I watched the 2008 National Dog show on www.hulu.com today. After watching this show in it's entirety, I had to find the clip on NBC.com to share it with you. Although I don't have a dog anymore, I really enjoy watching little programs like this to see something positive and fun. This little dog serves as such a sweet reminder that things don't always go as planned. Hope you enjoy it.
Take care.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Good Bye Youth - Reflections of my life....Happy Birthday to me letter (well in about 30 minutes)
Wow! I cannot believe that in less than half an hour I will be officially saying good-bye to my 30's. When did it happen and where was I all that time? I find it hard to believe that I have made it to a milestone year. Dare I say the words? I cannot bear it yet....no, I will not say it.
I had to blog about it as I will one day remember that I had a blog (as you can see I apparently forgot I have one for almost a month). At that time, I will go back through countless pages of stuff (that will seem so much less important to me later (maybe), and come across this little blog. I wonder how I will feel then.
I guess the strange part about this is that I am almost at the halfway point of my life expectancy give or take about 10 years or so. I wonder if my last 40 or 50 (I plan to be really old) will be as fast as these that have past.
I have mixed feelings about the whole thing quite honestly. I feel a bit or regret that my life isn't quite what I'd dreamed it would be, but on the other hand, I am excited about what I will be doing in the future.
Well hope I have a great birthday and I know that God has great things in store for me....can't wait to see what they are.
Take care and till next time...Peace
I had to blog about it as I will one day remember that I had a blog (as you can see I apparently forgot I have one for almost a month). At that time, I will go back through countless pages of stuff (that will seem so much less important to me later (maybe), and come across this little blog. I wonder how I will feel then.
I guess the strange part about this is that I am almost at the halfway point of my life expectancy give or take about 10 years or so. I wonder if my last 40 or 50 (I plan to be really old) will be as fast as these that have past.
I have mixed feelings about the whole thing quite honestly. I feel a bit or regret that my life isn't quite what I'd dreamed it would be, but on the other hand, I am excited about what I will be doing in the future.
Well hope I have a great birthday and I know that God has great things in store for me....can't wait to see what they are.
Take care and till next time...Peace
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Never Thought I Would See it
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the slaying of Dr Martin Luther King, who had a dream of unification and rights for every citizen in this country. This notion was based on the idea that human rights were important and all should be treated equally. This post was a piggy back from an article I found regarding Obama. Till next time....Peace
Gertrude Baines' 114-year-old fingers wrapped lightly over the ballpoint pen as she bubbled in No. 18 on her ballot Tuesday. Her mouth curled up in a smile. A laugh escaped. The deed was done.
A daughter of former slaves, Baines had just voted for a black man to be president of the United States. "What's his name? I can't say it," she said shyly afterward. Those who helped her fill out the absentee ballot at a convalescent facility west of USC chimed in: "Barack Obama."
Baines is the world's oldest person of African descent, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which validates claims of extreme old age. She is the third-oldest person in the world, and the second-oldest in the United States after Edna Parker of Indiana, who is 115.
When Baines was born, Grover Cleveland was president and the U.S. flag had 44 stars. She grew up in Georgia during a time when black people were prevented from voting, discriminated against and subject to violent racism. In her lifetime, she has seen women gain the right to vote, and drastic changes to federal voting laws and to the Constitution -- and now, this.
"No, I didn't never think I'd live this long." she said.
The walls of Baines' room on the second floor of Western Convalescent Hospital are covered with birthday cards from presidents and officials from years gone by.
A picture of George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, is framed on the wall. Above it is a signed picture of Obama and City Councilman Bernard Parks, now running for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. On Baines' bed sit two teddy bears, one with an Obama pin on its right arm.
"Why am I voting for him? Because he's for the colored," Baines said, her language itself hearkening to a different time. "Sure it's good. That's the first one I know to be in there. Everybody's glad for colored men to be in there sometime."
On Tuesday, Baines sat in her wheelchair, a fuzzy red scarf around her neck, a red bonnet on her head and black slippers on her feet. She is hard of hearing and her memory comes and goes. She tends to refer to historical milestones by who was president at the time.
Aside from chronic arthritis, she is relatively healthy, mobile and attends church every Sunday in the hospital's dining room. That's where her pastor first told her a black man was running for president.
"It struck me," Baines said. "It struck a lot of people when they heard about a colored person" running. Baines looked over at her favorite assistant nurse, Cynthia Thompson. "What's that boy's name?"
"Jesse Jackson?" Thompson said.
"Yeah," Baines said with a laugh. "He tried, but he didn't make it."
"Why they want to keep having white? Why not let a colored person in some time?" Baines said. "I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad to get a colored man in there, and so many people are. I hope nothing don't happen to him."
This is only the second time Baines has voted. The last was for John F. Kennedy.
"And you see how they killed him. I was in Memphis, Tennessee, at that time, during the parade. Who was the next president they shot? Two of the boys . . ." she said, trailing off.
A registered Democrat, Baines said she was going to ask the hospital to remove Bush's picture from her wall. "They put him up there," she said disdainfully, waving her hand.
"We are all the same, skin dark, white, that's all," Baines said. She said Obama would be good for everybody. "Republicans don't care for the poor people," she said. "They want it all and they don't want the Democrats to have nothing."
Baines gets most of her election information from chats with hospital workers and friends. Her eyesight is poor, and it is not always easy for her to watch television.
On April 6, she will turn 115. Baines has been at the hospital for about nine years, and has outlived everyone in her family, including her daughter -- who died of typhoid at 18 -- and two nieces.
Baines said she spends much of her time sleeping and eating, but enjoys getting out in her wheelchair for a ride now and then, eating extra crispy bacon for breakfast, and watching "Jerry Springer" from time to time.
As lunch rolled around, Thompson wheeled Baines around to face the television as it cast images of Obama striding by to vote. Tonight, Baines probably will be asleep when the results are announced, but she had her own hopeful prediction.
"Everybody says they think he's going to get it," she said. "And I hope he do. Maybe things will get better."
Abdollah is a Times staff writer
tami.abdollah@latimes.com
Gertrude Baines' 114-year-old fingers wrapped lightly over the ballpoint pen as she bubbled in No. 18 on her ballot Tuesday. Her mouth curled up in a smile. A laugh escaped. The deed was done.
A daughter of former slaves, Baines had just voted for a black man to be president of the United States. "What's his name? I can't say it," she said shyly afterward. Those who helped her fill out the absentee ballot at a convalescent facility west of USC chimed in: "Barack Obama."
Baines is the world's oldest person of African descent, according to the Gerontology Research Group, which validates claims of extreme old age. She is the third-oldest person in the world, and the second-oldest in the United States after Edna Parker of Indiana, who is 115.
When Baines was born, Grover Cleveland was president and the U.S. flag had 44 stars. She grew up in Georgia during a time when black people were prevented from voting, discriminated against and subject to violent racism. In her lifetime, she has seen women gain the right to vote, and drastic changes to federal voting laws and to the Constitution -- and now, this.
"No, I didn't never think I'd live this long." she said.
The walls of Baines' room on the second floor of Western Convalescent Hospital are covered with birthday cards from presidents and officials from years gone by.
A picture of George W. Bush and his wife, Laura, is framed on the wall. Above it is a signed picture of Obama and City Councilman Bernard Parks, now running for a seat on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. On Baines' bed sit two teddy bears, one with an Obama pin on its right arm.
"Why am I voting for him? Because he's for the colored," Baines said, her language itself hearkening to a different time. "Sure it's good. That's the first one I know to be in there. Everybody's glad for colored men to be in there sometime."
On Tuesday, Baines sat in her wheelchair, a fuzzy red scarf around her neck, a red bonnet on her head and black slippers on her feet. She is hard of hearing and her memory comes and goes. She tends to refer to historical milestones by who was president at the time.
Aside from chronic arthritis, she is relatively healthy, mobile and attends church every Sunday in the hospital's dining room. That's where her pastor first told her a black man was running for president.
"It struck me," Baines said. "It struck a lot of people when they heard about a colored person" running. Baines looked over at her favorite assistant nurse, Cynthia Thompson. "What's that boy's name?"
"Jesse Jackson?" Thompson said.
"Yeah," Baines said with a laugh. "He tried, but he didn't make it."
"Why they want to keep having white? Why not let a colored person in some time?" Baines said. "I'm glad, I'm glad, I'm glad to get a colored man in there, and so many people are. I hope nothing don't happen to him."
This is only the second time Baines has voted. The last was for John F. Kennedy.
"And you see how they killed him. I was in Memphis, Tennessee, at that time, during the parade. Who was the next president they shot? Two of the boys . . ." she said, trailing off.
A registered Democrat, Baines said she was going to ask the hospital to remove Bush's picture from her wall. "They put him up there," she said disdainfully, waving her hand.
"We are all the same, skin dark, white, that's all," Baines said. She said Obama would be good for everybody. "Republicans don't care for the poor people," she said. "They want it all and they don't want the Democrats to have nothing."
Baines gets most of her election information from chats with hospital workers and friends. Her eyesight is poor, and it is not always easy for her to watch television.
On April 6, she will turn 115. Baines has been at the hospital for about nine years, and has outlived everyone in her family, including her daughter -- who died of typhoid at 18 -- and two nieces.
Baines said she spends much of her time sleeping and eating, but enjoys getting out in her wheelchair for a ride now and then, eating extra crispy bacon for breakfast, and watching "Jerry Springer" from time to time.
As lunch rolled around, Thompson wheeled Baines around to face the television as it cast images of Obama striding by to vote. Tonight, Baines probably will be asleep when the results are announced, but she had her own hopeful prediction.
"Everybody says they think he's going to get it," she said. "And I hope he do. Maybe things will get better."
Abdollah is a Times staff writer
tami.abdollah@latimes.com
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Love Hurts
For more info about the actor Jeff Crispi (cupid) - please check out his website.....
http://www.myspace.com/crispi
http://www.avalonstudios.org/
Friday, October 10, 2008
Earth from Above
I recently came across this site and found it to be very interesting.
Sometimes when we are living life we lose our perspective. We don't quite have the ability to take things in from a different point of view because our view is usually the same. A while ago I came across this site that allows us to see things from a different angle. Please click on the links below for a sweet view of our beautiful planet earth.
http://www.earthfromaboveusa.com/video_4mn.html
http://www.earthfromaboveusa.com/
Peace and enjoy
Sometimes when we are living life we lose our perspective. We don't quite have the ability to take things in from a different point of view because our view is usually the same. A while ago I came across this site that allows us to see things from a different angle. Please click on the links below for a sweet view of our beautiful planet earth.
http://www.earthfromaboveusa.com/video_4mn.html
http://www.earthfromaboveusa.com/
Peace and enjoy
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Please Don't Eat This! Wow A Real Life 12-Year Old Hamburger!
It's been said that the older we get, the better we age. Some kind of saying about fine wine or something to that effect. In any case.....I would love the have the secret that allows you to look the same 12 years later (if not better). I mean - is such a fountain of youth really available today? Where may I partake of such delicate nectar?
Well, look no further! I have found it in McDonald's my friend.
I found this to be very shocking. I've seen something similar to this in the past....this just served as a reminder for me as to why I don't eat at this establishment. I am very interested to know your thoughts on this.
Please take a gander at these actual posts before you watch the video. Very strange indeed. There is a link on this post that will give you much more detail about said miracle burger.
http://atl3x.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/12-year-old-mcdonalds-hamburger/
Can you tell which one of these beauties is a newborn and which is an elder? If you guessed the 12 year old to be the one on the right....then you my friend are Incorrect.............awwww...so sorry. The hamburger on the left is from 1996, the one on the right is from 2008.
Okay..still not convinced? Take a gander at this simple clip from the movie Supersize Me http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521/ for a bit of shocking but true insight. All I want to know is what is up with the French Fries?
WARNING: If you have a sensitive or weak stomach....you may not want to look at this. At the very least, please don't watch it while you are eating a meal. If you can stomach it, I think you will find it to be very informative.
Well, look no further! I have found it in McDonald's my friend.
I found this to be very shocking. I've seen something similar to this in the past....this just served as a reminder for me as to why I don't eat at this establishment. I am very interested to know your thoughts on this.
Please take a gander at these actual posts before you watch the video. Very strange indeed. There is a link on this post that will give you much more detail about said miracle burger.
http://atl3x.wordpress.com/2008/09/24/12-year-old-mcdonalds-hamburger/
Can you tell which one of these beauties is a newborn and which is an elder? If you guessed the 12 year old to be the one on the right....then you my friend are Incorrect.............awwww...so sorry. The hamburger on the left is from 1996, the one on the right is from 2008.
Okay..still not convinced? Take a gander at this simple clip from the movie Supersize Me http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521/ for a bit of shocking but true insight. All I want to know is what is up with the French Fries?
WARNING: If you have a sensitive or weak stomach....you may not want to look at this. At the very least, please don't watch it while you are eating a meal. If you can stomach it, I think you will find it to be very informative.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Wow - These Look Amazing
I enjoy reading about Cake Wrecks http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/ on a daily basis. Not sure why, but I believe I am attracted to the strange mixture of gooey frosting, flour and sugar mixtures. They fascinate me.
This post was really a good one as I remember watching the Muppet Show every week. These look so fantastic....not sure I'd want to eat it.
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2008/09/sunday-sweets-to-make-henson-proud.html
While talking about the Muppet's, found these clips
Ode to Beaker!
This post was really a good one as I remember watching the Muppet Show every week. These look so fantastic....not sure I'd want to eat it.
http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2008/09/sunday-sweets-to-make-henson-proud.html
While talking about the Muppet's, found these clips
Mahnahmahnah!
Ode to Beaker!
Hmmm Not Sure Why, but I Did - UPDATE
Well, yesterday I had to return Arkadia to her original owners. I was indeed allergic to her and she was sad.....since previous owners just lived downstairs from us. After much thought, I decided it was best to return her. I liked her a lot, but life happens sometimes.
I am grateful to have had the chance to meet her, and have her in our home for the short season.
Till next time..........
be blessed!
I am grateful to have had the chance to meet her, and have her in our home for the short season.
Till next time..........
be blessed!
The Maltese Falcon - The 300ft Mega Yacht
$i30M Yacht I found this to be very interesting today...the first video is a little background clip of the yacht....owner, cost, specs.
The second is a video of this huge wonder sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time ever on Saturday September 27, 2008.
Enjoy
The second is a video of this huge wonder sailing under the Golden Gate Bridge for the first time ever on Saturday September 27, 2008.
Enjoy
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Hmmm....Not Sure Why - But I Did
Have you ever had a desire to do something and not sure why you did it or wanted it? I am in that place today. For several months I'd been looking for a pet. I'd all but given up on finding one. I'd gone through several adoption places, enough kennels and pounds that I could probably tell you what kind of dogs they had each week.
After a series of unexpected events, I have acquired a new member to my family.....unfortunately, not yet of the human sort. It's a temporary arrangement for me as I have to assess whether I am allergic to said family member. Her name is Arkadia (I don't know why that name was chosen by the previous owners, but I don't want the hassle of adjusting the name.). She is a Chihuahua who doesn't like her crate. As far as I know, she is almost 3 yrs old (Nov 10th is her birthday) and she's doesn't weigh more than 4lbs.....she may be a little heavier, but not much. She loves riding in the car and taking long walks on the beach.
After a series of unexpected events, I have acquired a new member to my family.....unfortunately, not yet of the human sort. It's a temporary arrangement for me as I have to assess whether I am allergic to said family member. Her name is Arkadia (I don't know why that name was chosen by the previous owners, but I don't want the hassle of adjusting the name.). She is a Chihuahua who doesn't like her crate. As far as I know, she is almost 3 yrs old (Nov 10th is her birthday) and she's doesn't weigh more than 4lbs.....she may be a little heavier, but not much. She loves riding in the car and taking long walks on the beach.
We shall see how this goes........til next time
Friday, September 19, 2008
Just in Case You Always Wanted to Know How -
Have you ever come across information you didn't know you needed until it appeared before you? This is what happened to me with this blog subject. I came across this article on line and have found it to be quite strange and different. As a matter of fact, most of my blog items are like that.....does any one else here see a pattern? Nah.....neither do I. Sorry, I was sidetracked for a moment.
In any case, I thought this was funny because it must be vitally important because it was on a BBC owned website. I cannot attest to the accuracy or validity of the article, but it seemed like an interesting read none the less.
For you reading enjoyment or lack there of, I present an article you cannot live without - "Learn to walk in extremely high heels" http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3724977
As an afterthought, I will include a couple of videos of interest regarding same subject.
This short instructional video gives tips on how to walk in heels.
This short video shows how "NOT" to walk in heels.
(Yes, I am sorry to admit I laugh out loud every time I see this video.....shame on me).
Till next time.....peace! By the way to my male readers.....I am sorry to have subjected you to this, but knowledge is power and a female loved one you know may just need such information in the future.....she just doesn't know it yet.
In any case, I thought this was funny because it must be vitally important because it was on a BBC owned website. I cannot attest to the accuracy or validity of the article, but it seemed like an interesting read none the less.
For you reading enjoyment or lack there of, I present an article you cannot live without - "Learn to walk in extremely high heels" http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3724977
As an afterthought, I will include a couple of videos of interest regarding same subject.
This short instructional video gives tips on how to walk in heels.
This short video shows how "NOT" to walk in heels.
(Yes, I am sorry to admit I laugh out loud every time I see this video.....shame on me).
Till next time.....peace! By the way to my male readers.....I am sorry to have subjected you to this, but knowledge is power and a female loved one you know may just need such information in the future.....she just doesn't know it yet.
Simulator? Huh?
I came across this website by accident. If you are bored or have time, I found this to be a neat little gadget to play around with. You don't have to give any of your info to play with it, nor does it require a lot of thought. I found it be very creative and well done. It's an opportunity to live your day the way you'd like to, (based on the choices you are given on the simulator). I even had the chance at bed time to enter a diary entry. When you get to the site, you should see a hamburger. Click the tab that reads "Simulator" to get started. I don't want to spoil it for you.....so with out further adieu here for your enjoyment - The Simulator: http://conceptlab.com/simulator/. Have fun.
till next time!
till next time!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
MSG Free Flip Flops?
Many people are familiar with MSG. It is found in everything from Chinese food to Hamburger Helper. Perhaps it's just me, but I found it odd that they add it to shoes now. I am always the last one to know these kinds of things.
Apparently there is a high demand being presented in the market for shoes...flip flops, no less that will not have the bothersome effects or allergic and unpleasant reactions to MSG in their footwear. Well my friend, you can have this wonder footwear for a small price. Thus, the need to charge $49.99 for said delicacies.
I found this to be humorous. I was in the local Elephant Pharmacy http://www.elephantpharmacy.com/ in Berkeley last night just to check out the local wares. I came across this pair of flip flops and had to post it to my blog.
Sound off and let me know what you think.
Apparently there is a high demand being presented in the market for shoes...flip flops, no less that will not have the bothersome effects or allergic and unpleasant reactions to MSG in their footwear. Well my friend, you can have this wonder footwear for a small price. Thus, the need to charge $49.99 for said delicacies.
I found this to be humorous. I was in the local Elephant Pharmacy http://www.elephantpharmacy.com/ in Berkeley last night just to check out the local wares. I came across this pair of flip flops and had to post it to my blog.
Sound off and let me know what you think.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Surfs Up
Just thought it was a kewl shot of a surfer catching the waves. I caught him just as he was turning into the next wave.
I took this photo on Tuesday of this week from the Oceanside Pier http://www.beachcalifornia.com/oceansi1.html, in Oceanside CA. http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/
Yummy!
When one is on vacation, there is an expectation of great food. When you are in an area known for it's beaches, surfing and food, there is a great thrill that comes with finding the perfect lunch or dinner spot to satisfy the pangs of hunger after a long morning of doing nothing.
I had already happened upon such a place and was full. As my husband and I were walking from this quaint little mall area to head to our resort, I happened upon a sign that made me chuckle and also made me grateful that I'd already had lunch. I found it in a deli as the special of the day.
I wondered what it would be.....tuna, chicken salad, maybe even a fish taco....the ideas were endless. I remember thinking that I'd hoped it wouldn't be egg salad....that doesn't seem like a good sell item to me. All I have to say is......Yummy, yum yum yum!
*pics from www.wikipedia.org and www.associatedcontent.com
I had already happened upon such a place and was full. As my husband and I were walking from this quaint little mall area to head to our resort, I happened upon a sign that made me chuckle and also made me grateful that I'd already had lunch. I found it in a deli as the special of the day.
I wondered what it would be.....tuna, chicken salad, maybe even a fish taco....the ideas were endless. I remember thinking that I'd hoped it wouldn't be egg salad....that doesn't seem like a good sell item to me. All I have to say is......Yummy, yum yum yum!
*pics from www.wikipedia.org and www.associatedcontent.com
Special of the Day Bologna Sandwich on white bread with
American cheese - for $4.99
Your thoughts? Till next time......
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Vacation
Since I was unable to try the yogurt, I figured I would just take a trip to the ocean instead. This is a picture taken at the hotel we are staying at in Oceanside CA. It's a neat little town full of surfing and a lot of beaches. I will post more about the trip later.
Till next time.....
be blessed
Monday, September 8, 2008
Do You Need to Relax?
Has your day been hectic and crazy? Are you feeling overwhelmed by life? Do you need to take a moment to relax and reflect on happier things? Well you don't have to go to some far off location or to the local spa for a massage......Just eat yogurt! But it will only work if it's the brand in the above photo. This was a first for me to see a milky product that can evoke a sense of euphoria. My husband purchased it....at the time of this writing, he couldn't really say that it worked....but it's worth a try.
Till next time.....grab a nice cup of yogurt and take some time to relax.
Cheers.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Simple But True
This struck me as simple yet profound. God will always make a demand on the anointing, gifting and talents He has placed inside of us. When this demand is made, there is an expectation from the Father for us to "Respond". I got a beautiful reminder of this on yesterday when I was on Myspace. With his permission I would like to share it with you:
We are a mighty army of men and women who have the responsibility to respond to the call, gifting and purpose God has entrusted us to handle. It's simple but true.
**************************************************************************************
I want to thank Giacomo Knox the author of the poem, and a co-laborer with Christ, for allowing me to post his simple work - I want to give honor where it is due and pass on some info about his newest project called "A week with my father".
By the way....Giacomo has not paid or asked me to supply info about his project. He only asked for credit to be given for his poem. Be blessed.
Till next time......
Respond by Giacomo Knox
To what He put in you...
To what He gave you...
To what He has for you...
To where He wants you to go...
To the price He paid for you...
To His LOVE for you...
G
To what He put in you...
To what He gave you...
To what He has for you...
To where He wants you to go...
To the price He paid for you...
To His LOVE for you...
G
We are a mighty army of men and women who have the responsibility to respond to the call, gifting and purpose God has entrusted us to handle. It's simple but true.
**************************************************************************************
I want to thank Giacomo Knox the author of the poem, and a co-laborer with Christ, for allowing me to post his simple work - I want to give honor where it is due and pass on some info about his newest project called "A week with my father".
"A Week With My Father is the brainchild of Actor and Screenwriter Giacomo Knox. The show was created to bring African-American men and their estranged fathers together for a one week reunion. " (see site link above for more info).It is a work that I believe is over due in the entertainment industry. I encourage you to take a look at and support him in anyway you can. Additional information may be found at http://www.myspace.com/aweekwithmyfather.
By the way....Giacomo has not paid or asked me to supply info about his project. He only asked for credit to be given for his poem. Be blessed.
Till next time......
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Pinata
I am currently in the process of working on two blog entries that are going to be a bit challenging for me. So to lighten my thoughts a little, I decided to share something playful, cute and just funny instead. I can so relate to this little fella. If you have ever had a day or days when you just felt like the world was just out to get you and you decided you need to preserve yourself, then this is definitely a video we can all relate to.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Lightning Images
I thought these were very beautiful. Although lighting can be very scary to me, I was really mesmerized by the incredible detail and beauty of these shots. Enjoy!
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/15-spectacular-lightning-images/
http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/15-spectacular-lightning-images/
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Take Lion Off of the Menu - Part 2
http://www.tampabay.com/features/food/article661291.ece#
Came across this - Not sure about you, but the whole thing just seems odd. For your reading enjoyment, here's the article in full.
I not sure what to say. $48.00 for 14 oz.
*****************************************
(Photo:Times staff writer Tamara El-Khoury tries a slice of elk at Spoto’s Steak Joint. Spoto’s offers unusual delicacies.)
A taste of untamed delights
By Tamara El-Khoury, Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, July 4, 2008 3:33 PM
DUNEDIN — I've sampled snails in France, pig's ear in Brazil and stuffed lamb intestines in Lebanon. But I experienced my most exotic culinary adventure last week in … Dunedin.
At Spoto's Steak Joint. A reader had called, pointing out that the restaurant's marquee advertised African lion, rattlesnake, bison, elk and boar.
Along with summer intern Jackie Alexander, I was sent to try it out. And, as it happens, I was a good choice for the assignment. As a Lebanese-American I know what it's like to eat "different'' foods. I was the kid eating a brie and pita bread sandwich or stuffed grape leaves for lunch.
I learned not to judge foods until I had tasted them. Having done just that at Spoto's, here's my verdict:
The elk was fabulous.
The kangaroo sweet.
The lion tasted a bit like ribs.
(We'll get to the rattlesnake later.)
We started with the Game Sampler for $25.95, which comes with generous helpings of kangaroo, boar and rattlesnake. But we substituted elk for the snake. The meal was served with steamed asparagus and roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
We also ordered the South African Lion Chop dish, a 14-ounce lion rib chop, char grilled for $48.
Spoto's owner and chef Jim Stewart said all his game is farm raised and USDA approved. The kangaroo is from Australia and the lion is farm raised in South Africa and processed in Colorado. The snake and boar come from Texas and the elk comes from Alaska, Canada or New Zealand.
Stewart has built a niche out of serving unusual meats. Previous menus have included ostrich, bear and python. He sends e-mails to 1,000 patrons when he serves a new type of game.
"Gosh, where else can you go and get barbecue prime ribs, steak … duck and lion or bear or whatever at any given time?" he said. "We've kind of built ourselves a little name for that, and it's caught on."
After munching on chicken liver pate, warm baguettes and salad, our dinners arrived. We were both surprised.
"It looks like regular food," Jackie said.
First, I tried the kangaroo. It was sweet and easy to chew, unlike any other meat I've tried. Then the elk, my favorite, which was so tender, Jackie commented it was better than filet mignon. The boar tasted a little heavier than roasted pork.
Finally, it was time to try the lion. The meat was less tender than the others and came with part of the bone, making it difficult to cut. The taste is difficult to describe, sort of a cross between pork chops and ribs.
Pleased with our delicious meal, Jackie and I were ready to wrap things up when photographer Joseph Garnett noted that we had not tried the rattlesnake.
No, I said.
Snakes scare me. I didn't want one near my mouth. Then Joseph used the "w" word — wimp. So I ordered a small side of snake. I asked that it please not look like snake.
"Snake, snake!" a child chanted in the background.
I made small talk to hide my nervousness, and when the dish arrived, my heart was pounding. It looked like snake. Bones poked out through the meat. Before I could panic, Stewart handed me a fork. I closed my eyes and dug in.
The meat was chewy and had a bland taste, kind of like turkey. It was dressed in a light barbecue sauce that had a little kick to it. If I hadn't psyched myself out, I might have taken another bite.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Take Lion off of the menu - Part 1
Sometimes you have to consider the source. I came across the two site links below on a male geared web site (there are other questionable articles on the site) and found this to be intriguing. While in shock about the establishment in the two links below in Philly, I was not really convinced that people in the U.S. would actually partake of such appauling behavior. Plus, I was hoping to find the story else where. Boy was I wrong, hence the posting of a two-parter on the subject of lion.
I actually found out that there was a posting of a similar article, from an article from the Guardian in the UK from 2005 entitled "Zoo forced to take tiger and giraffe off menu."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2005/nov /22/conservationandendangeredspecies.internationalnews.
Don't get me wrong, this is just as outlandish as the other articles that will follow, but I figured it was overseas and about 3 years old. The postings I provided actually took place within the last 3 - 6 months in both Philly and Florida.
**********************************************************************************
Info from Philly:
http://www.asylum.com/2008/08/07/philly-restaurant-pressured-to-take-lion-off-menu/
http://www.asylum.com/2008/08/12/barroom-debate-is-it-ok-to-eat-lion-meat/?icid=flyout - the debate
**********************************************************************************
Info from Florida - article is following this link
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/lion-meat628.html
A restaurant in Tampa, Florida, has been offering lion meat from South Africa to its customers. It is thought that the lion originated from a ‘lion farm' in South Africa. Is this an industry which Florida restaurant goers would wish to support?
I had no idea that serving lion would offend so many people. When it was offered to me by one of my suppliers, I was curious myself about how lion would compare to other animals I have prepared for consumption. There was a limited amount available and, as it was the first time I had served it, I posted it on our board so our customers would be aware that they could try it here at Spoto's. We never intended to make it a regular selection on our menu, and all our customers who tried it seemed to be pleased with their selection.
For those who question my judgment for serving lion, I can only reply that I had confirmed that it was handled under government standards, was safe to eat, and that it was not killed illegally. I believed that any who did not want to dine on lion would simply not do so.
In fact, while we were serving lion, we had no complaints whatsoever, so we were surprised to read the letters of those who had read the article about our special offering in your newspaper.
We understand their feeling and hope that, likewise, they will understand our motivation for serving this meat that was already processed and available. We played no part in the killing or processing of the lion and only purchased it after it had been offered in the commercial marketplace.
Therefore, we apologize to any who were offended by our serving lion to our customers and ask them to respect the desire of those who ordered it to do so in our society.
We recognize that there are vegans, vegetarians, non-pork and non-beef eaters and a wide variety of other individuals who object to the eating of various types of animals. Yet, they do respect the right of others to do so, even if it should conflict with their principles. Be assured that at no time did we intend to offend anyone and that we will be more mindful in the future.
I actually found out that there was a posting of a similar article, from an article from the Guardian in the UK from 2005 entitled "Zoo forced to take tiger and giraffe off menu."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2005/nov /22/conservationandendangeredspecies.internationalnews.
Don't get me wrong, this is just as outlandish as the other articles that will follow, but I figured it was overseas and about 3 years old. The postings I provided actually took place within the last 3 - 6 months in both Philly and Florida.
**********************************************************************************
Info from Philly:
http://www.asylum.com/2008/08/07/philly-restaurant-pressured-to-take-lion-off-menu/
http://www.asylum.com/2008/08/12/barroom-debate-is-it-ok-to-eat-lion-meat/?icid=flyout - the debate
**********************************************************************************
Info from Florida - article is following this link
http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/lion-meat628.html
Florida restaurant puts lion meat on the menu
Florida restaurant with Lion meat on the menu. Couretsy of Campaign Against Canned Hunting.
There is little doubt that the patrons of the restaurant will have little idea that by ordering lion meat they are supporting one of the most vicious and destructive industries in the world. Their money will go back along the commercial food chain until it reaches the canned lion breeder in South Africa, enriching him and encouraging his grisly trade. South Africa is the world capital of canned lion breeding and hunting; captive predators, often wild caught, are reared under cruel conditions and then shot for sport, often with bow and arrow. Packs of dogs are sometimes used to force tame, hand reared lions up trees so that bow hunters can have fun shooting arrows into their helpless victim.
Treating lions as livestock like this is cruel. Unlike cattle and sheep, which are mostly raised on the open range and have some natural contentment before they are penned, fattened and slaughtered, lions are predators and often bred in enclosures.
Predators don't usually eat predators
It is not natural, and perhaps even unhealthy, to eat the flesh of predators. There must be good reason why predators do not eat other predators. Lions do not eat other lions even if they fight and kill each other. There are very few reported incidences, if any, of big cats eating each other. There seems little research into why this is the case, but there is obviously some innate sense within big cats that they should not eat each other. Yet humans do often eat other species of predator; snakes, crocodiles, many species of fish and even dogs. Perhaps it is just our western pre-conceptions of what is right to eat and what is not, but that is irrelevant. What is relevant is the way that this lion was brought to the table, how it was kept in a farm and how it was killed.
Information provided by:
Chris Mercer
Campaign Against Canned Hunting
South Africa
http://www.cannedlion.co.za/
Response from Jimmy Stewart, chef/owner Spoto's Steak Joint II, Dunedin, Florida.
Lion meat not meant to offendI had no idea that serving lion would offend so many people. When it was offered to me by one of my suppliers, I was curious myself about how lion would compare to other animals I have prepared for consumption. There was a limited amount available and, as it was the first time I had served it, I posted it on our board so our customers would be aware that they could try it here at Spoto's. We never intended to make it a regular selection on our menu, and all our customers who tried it seemed to be pleased with their selection.
For those who question my judgment for serving lion, I can only reply that I had confirmed that it was handled under government standards, was safe to eat, and that it was not killed illegally. I believed that any who did not want to dine on lion would simply not do so.
In fact, while we were serving lion, we had no complaints whatsoever, so we were surprised to read the letters of those who had read the article about our special offering in your newspaper.
We understand their feeling and hope that, likewise, they will understand our motivation for serving this meat that was already processed and available. We played no part in the killing or processing of the lion and only purchased it after it had been offered in the commercial marketplace.
Therefore, we apologize to any who were offended by our serving lion to our customers and ask them to respect the desire of those who ordered it to do so in our society.
We recognize that there are vegans, vegetarians, non-pork and non-beef eaters and a wide variety of other individuals who object to the eating of various types of animals. Yet, they do respect the right of others to do so, even if it should conflict with their principles. Be assured that at no time did we intend to offend anyone and that we will be more mindful in the future.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Excuse Me - Do You Know What Time it is?
Monday, August 18, 2008
In the Spirit of the Olympics....sorta......
After watching so many wonderful videos online about the Olympics and the incredible feats of strength, endurance and sheer willpower of all of the Olympians no matter medal placement, I am reminded that it takes a special kind of person to do these things.
After reading my favorite blog http://vipersons.blogspot.com/ I was encouraged to seek out more info about the Olympics. After reading about super Olympian Michael Phelps on http://vipersons.blogspot.com/2008/08/he-is-doing-it-big.html, I found that my thirst for watching excellence continued to grow and I had to see more greatness. I was reminded of other greats who stood out in my mind as incredible or excellent. I was eager to see Mary Lou Retton again http://www.marylouretton.com/ and Surya Bonaly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIauMJCnvuE with her incredible illegal (now her trademark) back flip on ice.
After a couple of days, my zeal for this has died down a little. I have been bombarded with such negative news/videos and just wanted to see something positive and encouraging. I pretty much gave up looking for that and decided to log into myspace and see if I'd gotten any mail. Before I could log in, I came across this little video and was delighted that I'd watched it. Although they aren't human, they were able to do things that I can't even do upright on dry ground. Perhaps it was the musical accompaniment, or just the way it was videoed, or maybe it's just me, but I thought this to be a bit fascinating and special. Can't say I've ever seen anything quite like it.
It certainly made me smile and that's all one could hope for.
Monkeys On Ice
After reading my favorite blog http://vipersons.blogspot.com/ I was encouraged to seek out more info about the Olympics. After reading about super Olympian Michael Phelps on http://vipersons.blogspot.com/2008/08/he-is-doing-it-big.html, I found that my thirst for watching excellence continued to grow and I had to see more greatness. I was reminded of other greats who stood out in my mind as incredible or excellent. I was eager to see Mary Lou Retton again http://www.marylouretton.com/ and Surya Bonaly http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIauMJCnvuE with her incredible illegal (now her trademark) back flip on ice.
After a couple of days, my zeal for this has died down a little. I have been bombarded with such negative news/videos and just wanted to see something positive and encouraging. I pretty much gave up looking for that and decided to log into myspace and see if I'd gotten any mail. Before I could log in, I came across this little video and was delighted that I'd watched it. Although they aren't human, they were able to do things that I can't even do upright on dry ground. Perhaps it was the musical accompaniment, or just the way it was videoed, or maybe it's just me, but I thought this to be a bit fascinating and special. Can't say I've ever seen anything quite like it.
It certainly made me smile and that's all one could hope for.
Monkeys On Ice
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Is Ugly the New Pretty?
In our society we equate beauty with so many things, like success, happiness, wealth and intellect. There is a company in NY that specializes in only hiring people who are average or unique looking to become models. They are all very interesting, but something in the title disturbed me.
Why is this shocking or news worthy? Why is there so little value placed on those of us who look like God intended for us to look?
According to Merriam Websters on line dictionary:
Ugly: offensive to the sight : hideous
Pretty: pleasing by delicacy or grace
Those are strong words used to describe both elements. I guess my next question would then be this: Is it possible to become bias or even jaded by what we see presented on mainstream media outlets and magazines as to what beauty really means?
If so, who then really qualifies to meet the standard of beauty set in place by said entities?
Just something I thought about. What are your thoughts.
Why is this shocking or news worthy? Why is there so little value placed on those of us who look like God intended for us to look?
According to Merriam Websters on line dictionary:
Ugly: offensive to the sight : hideous
Pretty: pleasing by delicacy or grace
Those are strong words used to describe both elements. I guess my next question would then be this: Is it possible to become bias or even jaded by what we see presented on mainstream media outlets and magazines as to what beauty really means?
If so, who then really qualifies to meet the standard of beauty set in place by said entities?
Just something I thought about. What are your thoughts.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Comic actor Bernie Mac dies
Comic actor Bernie Mac died early Saturday of complications from pneumonia, according to a family member and his publicist. He was 50.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/09/obit.bernie.mac.ap/index.html
This is such shocking and sad news. My sympathy and prayers definitely go out to the Mac family, as the passing of a loved one is always very trying and difficult.
I was not prepared to see this today. It causes me to reflect on my own life. There are no guarantees in life. We take our lives for granted, and often live according to our own plans and desires. Perhaps God has a different plan. If we ask Him, He will surely tell us.
Blessings and Peace
http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/09/obit.bernie.mac.ap/index.html
This is such shocking and sad news. My sympathy and prayers definitely go out to the Mac family, as the passing of a loved one is always very trying and difficult.
I was not prepared to see this today. It causes me to reflect on my own life. There are no guarantees in life. We take our lives for granted, and often live according to our own plans and desires. Perhaps God has a different plan. If we ask Him, He will surely tell us.
Blessings and Peace
New Kid In Town
One of my favorite sites (among a bizillion - yes this is a real number, that exists) is called www.woot.com. They have a division called www.shirt.woot.com. I am amazed at the amount of creative T shirts they have each night. The shirts are new each day. Some times they are creepy and strange and other times they are just down right funny.This is an istance where it's funny. The shirt is entitled New Kid In Town.
I wish I could tell you that this was a shameless plug for a company I work for, but I don't get paid by them, nor do I work for them. I guess I just like their stuff.
Till next time. Take care.
More to Say Already
Wow. Can you believe it. I have found more to talk about already. How odd that this should occur so quickly. Actually I just read my brothers latest blog entry entitled "Renewed Vigor" (http://VIPersons) (please see link page) and I got inspired by his being inspired.
This is very funny. (well, maybe in my mind it's funny and will not convey the same way when on paper). In any case, my brother is the reason I even heard about blogging and now he's inspired to create because of me.
This just shows you that one can never be sure of the impact one persons actions or lack there of can have on the life of another. Our obedience can catapult someone into their destiny, or lack of such obedience can cause us to be the stumbling block that stops the progression of destiny in ones life. Please don't misunderstand the spirit of what I am trying to say....simply put....we cause one another to grow and be blessed, no matter how small of a part it may seem to be.
Have a great Saturday!
This is very funny. (well, maybe in my mind it's funny and will not convey the same way when on paper). In any case, my brother is the reason I even heard about blogging and now he's inspired to create because of me.
This just shows you that one can never be sure of the impact one persons actions or lack there of can have on the life of another. Our obedience can catapult someone into their destiny, or lack of such obedience can cause us to be the stumbling block that stops the progression of destiny in ones life. Please don't misunderstand the spirit of what I am trying to say....simply put....we cause one another to grow and be blessed, no matter how small of a part it may seem to be.
Have a great Saturday!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Wow My FIrst Blog
This may sound a bit odd, but I've never blogged before. I've tried to have an occasional musing or two on my myspace page, but never seeming to quite enjoy the stuffiness of it. I also tried to do it on facebook, but friends are way too busy to respond to or ponder said musings with such hectic schedules. Once in a blue moon, I can get a good comment or two while posting to digg, but for the most part.....nothing.
I guess not many people want to hear what others have to say. Then again, maybe they do and we are more comfortable enjoying the secret worlds of others in the privacy of the office cubicle, bathrobe or even commuter train/bus.
In any case, I am excited about this venture. Finally a place to hang my thoughts to get some fresh air and creative perspective. Happy reading to all who happen across my path. And blessings to those who found me on purpose.
Till we meet again.
Devine
I guess not many people want to hear what others have to say. Then again, maybe they do and we are more comfortable enjoying the secret worlds of others in the privacy of the office cubicle, bathrobe or even commuter train/bus.
In any case, I am excited about this venture. Finally a place to hang my thoughts to get some fresh air and creative perspective. Happy reading to all who happen across my path. And blessings to those who found me on purpose.
Till we meet again.
Devine
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