career and then a career in alternative health care all provided opportunities to meet and know people of enormously varied backgrounds. I am honored and humbled by those I now call 'friend.'
People don't change. Rather than go to The Big High School Reunion, I'll spend my summer focused on another goal. My way of celebrating the Big Anniversary that occurs this year is to sign up for 10 sprint triathlons. There's one in April, and the rest range from June to early September.
There are indeed reasons to remember and reflect. Looking in the rear view mirror gives us a great view of where we've been. Look ahead to keep up the momentum of life -- and meanwhile, be here now.
'Oh, you should come! It'll be fun!'
'Well, I was never a big joiner in high school, and that hasn't changed much.'
'Oh, neither was I! But I'm one of the organizers! So is A - remember her?. We'll have sooooo much fun!'
I remember N from high school, and she was far more involved in scholastic events and networks than I was; I'm not surprised that she's one of the organizers.
Way back when I was a teenager, I had activities and interests that pulled me out of and away from high school. I can't recall any stories that begin with 'remember when you...?' Attending would be, at best, an anthropological investigation.
Truth be told, my fellow classmates were anything but accepting, tolerant and open. As a shy, geeky kid with little self-confidence or self-esteem, I had a few close friends as a teenager. I can guarantee that these kids matured into people who, like me, are puzzled by the need to bond with those who, at best, overlooked and undervalued them.
The friends I have today are not people I knew in high school. College, graduate degrees, travel, first an itinerant corporate career and then a career in alternative health care all provided opportunities to meet and know people of enormously varied backgrounds. I am honored and humbled by those I now call 'friend.'
People don't change. Rather than go to The Big High School Reunion, I'll spend my summer focused on another goal. My way of celebrating the Big Anniversary that occurs this year is to sign up for 10 sprint triathlons. There's one in April, and the rest range from June to early September.
There are indeed reasons to remember and reflect. Looking in the rear view mirror gives us a great view of where we've been. Look ahead to keep up the momentum of life -- and meanwhile, be here now.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Just like a movie!
I peeked to my right, sneaking a glance at the young stud muffin in the passenger seat. Raising my eyebrows to myself, I looked forward as I stopped the car at the front of the house.
As we stepped out of the Volvo, I could hear the dogs barking. We crossed the lawn and I opened the front door. The dogs poured out of the house, tails wagging, frisky and excited because I was home and because a new friend had arrived.
Squatting down, I hugged each of them. The Little Girl Dog licked me on the face, and then got a direct hit on my lips.
"Wow! Frenched by a dog!" I laughed.
Extending his hand, the young buck helped me stand, and then drew me towards him. His blue eyes twinkled and his mouth quirked up. Cocking his head, he responded as he pulled me close "and now you'll be kissed by a human."
Then, I woke up.
As we stepped out of the Volvo, I could hear the dogs barking. We crossed the lawn and I opened the front door. The dogs poured out of the house, tails wagging, frisky and excited because I was home and because a new friend had arrived.
Squatting down, I hugged each of them. The Little Girl Dog licked me on the face, and then got a direct hit on my lips.
"Wow! Frenched by a dog!" I laughed.
Extending his hand, the young buck helped me stand, and then drew me towards him. His blue eyes twinkled and his mouth quirked up. Cocking his head, he responded as he pulled me close "and now you'll be kissed by a human."
Then, I woke up.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Sunny afternoon
Home for lunch. I took The Little Princess on my rounds this morning. She's still getting used to the schedule of being left in the car while I treat patients or run errands.
The first few times I took her, she was quite put out about being left behind in the car while I went somewhere without her. When I let her out to stretch her legs, she'd trot off, ignoring me. If people were around, she'd sashay up for attention, telling me 'see! these people think I'm important!' She's getting better. Now she naps between the short drives. Also, a few patients do invite her in, but she quickly bores of 'someone else's house' so it's easier to leave her in the car.
These sojourns tire her out. She's sacked out on one of their many beds, sound asleep.
I leave The Big Guy behind to hold down the fort. His hindquarters are so unstable, he no longer enjoys car rides. I give him treats as I leave, and fuss over him when we return, but I have lingering guilt. I need to get over that: he's reaching a point where he's not sure he even likes the thought of a ride.
The Little Girl Dog, on the other hand, is wild about the idea as well as the actual ride. When she realizes she's 'going with!' she barks with joy, levitating off the ground, then charges for the nearest toy, carrying it around proudly. Once she's out the door, she charges to the car, yipping, with tail flailing wildly.
Both dogs are snoozing. The Big Guy is breathing deeply & sonorously. It's relaxing just to see and hear them. It would be a whole heck of a lot nicer to take a nap, rather than gear up for teaching tonight.
Tomorrow, at least (or I hope!) is an easy day.... perhaps I'll get some time off then.
The first few times I took her, she was quite put out about being left behind in the car while I went somewhere without her. When I let her out to stretch her legs, she'd trot off, ignoring me. If people were around, she'd sashay up for attention, telling me 'see! these people think I'm important!' She's getting better. Now she naps between the short drives. Also, a few patients do invite her in, but she quickly bores of 'someone else's house' so it's easier to leave her in the car.
These sojourns tire her out. She's sacked out on one of their many beds, sound asleep.
I leave The Big Guy behind to hold down the fort. His hindquarters are so unstable, he no longer enjoys car rides. I give him treats as I leave, and fuss over him when we return, but I have lingering guilt. I need to get over that: he's reaching a point where he's not sure he even likes the thought of a ride.
The Little Girl Dog, on the other hand, is wild about the idea as well as the actual ride. When she realizes she's 'going with!' she barks with joy, levitating off the ground, then charges for the nearest toy, carrying it around proudly. Once she's out the door, she charges to the car, yipping, with tail flailing wildly.
Both dogs are snoozing. The Big Guy is breathing deeply & sonorously. It's relaxing just to see and hear them. It would be a whole heck of a lot nicer to take a nap, rather than gear up for teaching tonight.
Tomorrow, at least (or I hope!) is an easy day.... perhaps I'll get some time off then.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Feathered Friends
I've been filling the bird feeders twice daily of late; my small feathered friends are plowing through an amazing amount of seed. I feed starting in late fall and ending mid to late spring, thinking that birds need to be able to forage for themselves in milder seasons. I'm religious in filing the feeders; birds become dependent on them for their food, and can easily starve or freeze if their food source vanishes.
I began feeding birds when I had (indoor) cats, as a form of cat TV. I quickly realized that watching the birds was as much fun for me as it was for the cats. It's entrancing to see how animated and curious birds are -- and also that many feed during specific time slots. Darwin proved correct again.
Finches, doves, sparrows, chickadees are all frequent guests; occasionally I'll see a flash of red or a splash of blue (and hear the raucous cry of a jay). A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to see 5 glorious cardinals and at least 4 females in the bushes. Wonderful to see that crimson contrast against winter white and grey.
Unlike last year, when I had the fattest squirrels in the neighborhood, there have been no squirrels raiding the feeders. Squirrels are territorial, and either a fox or one of the areas many coyotes got the fluff-tailed creatures who were living here in the fall.
There is at least one squirrel that lives at the bottom of the property. I assumed he'd come up and start dining on black oil seed. However, I've watched as he (she?) keeps a strict boundary between the lower part of the yard and the expanse that stretches to the trees that are strung with feeders.
I'm happy to be feeding just birds this winter! Squirrels can chew through the most sturdy of feeders, and I've got several that have been repaired numerous times. And while black oil and nyjer seed consumption is up, it's the birds that are enjoying the food.
I began feeding birds when I had (indoor) cats, as a form of cat TV. I quickly realized that watching the birds was as much fun for me as it was for the cats. It's entrancing to see how animated and curious birds are -- and also that many feed during specific time slots. Darwin proved correct again.
Finches, doves, sparrows, chickadees are all frequent guests; occasionally I'll see a flash of red or a splash of blue (and hear the raucous cry of a jay). A couple of weeks ago I was delighted to see 5 glorious cardinals and at least 4 females in the bushes. Wonderful to see that crimson contrast against winter white and grey.
Unlike last year, when I had the fattest squirrels in the neighborhood, there have been no squirrels raiding the feeders. Squirrels are territorial, and either a fox or one of the areas many coyotes got the fluff-tailed creatures who were living here in the fall.
There is at least one squirrel that lives at the bottom of the property. I assumed he'd come up and start dining on black oil seed. However, I've watched as he (she?) keeps a strict boundary between the lower part of the yard and the expanse that stretches to the trees that are strung with feeders.
I'm happy to be feeding just birds this winter! Squirrels can chew through the most sturdy of feeders, and I've got several that have been repaired numerous times. And while black oil and nyjer seed consumption is up, it's the birds that are enjoying the food.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Snow Storm!
Driving home tonight, I got excited about the weather. It's early February, and we've not had a major dump of snow yet this winter. While I've been grumping and groaning about the winter, I'm now quietly exhilarated. We'll get between four to ten inches of the white stuff.
It's peaceful and serene outside. Big, fat, lazy flakes meander towards the ground. The snow deadens sounds, and it's not windy. The front light throws out a yellow halo and I can see where the dogs have wandered through the yard by their tracks.
The Little Girl-Dog's path is punctuated by flattened areas where she's thrown herself into the snow and rolled with the joy of being. Dog snow angels. The Big Guy's tracks are closer to the house. He's old, and doesn't see the need to meander. He's more business oriented these days.
When I open the door to check on them, they're both waiting on the front stoop, looking up, tails wagging expectantly. Time for Puppy Dinners!
Tomorrow I'll likely grump and groan about shoveling. Tonight, I'll get into my boots, give The Big Guy a bone, and slip out with The Little Princess for a lovely, snowy stroll through the quiet night before we clamber into bed.
It's peaceful and serene outside. Big, fat, lazy flakes meander towards the ground. The snow deadens sounds, and it's not windy. The front light throws out a yellow halo and I can see where the dogs have wandered through the yard by their tracks.
The Little Girl-Dog's path is punctuated by flattened areas where she's thrown herself into the snow and rolled with the joy of being. Dog snow angels. The Big Guy's tracks are closer to the house. He's old, and doesn't see the need to meander. He's more business oriented these days.
When I open the door to check on them, they're both waiting on the front stoop, looking up, tails wagging expectantly. Time for Puppy Dinners!
Tomorrow I'll likely grump and groan about shoveling. Tonight, I'll get into my boots, give The Big Guy a bone, and slip out with The Little Princess for a lovely, snowy stroll through the quiet night before we clamber into bed.
Monday, February 8, 2010
I am a chiropractor, and yes, I am a licensed professional
Yes, I spent 5 academic years in intensive study to obtain my degree.
Yes, I am a licensed professional in this state (+ several others)
No, I did not 'go to school on weekends' to become a licensed professional.
No, I am not a quack.
Yes, so called 'alternative care' has an extremely important role in healing.
No, I am not just a 'low back pain doctor.'
Yes, D.C.'s are actually doctors. That's what the 'D' stands for.
Yes, D.C.'s are neurologists. Every time you work with the spine, you are effecting the central nervous system.
Yes, there are bad chiropractors out there, just as there are bad MD's, bad DO's, bad dentists, podiatrists, PT's. One bad apple.....
No, chiropractic care is not a frivolous add-on; it is a legitimate, low-cost and clinically proven method of treating conditions which range from herniated discs to asthma to repetitive stress injuries.
Yes, insurance companies should reimburse you for chiropractic care.
Yes, I expect to be paid. If you expect me to work on your family, friends, pets, etc, please wake up! Pull out your wallet! As a doctor, my time is valuable.
Yes, I do on occasion, do pro bono work. Your or your kid's or dog's case is NOT included in that category.
No, do not charge me for your services if I have helped you out of friendship. This is particularly poor form. Don't ask Miss Manners. She's already agreed with me.
No, when I teach anatomy, I cannot answer your clinical questions. The school hires me as a teacher, not as a chiropractor. Schedule an appointment, please!
Yes, I am a licensed professional in this state (+ several others)
No, I did not 'go to school on weekends' to become a licensed professional.
No, I am not a quack.
Yes, so called 'alternative care' has an extremely important role in healing.
No, I am not just a 'low back pain doctor.'
Yes, D.C.'s are actually doctors. That's what the 'D' stands for.
Yes, D.C.'s are neurologists. Every time you work with the spine, you are effecting the central nervous system.
Yes, there are bad chiropractors out there, just as there are bad MD's, bad DO's, bad dentists, podiatrists, PT's. One bad apple.....
No, chiropractic care is not a frivolous add-on; it is a legitimate, low-cost and clinically proven method of treating conditions which range from herniated discs to asthma to repetitive stress injuries.
Yes, insurance companies should reimburse you for chiropractic care.
Yes, I expect to be paid. If you expect me to work on your family, friends, pets, etc, please wake up! Pull out your wallet! As a doctor, my time is valuable.
Yes, I do on occasion, do pro bono work. Your or your kid's or dog's case is NOT included in that category.
No, do not charge me for your services if I have helped you out of friendship. This is particularly poor form. Don't ask Miss Manners. She's already agreed with me.
No, when I teach anatomy, I cannot answer your clinical questions. The school hires me as a teacher, not as a chiropractor. Schedule an appointment, please!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Super Bowl Sunday -- Total Trivia
The Colts versus the Saints - at least I think it's the Saints. I know the ex-Baltimore Colts are playing New Orleans.
I'm rooting for the underdog, but hear from football fanatics that the game is likely to go to the Colts. "Better team." "More seasoned." "They've played and won against better teams than New Orleans."
This may be so: my knowledge about football could fill, at best, the cliched thimble.
My interest in the game is in support of the Big Easy. The city can use the win, literally and metaphorically.
Our focus is on Haiti, because of the horrendous catastrophe there. And yet we still have people who are homeless due to Katrina. The hurricane has had profound impact on 'Lu-zee-anna' and New Orleans itself will never be the same.
So, yes: Go Saints (just checked for the correct name. Got it right!)
Trivia for today:
40 million pizzas and 55 thousand chicken wings will be consumed.
1st Super Bowl Game played in 1967.
Largest crowd at a Super Bowl (Rose Bowl Stadium): Over 103,000
Approximately $55 million will be spent on Super Bowl food this year.
Super Bowl Sunday is the No. 2 food-consumption day of the year.
Ads run about $90,000 per second.
Almost 15,000 tons of chips and 4,000 tons of popcorn will be eaten tonight. Top the chips off with 8 million pounds of guacamole.
Pepsi won't advertise on the show for the first time in 24 years.
Approximately 325 million gallons of beer will be consumed.
20% increase in Antacids projected to be sold on Monday.....
I'm rooting for the underdog, but hear from football fanatics that the game is likely to go to the Colts. "Better team." "More seasoned." "They've played and won against better teams than New Orleans."
This may be so: my knowledge about football could fill, at best, the cliched thimble.
My interest in the game is in support of the Big Easy. The city can use the win, literally and metaphorically.
Our focus is on Haiti, because of the horrendous catastrophe there. And yet we still have people who are homeless due to Katrina. The hurricane has had profound impact on 'Lu-zee-anna' and New Orleans itself will never be the same.
So, yes: Go Saints (just checked for the correct name. Got it right!)
Trivia for today:
40 million pizzas and 55 thousand chicken wings will be consumed.
1st Super Bowl Game played in 1967.
Largest crowd at a Super Bowl (Rose Bowl Stadium): Over 103,000
Approximately $55 million will be spent on Super Bowl food this year.
Super Bowl Sunday is the No. 2 food-consumption day of the year.
Ads run about $90,000 per second.
Almost 15,000 tons of chips and 4,000 tons of popcorn will be eaten tonight. Top the chips off with 8 million pounds of guacamole.
Pepsi won't advertise on the show for the first time in 24 years.
Approximately 325 million gallons of beer will be consumed.
20% increase in Antacids projected to be sold on Monday.....
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Finish coat?
Spent the afternoon applying polyurethane to 5 windows & 2 doors. 3 doors, 15 windows left. In addition to the windows and doors, there's a plethora of woodwork + trim to coat.
This spring's goals: finish the woodwork. Figure out what to do about the counter in the back corner of the kitchen. Purchase shades for the windows on the east & south walls of the downstairs. The OSB will do for flooring as long as The Big Guy is around. Ah, the joys of renovation!
When this house approaches completion, it will be a charming, snug, restful haven. In the interim, can you say 'Money Pit?' ;)
This spring's goals: finish the woodwork. Figure out what to do about the counter in the back corner of the kitchen. Purchase shades for the windows on the east & south walls of the downstairs. The OSB will do for flooring as long as The Big Guy is around. Ah, the joys of renovation!
When this house approaches completion, it will be a charming, snug, restful haven. In the interim, can you say 'Money Pit?' ;)
Friday, February 5, 2010
A great treat for Super Bowl Sunday
Kale chips in the oven: what a great late afternoon snack for a cold, grey day!
Wash & dry a head of kale.
Remove larger stems + ribs.
Rip or cut into bite sized pieces, and spread these on a cookie tray.
Dribble a small amount of olive oil on leaves (I use about 2 tablespoons for a full head)
Season with sea salt, Cajun spices, Parmesan cheese, your choice.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
Tips - don't over oil OR over salt (Yuck!)
Towards the end of the baking period, shake the tray around to see if the chips slide around easily. Don't over-bake; the leaves dry out & loose their taste.
Comments appreciated - what flavorings or spices did you use with success? What should I and others avoid?
Wash & dry a head of kale.
Remove larger stems + ribs.
Rip or cut into bite sized pieces, and spread these on a cookie tray.
Dribble a small amount of olive oil on leaves (I use about 2 tablespoons for a full head)
Season with sea salt, Cajun spices, Parmesan cheese, your choice.
Bake in a 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
Tips - don't over oil OR over salt (Yuck!)
Towards the end of the baking period, shake the tray around to see if the chips slide around easily. Don't over-bake; the leaves dry out & loose their taste.
Comments appreciated - what flavorings or spices did you use with success? What should I and others avoid?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Cell Phone Mania
The pups and I were crowding into the house after our morning stroll when I heard a car accelerating rapidly down the road. I looked up to see a blue Volvo sedan go streaking by. The driver's head was bent over his cell phone as he texted madly away.
I commented about this to a group of 20-somethings this afternoon.
One youth responded 'well, they made it illegal to talk on the phone so now I have to text.'
Surprised, I queried 'isn't it more dangerous to text? And isn't it illegal to text, too?'
'But if somebody calls, I've gotta answer!' he countered.
'No, you don't.'
'What do you mean?'
'You don't have to answer the phone. You can simply let it go to voice mail. How many calls do you actually have to take in the instant that you receive them?'
He snorted and turned away, clearly unwilling to see logic in my comments.
'Darwinism at its best. Just don't take me or some other innocent person along with you. It's one thing if you kill yourself. It would be horrible if you killed someone else.'
Am I missing something? Have I been passed by the communications revolution? I am the technological equivalent of the telex when it comes to cellular communication (I do, however, have DSL!)
I commented about this to a group of 20-somethings this afternoon.
One youth responded 'well, they made it illegal to talk on the phone so now I have to text.'
Surprised, I queried 'isn't it more dangerous to text? And isn't it illegal to text, too?'
'But if somebody calls, I've gotta answer!' he countered.
'No, you don't.'
'What do you mean?'
'You don't have to answer the phone. You can simply let it go to voice mail. How many calls do you actually have to take in the instant that you receive them?'
He snorted and turned away, clearly unwilling to see logic in my comments.
'Darwinism at its best. Just don't take me or some other innocent person along with you. It's one thing if you kill yourself. It would be horrible if you killed someone else.'
Am I missing something? Have I been passed by the communications revolution? I am the technological equivalent of the telex when it comes to cellular communication (I do, however, have DSL!)
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Puppy Dinners!
I changed over from a grainless kibble to a raw diet for the pups. Mealtimes -always greeted with interest - have become Times of Great Joy. The Big Guy starts drooling, watching me with his ears pricked sharply forward. The Little Princess levitates, all 4 feet off the ground, then plants her butt in a 'SIT!' as soon as I turn around with bowl in hand.
The Big Guy chows down swiftly. The word 'inhale' is apt when it comes to his enthusiasm towards food. The little girl-dog savors each bite, taking lady-like portions and clearly enjoying every morsel of each meal. Her tail wags as she dines, the epitome of a happy eater.
We can learn much from our 4-legged friends. Life is to be lived in the moment, especially when receiving 3 squares of organic meat daily!
The Big Guy chows down swiftly. The word 'inhale' is apt when it comes to his enthusiasm towards food. The little girl-dog savors each bite, taking lady-like portions and clearly enjoying every morsel of each meal. Her tail wags as she dines, the epitome of a happy eater.
We can learn much from our 4-legged friends. Life is to be lived in the moment, especially when receiving 3 squares of organic meat daily!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
I hope I grow up to be like her....
My favorite patient is 94 years old. Despite failing health and managing major life tragedies this past year (including the death of her daughter), she's always upbeat, positive and spunky.
The last time I went to her home to treat her, she beckoned me into her study. Emulating Vanna White, she showcased her hew 52 inch television.
"I'm optimistic!" she smiled.
What a great attitude! I love her.
The last time I went to her home to treat her, she beckoned me into her study. Emulating Vanna White, she showcased her hew 52 inch television.
"I'm optimistic!" she smiled.
What a great attitude! I love her.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Out of the mouths of babes
Took a flying trip into Wegman's between appointments. I was tearing down an aisle when I saw a blonde, blue eyed cherub staring at me. I looked away to grab a package & pop it in my basket.
Angel-girl was still staring goggle-eyed at me. Checking my watch, I sped up -- can't be late! I figured my hair was sticking up or I had something on my face. Why else would the tiny tot be so intent?
As I approached her cart, she stuck her chubby hand, finger pointing, at my face. "Look Mommy! Look at that old lady! She's really pretty!"
"Sweetie," I replied, "I'm only a year or two older than your mommy."
Angel-girl was still staring goggle-eyed at me. Checking my watch, I sped up -- can't be late! I figured my hair was sticking up or I had something on my face. Why else would the tiny tot be so intent?
As I approached her cart, she stuck her chubby hand, finger pointing, at my face. "Look Mommy! Look at that old lady! She's really pretty!"
"Sweetie," I replied, "I'm only a year or two older than your mommy."
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