It takes all kinds - this...that...and all the others

Life with all its complexities and challenges, is full of interesting stories focusing on people living out their lives doing interesting if somewhat perplexing things at times. No need to travel far to come across these real-life stories that can be found with a quick click of the mouse, the electronic kind.

Getting to the source of dog poop

As a former dog owner for fifteen years, one of the more distasteful tasks connected with pet care is having to pick up dog excrement, especially in Spring. Legally and morally, dog owners are responsible for cleaning after their pooch has finished by bringing along disposal bags, but many people adopt the 'hit-and-run' method - fleeing the scene once the job (in the true sense of the word) is over.

Seems that people living in apartment complexes in the Seattle area that have had their fill of dog poop are seeking the identity of canine culprits using - wait for it -  DNA testing. To this end (again in the true sense of the word), owners are being provided with a test kit called PooPrints provided by one BioPet Vet Lab from Knoxville, TENN. that will help seek out guilty poop-ers. Some apartment and condo tenants are even being charged a one-time fee of $29.95 for this testing service most likely if they own dogs.

So I'm thinking here...

What if a dog owner refuses to allow her/his pooch to participate? I mean, dogs do have some rights, right? After all, it is their feces, right?

According to the Poo-Prints site, dogs are registered on line (presumably) after which  a poop sample is collected to be registered with the patented DNA World Pet Registry for managing community dogs. Matching the poop samples with the dog(s) in question is a means used ascertain who did what where. Very high tech in as far as dog poop is concerned. However, one wonders what would happen in the case of poop mis-identification.

"Did you receive the DNA I sent you last night?" an apartment manager might call in the way of a follow-up. 

"We did but somehow it doesn't seem to match any DNA records of local neighborhood dogs," the DNA collector could/might/possibly answer.

"Whad'ya mean?" the apartment manager most likely would respond, irately. "I supplied you with all the DNA of all the dogs in this complex and now you're telling me you can't find the pooper?"

"Could be an out-of-town visitor or maybe a dog from another 'burb. You know, a dog out with its owner taking an evening stroll," the DNA collector would attempt to explain.

"What am I supposed to do now?" the apartment manager would ask.

"In cases like that, we advise the person in charge to take things into their own hands, if you get my drift."

In the end, a dog's gotta do what a dog's gotta do in spite of high tech poop testing.


A wedding of a different breed

People on occasion, may question the choice of mate when it comes to the band of matrimony but this is a bit much. An obviously love-stricken man for whatever reason (to each their own) decided to marry a specie of a different sort after being convinced that he was fated to share his life with a cobra. A cobra as in dangerous snake that has other things on its mind than marriage.

The groom was positive that the bride-to-be/cobra was once a beautiful female in a previous life who was now in love with him. Furthermore and to complete the mating,  he claimed that he could turn into a snake at night by entering a deep trance. Seems that the bride/cobra had promised to marry him on Easter Sunday.

Obviously, many people believed him since between 12,000 and 15,000 turned up to watch the ceremony. Thinking further, wonder if the bride wore white. But I digress

According to the priest that was to do the nuptials, the groom had exhibited traits of a snake since childhood. I'm sure many people can say that about human they've encountered in their lifetime but I digress. Again.

However, the marriage was not to be when the police put in an appearance after being tipped off about the nuptials. So I'm thinking here, wonder what their wedding night would have been like had the marriage gone ahead. In the end, can you really trust a snake given their reputation for lying?


 Speaking of snakes...

What is it with all this snake abuse? Arrest warrents were issued for two males accused of throwing a snake behind the counter of donut chain, Tim  Hortons in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as a result of a sandwich dispute. Some people obviously take their sandwiches very seriously. Anywaaay...

The pair are charged with mischief and causing a disturbance. Most likely throwing a snake behind a counter would definitely cause a disturbance. The cause of the disturbance was that they wanted the onions on their sandwiches, diced. Really, the snake should not have to suffer the consequences of an onion dispute. No word on the snake's condition but a temporary home was found for the serpent.


Last but not least - looking for a job with a difference?

The Isles of Scilly, a group of rocky islands off the southwestern tip of Britain, is currently seeking a new constable that can handle a lot of jobs. For example, dealing with wandering seal pups, stopping speeding golf carts and saving abandoned goldfish (some people would say that the sewer pipes are home to many of their kind).

The island is home to approximately 2,200 people. For information, check the Scilly page on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/IslesofScillyPolice

And how was your week?
 

 

Some thoughts

Shock! Gasp! Confession time!

Okay. I admit it. I didn't watch the Emmy Awards last night. Right now you're probably gasping in shock thinking, "Eleanor - how could you, being a freelance writer/playwright, skip the Emmys?" To be candid, I passed because I've watched the nominated series on occasion and only once-in-a-while occasions. One should at least relate to the series actors and watch frequently enough to be able to form an opinion, right?

As a rule and when I do watch the awards show, I tune in to see what everyone is wearing. It's always fun to see the latest designer outfits and what the "in" color is this season. Not that it makes a difference in my world but still, one should keep up with fashion trends, just in case. This morning the Web was filled with reports on the nominees and the eventual winners, what they wore and their acceptance speeches. Loved Billy Crystal's tribute to Robin Williams. Simple, to the point and well put. Being a big fan of Ricky Gervais, also adored his acceptance speech at not winning. What can one say: I like people who kvetch.

In as far as fashion looks are concerned, I liked Halle Berry's mauve dress, Kate Walsh's yellow dress although how she walked is a mystery with that draping of material, also loved Taryn Manning's gown...on and on.

For the record, my favorite programs are related to sci-fi and related topics. I'll tune in to TV series featured on networks and shows that have an alien presence(s) (thinking further, this could apply to many celebrities but I digress). As usual, none of my favorites were nominated. Oh well - there's always next year.


Brangelina are now one

Added this item on Thurs. August 28, because this is news we've all been waiting for. After living together for nine years and following an engagement of one year, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt made it legal. Without any fan-fare or press releases to announce the up-coming nuptials, the couple were married at a French as in France, chateau. Their children were present and took part in the walk down the aisle. How very romantic getting married in France. Wonder what they ate in the way of celebrating their joining together. Pure speculation but more than likely, wine was involved or maybe champagne...French baguette with pate de compagne perhaps...une patisserie for dessert. In any case, you might want to wish them bonne chance if passing them on the rue.



Arf...bow-wow. A day for the dogs

Today is National Dog Day. This is the first time I became aware that a day has been set aside to honor the special pooches in our lives and their contribution to our well being. As the former slave...that is to say, friend to a Heinz 57 mutt that shared our lives for 15 years, it's only right that we honor our furry canine buddies and bud-ettes. Although we were assured at the time of adoption that Daisy would reach a medium-sized dog status, she ended up being a cross between a beagle, cocker spaniel and physical characteristics of a Labrador retriever. In other words, pure mutt adopted at a shelter. In retrospect, she really wasn't the friendliest dog and showed her teeth frequently, snarling menacingly at all who approached when food was poured in her bowl. She also wasn't above taking a nibble at toes while seated under the table at meal times, when spare food didn't fall in her direction. Protecting the house, however, was relegated to snoring on the job. It took me a long time to get over her passing but the memories she gave us will remain forever. Happy National Dog Day to pooches everywhere - it's your day!


Addendum: a tragedy waiting to happen

Parents (or caregivers to children) make a concerted effort to go out of their way as a means to protect their offspring from imminent danger. It is puzzling therefore, at least to me, when children are knowingly exposed to questionable situations by presumably, functioning adults. Then again, perhaps in their opinion and mind, they believe that the danger is minimal.

For whatever reason, parents of a 9-year old girl decided to take their daughter to a shooting range. In my mind, anyway, this act in itself is questionable but to each her/his own. Again, one ponders as to why a young person in this age range would be given a Uzi-sub-machine gun no less as was the case to learn how to shoot, is another good question. In any case, the shooting range instructor standing next to the girl was demonstrating how to fire the weapon and when she pulled the trigger, the recoil caused her to aim over her head killing the shooting instructor.

It just boggles my mind that parents would even think taking their offspring to a shooting range, period, would be a fun activity. Duh...

Some random thoughts

Some of my best thoughts occur while taking a walk. Perhaps it's all the visual stimulation while strolling through the neighborhood. It's time to share. Check back often since most likely more thoughts just may trickle in and feel free to share your thoughts about...anything.

CONFESSION: I LOVE FOOD SAMPLES!

Keep this to yourself but there's nothing more personally inviting than a trip to one of those big food distributors i.e. Costco et al that serve up food samples. The best time to get the primo samples is on Thursday to Saturday and maybe Sunday. Now that the holiday period is almost upon us, the various food companies really make their push with wine samples, delectable and yummy deserts, cooked meal samplings - it just never stops! In fact, one could (and does) go up and down the food aisles and make a whole meal of the samplings. Sometimes, there's a line-up of shoppers waiting for an opportunity to get freebies but line up they do. It's sort-of a game in that shopper/diners - okay...me - feign interest in the product to assuage feelings of guilt.

ME: "Oh this fattening but very delicious cake is on sale this week?" as I pick up the product with one hand, while holding the cake sample in the other, shovelling it into my mouth. "Let me think about it. Perhaps I'll be back."
or..
ME: "My this is a delicious wine. Perfect for the holidays! And white, my favorite! Could I perhaps taste the red? And how about the rose? I have some other things to buy but I just may be back."

Instead, one (me) moves on to the next culinary delight waiting to be tried.

In a way, it's only right given the amount of money people put down at these super buy-in-bulk food warehouse type establishments.

OF BRA CUPS. MISSING CATS AND OTHER PAST BLOGS

Continually amazed at what attracts people to certain blogs. Over the years I've written and shared many topics with blog readers/aficionados but as I've shared previously, some continually surface.

One of the most popular pieces is the tale of Wookie the cat that went missing in Bedford, England. The piece was written almost two years ago and relates the story of Wookie's owner, Mike, who ran afoul of the law by posting missing cat notices on local Bedford trees, utility poles and anywhere presumably, that would hold a poster.
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2011/01/posting-missing-cat-notice-no-no-in.html
THE CHRISTMAS RETURN GIFT RUSH
Another older story that has re-surfaced is a piece focusing on an idea as to how to deal with the usual post holiday return gift rush. Although written tongue-in-cheek, readers seem to enjoy or at least consider the idea. Instead of standing in long line-ups and waiting a long period of time to return gifts, people in line can trade gifts with each other. Think of the time saved!
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2006/12/lets-make-deal-or-how-to-beat-post.html
DUAL PURPOSE BRA
The most popular one by far is the piece written about a recipient of the quirky Ig Nobel Prize whose invention of a bra that can double as a gas mask. Next thing we'll hear about is a bra that can shoot bullets...the mind boggles (at least mine does).
http://myviewscount.blogspot.ca/2009/10/bra-cups-runneth-over-as-gas-mask.html


BAH HUMBUG

Maybe it's just me but it really irks me that the retail industry is promoting the holiday periods earlier and earlier. Is there any logical explanation, other than greed, for the appearance of holiday decorations on store shelves and decorated malls in August or September?

And now for some PICKS AND PANS

PERSONAL BESTS

- the first sip of tea and coffee to start the day
- the sight of Canada geese flying in 'V" formation
- the lick of a dog...the pur of a cat...
- popcorn at a movie
- finishing a painting canvas that draws me in
- finishing a great piece of writing after being blocked
- Debrett's: the site for everything pertaining to social etiquette

Add to this list with YOUR personal bests and favorites.


PERSONAL BLECHS

- bra straps that stretch and the uplift goes downward
- water sprays that go amock in produce depts.
- forgetting to re-charge the cell phone
- forgetting to add sound after muting cell phone in movie theatre
- coffee served in paper cups - blech
- tea served in paper cups - double-blech
- people who carry on cell phone conversation in bathroom stalls
- the new and "improved" Blogger that freezes at every fifth word. New and improved in this case is definitely not better. In fact - it's unacceptable. Give bloggers the option of the old but reliable classic blogger. Blech and more blech.

November 16: Some new additions to the list:

PERSONAL BLECHS

- drivers of cars who follow people returning to their cars uncomfortably close, in order to get the parking spot
- drivers who drive round and round mall parking lots in order to get a spot close to the door. At the price of gasoline - so silly
- drivers who park in spots designated specifically for handicapped persons and pregnant women. For shame, people!
- singers on TV talent competitions - female for the most part - that believe screaming lyrics to songs make them a diva
- people who keep a running commentary while watching a film in a theatre. Really - we're not interested in your opinion!
- stale popcorn served in a movie theatre
- luke warm french fries at fast food restaurants. I return them.
- related to above, hamburger buns that fall apart due to soggy sauce

Computer replaces pooch as best friend?

Came accross this piece, which caused the utterance of "say what?!" Unbelievable but apparantly true according to a poll, the computer is replacing the family pooch in the best friend category.

It appears that researchers discovered a mere 6% of those polled believe that most people rely more on their dog than their PC's, while 67% are of the opinion the opposite is true. Thinking further about this poll in general, why would researchers conduct a poll of this nature, anyway? But I digress.

More distressing, 38% of dog owners revealed to depending more on their PC than their dog. Another 36% disagreed. I mean, how can one compare the family pooch to a mere mechanical...thingie? Furthermore, dog owners in the 18-24 age category said they depended more on their computer.

Duh! A dog is a living, breathing companion that responds to external stimuli i.e. petting, interacting, walks, etc. whereas a computer is...there. True a pet can't compute sophisticated mathematical equations but your furry family pooch can offer emotional feedback and solace if the occasion calls for it. Your computer is just...there. Isn't that right dog owners and people who know and love dogs, reading this? You could one assumes, take your computer for a walk but would it care?

The poll by the way, was conducted by Computeractive magazine with the RSPCA. Two-thousand British adults were polled for feedback regarding the change that modern technology has brought to their home lives. Gotta wonder bout this stat that male dog owners are almost twice as likely as female owners to rely on their computer than a canine companion. What does this indicate in the scheme of things?

The company, Computeractive is working with the RSPCA to fight for justice against animal cruelty by raising funds for five prosecution cases of animal cruelty.

So whad'ya think? Is your computer replacing your family dog...or cat...or whatever?

Pet people

As a former pet owner I shouldn't be surprised at the degree to which people are attached to their pets. We shared our life with a cute-to-us but weird-to-others mixed (to say the least) dog for fifteen years. She warmed her way into our hearts during a visit to the local SPCA with the idea - not necessarily the act thereof - of of adopting a pooch. In order to make her presence known she stuck her front paw out of the cage as we walked by, causing us to stop in front and comment "awwwwww..." Changing paws a few times to underline her desire/desperation to go home with us, our resistance was weak and the rest, as they say, is history. It took more than five years to even be able to talk about her when she was gone, without my eyes welling up with tears and a period of nose-blowing.

Some people would rather be an adoptive "parent" to a pooch, as is the case with a family member. As the caregiver/slave to her daughter's lap pooch, she admits to being a 'grand-dog' care-giver. In a recent Facebook posting, she shared her feelings admitting to a friend, "I am dog crazy...we had our dog growing up but now I have my Grand Dog, Winston, to dote on! The older I get...the crazier I become...Go figure!"

In England at Christmas time, a man was threatened with a fine for afixing posters of his lost dog on trees, in the middle of the night. That's how desperate dog owners become in being re-united with their best and lost friend.

Statistically, Canadian pet owners would rather deal with their furry friends than other people, according to a recent study by Harris/Decima. A study revealed that 53 per cent of Canadians who own pets find them more reliable than people. Ninety per cent of Canadians talk to their pets and one-third have confided their deepest, darkest secrets to Fido or Milo or Hero.

Furthermore, 73 per cent believe pets can sniff out illness.
- Women more likely to confide in pets (33 per cent) than men (18 per cent).
- 44 per cent would bring their pets to a hotel if allowed.
- 86 per cent believe pets can help lift a bad mood.
- 82 per cent of retirees (65 plus) feel less alone in their home because of pets.
- 67 per cent believe their pets help to keep them active.

The survey was conducted for Purina and its pet connection website, PawsWay.ca.
http://www.canada.com/life/Pets+more+trustworthy+than+people+Survey/3980862/story.html

What does all this mean in the scheme of things, you might well be asking yourself. We need our pets as much as our pets need us. Or to put it into perspective: "Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms" (George Eliot) Ain't that the truth!

Ach - der pooches not part of separation package

Couples who are extended family to pets don't always if rarely think about setting out legal agreements and visitation rights when it comes to the non-human family member(s), especially when in cases of separation leading to divorce.

This became a legal issue in Germany when a woman filed suit to get visition rights to see the former couple's dog. You read it right: their dog.

In the suit the former wife attempted to force her estranged husband to give her visiting rights to their pooch, which they had acquired during their marriage, on a regular basis. They had agreed as part of the separation that the husband would have custody of the dog but the woman wanted to increase visiting to twice per week.

In response, the former husband objected and the court found that while separated spouses have a right to a fair division of property, this did not include joint custody of pets.

In their edict, the court decided that "rules applying to visitation rights for a child do not apply here. Under such arrangements, the primary concern is the welfare of the child and not the emotional needs of the other spouse."

Given all the problems in the world i.e. poverty, starvation, homelessness, etc. couples fight over pet visition rights? Seems to me that the husband was using the dog as means in which to get back at his former wife. Could they both not have agreed that she could see the dog in a neutral place i.e. veterinarian's office or pet shop... If only our pets could speak, what stories they would tell.

Music goes to the dogs

It's understandable how pet owners want to do everything to please the non-human elements in their lives but this is a doggone one for the record books.

Singer Lou Reed and wife Laurie Anderson, for whatever reason, will be putting on a concert at the Sydney Opera House for dogs as part of their "Vivid Live" festival, in June. According to news sources it will be a high-frequency concert created specifically for canine tastes but unfathomable for their owners. Ms Anderson who is a performance artist, has had practice entertaining her rat terrier, Lollabelle, for eleven years. Just wondering - how can one discern whether a canine likes or dislikes a particular musical passage. Anywaaaaay...

In the words of Anderson, "she (Lollabelle) likes things with a lot of smoothness but with beats in them. Things with voices and lots of complicated high-end stuff. Chk-chk-chk-chk-chk … that kind of stuff."

The event to be held in the morning, will be brief given the short attention span of canines. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 20 minutes or so. Since this concert is noiseless to humans, presumably owners will have to stare at their pet's faces and gauge the impact of the music. Something to the effect - pure speculation - a lot of twitches means excitement, a blank look on the face means it doesn't do anything for them or maybe they have to pee, drooling means they're really 'into it' or hungry... Go know! Thinking further about this, there is no information as to whether there will be any bathroom facilities for attendees. If not - this could be a problem. Perhaps somebody will supply fire hydrants or patches of grass. These are serious issues, people!

Music For Dogs adds to the avant-garde nature of a festival that includes improvised soundscapes by Reed's Metal Machine Trio, the Tuvan throat-singers Chirgilchin and tai chi classes, as well as more conventional acts such as the Rickie Lee Jones.

California dog owner builds mansion for pooches

Given the state of our planet these days what with stories focusing on war, natural disasters, death and starvation, here is a story based in California that makes a person wonder what they're putting in their water these days.

A woman, one Tammy Kassis, decided to build her pet pooches a Victorian mansion no less, at a cost of $20,000USD along with a picket fence - I mean, what's a doggie villa without a picket fence. It also has Spanish style turrets in the towers.

The doggie homestead, modelled after her own (that says something in itself), boasts the usual necessities of life including a television set, vaulted ceilings, air conditioning, wall paper and for that extra personal touch, handmade curtains. How sweet! As if all this isn't enough her three dogs, Darla, Chelsea and Cocoa Puff can sleep - if they so choose - in their own designer beds. Floors, which can be drafty, are too common place for this trio. Interestingly enough there is no mention by the way, of toilets...

Other accessories include blinds for the window, heating and ceiling fans. Perhaps the pooches didn't want other local dogs to peer in - nothing worse than voyeur dogs or cats - go know!

Amazing - there are people in many parts of the world going hungry and exposed to the elements due to lack of shelter - and this definitely over-zealous pet owner spends a chunk of cash on her dogs. Talk about this planet going to the dogs...

Pet Airways - paws-itively a great idea

Many pet owners when planning a trip, worry about what to do with their four-pawed friends. Pet sitting and pet boarding facilities are available but a new type of service is entering the market place. Would you believe - an airline that flies pets exclusively?

The new airline company, Pet Airways working out of Delray Beach, Florida, is aimed exclusively at pet travel. Like their human counterparts, pets get to travel in the main cabin and their owners aren't permitted to join them. What's more, the airline claims to be the first of its kind designed specifically for the safe and comfortable transportation of pets.

Seats normally for human pasengers will be removed to make room for pet carriers. The first departure for cats and dogs is scheduled for July 14 and the carrier will serve 5 U.S. cities including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles.

There is no mention of expansion plans to include other species/pets like gerbils, mice, birds, snakes, etc. etc.

The pawsengers, as the new airline calls them, can be booked in online and are checked in to a Pet Lounge at the airport. Does this mean that there will be catering services that offer bones or a steak before departure? Do you see another $$ lucrative$$ market here?

The pawsengers will get a "potty break" before departure and will be monitored during the flight. Presumably, this will be in the hands of the pet attendant who is on standby to cater to the travellers.

Owners or Pet Parents can follow their travel progress using an online "pet tracker".

The flights will be made in 19-seat turbo-prop planes operated by Suburban Air Freight, which have their seats removed to make space for the pet carriers.

Pooches audition for doggie choir

Here's some news that might make you wonder, "what the..."

Some people enjoy singing or at least limit their singing in the shower, while others prefer to blend their voice as a member of a choir. Then there are others of the non-human types like dogs who recently auditioned in the hope of being part of a chorale.

You read it right: D-O-G-S as in bow-wow...woof-woof.

This project is the concept of one Cardiff-based artist, Richard Higlett, who is hoping and planning for his canine choir to record in September, before an actual performance in a special concert in October.

The choir will create and perform a new song entitled, "A Song for Jack" a musical tribute to dog hero, Swansea Jack, a black retriever and hero pooch in the 1930's that was a legend for rescuing drowning swimmers from Swansea docks.

Judges auditioned dogs eager to earn a place - or their owners were eager for them to earn a place - in the choir at the National Waterfront Museum in Swansea. The auditionees all had to start singing after hearing a piece of music or after a direct command.

There is no information available as to who made the final cut but word has it that they all had a barking good time.

Watch some of the auditions here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/7566950.stm

Recognize any of the songs? Happy Birthday perhaps? Any?