Sit down, read the comics, enjoy the comics and then...
GO OUT...
Go running, go biking, go work on the yard, go to church....
Just go and enjoy your Sunday morning!
(Be sure to click on image for a larger view.)
Sunday comics courtesy of Comics.com
Sunday, May 31, 2009
SUNDAY MORNING COMICS
By Debbie Bulloch
Sit down, read the comics, enjoy the comics and then...
GO OUT...
Go running, go biking, go work on the yard, go to church....
Just go and enjoy your Sunday morning!
(Be sure to click on image for a larger view.)
Sunday comics courtesy of Comics.com
Sit down, read the comics, enjoy the comics and then...
GO OUT...
Go running, go biking, go work on the yard, go to church....
Just go and enjoy your Sunday morning!
(Be sure to click on image for a larger view.)
Sunday comics courtesy of Comics.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
THE HOMELESS AND THEIR PETS
By Debbie Bulloch
A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.” The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think
Did you know that over the course of a year, as many as 3.5 million people become homeless? Many American families are just a pay check away from becoming homeless. Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy. Unfortunately, however, for those with pets it becomes more difficult.
The homelessness crisis, brought about by the deep economic recession, is further compounded by the pet population of the homeless. Pets have been among the voiceless victims of the current economic recession, with some families struggling to keep and feed pets, and others forced to leave them behind when foreclosed on.
Many homeless shelters will not take people if they have pets. It’s not a matter of shelters being cruel – it is simply a matter of lack of resources. When there is hardly enough money to help humans, pets (sadly) become less of a priority. When homeless people are turned away by a shelter and are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head many choose to stay on the streets with their pets. It is easy to understand why the homeless chose the company of a beloved pet over a food and a warm bed: pets are nonjudgmental; they provide comfort and an emotional bond of loyalty. Additionally in many cases pets can provide the homeless with protection in what can be an otherwise scary and dangerous world.
How can we help the homeless and the pets that share the streets with them?
1. There are different types of homeless people. Some are homeless, but live in their car, van or motorhome; others live in camping areas, and still others live literally on the streets. Some homeless people may have mild to serious emotional or mental issues, whereas others had a string of bad luck that turned into homelessness. Knowing the person’s situation will help in determining what kind of help you can offer the homeless person and his or her pet companion.
2. Stop and think about what you want to achieve. If you want to help the animal, feeding, providing comfort and tending to their health should be the goals.
3. Have dog food, bottled water and bowls to offer to the homeless person for their dog. If you want to help dogs of the homeless on an ongoing basis, keep a supply of these provisions in your car along with a few clean towels, blankets or other soft items so the dog doesn’t have to sit on a cold (or hot) hard surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot.
4. When you approach a homeless person and his pet, first be careful for your own safety. Then, as you continue to approach, say as you approach that you are involved with helping dogs and would like to provide their dog with food and water. You can also offer something soft for the dog to sit on. When they see you are the “real deal” and there to provide good things for their dog, it will help build trust.
5. Offer to get a collar and I.D. tag for the dog. You can put the dog's name and your phone number on it or the phone number of your rescue organization if you have one. This way if the dog gets separated from his owner for whatever reason, and is found by an individual or ends up at a shelter, they will call you. It may also deter a police officer or citizen from calling animal control, which often happens with dogs of the homeless.
6. If you want to go a step further and tend to the dog’s overall health, your goals should be: spaying (for a female dog) or neutering (for a male dog), inoculations including rabies, a microchip, ear and teeth checkup and flea medication if needed. Contact your local vet’s office and see if they are willing to provide these services for free (really nice) or at low cost (also nice).
7. Along these lines, establish a rapport with a few local veterinary providers, as well as with the local homeless population; by doing so you will be a bridge to the animals being healthy and well fed. After all, that could very likely be one of the things the homeless person wants most: to have their best friend and protector cared for and feeling well.
8. If you can, give out your business card to local homeless people with pets and tell them that you have a partnership with a low-cost veterinary clinic (see #6 and #7, above) and that you are willing to provide spaying/neutering and other medical services for free. Build the same relationship with the veterinary clinic and ask for a dozen of their business cards so that you can give those out to homeless people to arrange for care of their pets. Make THEM a partner too.
Between Homes’ original mission was to provide a place for newbies, and other homeless avatars, to hang around and spend time relaxing while learning their way around SL. In the past few months we have now expanded our mission to make room for pets. Thanks to the help of Vitolo Rossini and his Canis Dog Park, we have been able to afford to rescue and adopt a large number of dogs. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Gloeing Ember and SanPaul Held we have been able to add land (and those ever-present prims) to BH so that rescued dogs can be brought to the shelter. These rescued dogs, along with some members of my original pack, are now roaming freely (and happily) through BH’s grounds.
Many of you have already spent time playing with the “little gents” and “little ladies” (as Glo likes to refer to them) that are now running around BH. Some of you, however, have not yet met the little rascals. So I thought that it would be nice to officially introduce you to BH’s furry, four-legged residents.
SHEILA and TANYA: Sheila and Tanya are Australian Shepherds, or Aussies. The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its name, Aussies did not originate in Australia. They acquired their name because of association with Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia.
Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive, and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as dog agility, flyball, and frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service, and therapy dogs. And, above all, they can be beloved family companions.
Sheila was my first VKC dog. Tanya (together with Bud, Delta and Tinker) was a recent adoption. Sheila and Tanya, like to run around and explore. Don’t be surprised if you find them inside one of the apartments, looking for someone, or something, to herd.
SHEILA
TANYA
FRITZ, FLASH and GHANDI : Fritz, Flash and Ghandi or “F - F - G” are three German Shepherds. Fritz was the first dog that Glo gave to me as a present (there have been a lot pups since then). Flash and Ghandi were presents from Glo as well.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. Due to their loyal and protective nature the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds. GDS make wonderful family pets as long as you make sure not to leave small children alone with them (but this is true for ALL breeds and it is just common sense). GSD are the quintessential family protectors, they will guard and protect their family often to the death.
When Fritz patroled the grounds of my former home, he was always the first one to greet me whenever I logged in-world. Fritz would then usually stay by my side, wherever I went - even after the other pups would take off to run around the grounds. As with RL GSD, Fritz’s loyalty and devotion were remarkable.
Flash, like his name implies, is always moving around, constantly "checking out" the grounds for intruders. Ghandi, on the other hand, is the "calm" of the trio. But if he thinks that you ae threatenign his pack - WATCH OUT!
FRITZ
FLASH
GHANDI (AND FLASH)
GHANDI LOVES TO BE PETTED (WELL, THEY ALL DO!)
(NOTE: Notice how WuzzyBear, one of the Old English Sheepdogs roaming around BH, gets himself in a lot of the pictures. He is such a big ham!)
SHERLOCK and HOLMES: These two “gents” have to be the two most curious and mischievous “newfies” in all of SL.
Sherlock - Holmes are Newfoundlands (or “newfies”). The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, and for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due to their great muscles and partly to their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs require grooming at least once per week (and frequently more often). They are extremely loving and patient, and Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak. When it comes to physical strength, this breed is thought to be the strongest--even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound.
You will often find S & H sunning themselves on top of the apartment’s roofs. When they are not on the roof, S & H can be seen flying around BH or swimming in the big pond. Regardless of where the pair may be, they (and you) are bound to be having lots of fun.
SHERLOCK - HOLMES
(Yes, that is WuzzyBear in the background - again!)
FUZZYBEAR, WUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, PEG, CHARLES and TINKER. These six Old English Sheepdogs are the biggest bunch of BH “clowns.” The loveable BH OES pups are everywhere and for good reason: OES are “people” dogs – they just love being around people (sometimes even trying to herd them).
With their trademark beautiful, profuse coat, the intelligent and agile Old English Sheepdog (OES) can easily complete any demanding task asked of him. Square in build and possessing great strength, the OES enjoys working and is seen in the conformation, obedience, agility and herding rings today with their characteristic shuffling gait.
The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England, and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname "bobtail" due to their docked tails.
The OES is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. I have seen the BH OES “gang” try to herd other pups or even people (including me!)
CHARLES - THE USC TROJAN OES
TINKER
FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, WUZZYBEAR (and "GOL")
PEG
FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE AND WUZZYBEAR (and no "GOL")
GOLIATH: “Gol” is the quiet Rottie. He does not make a lot of noise, but when “speaks” others (including humans) pay attention. Like Fritz and Flash, the German Shepherds, Rotties come to us from Germany.
The Rottweiler, or Rottweil Metzgerhund, is a "medium to large size, stalwart dog" breed originating in Germany as a herding dog. It is a hardy and very intelligent breed. Rottweilers also worked as draught dogs, pulling carts to carry meat and other products to market. Rottweilers have abundant strength and are black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings. Their singularly powerful appearance does not lack nobility; Rotties are exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service and working dog.
During the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service in various roles including as messenger, draft and guard dogs. Currently, Rotties they are often used as search and rescue, assistance, guide dogs for the blind, guard and police dogs in addition to their traditional roles.
GOLIATH
DOBIE: Dobie, the sweet and loveable Doberman Pinscher has been a part of my personal pack for a very long time. Dobie can be a fierce protector of his home and pack, but at the same time he loves belly rubs.
The Dobermann Pinscher (alternatively spelled Doberman in many countries) or Dobermann is a breed of domestic dog. Dobermann Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs, watch dogs, or police dogs, this is less common today. The modern Dobermann Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life.
DOBIE
BUD: Bud is BH’s bloodhound. He is a recent adoption (along with Tinker, Tanya and Delta). Bud’s sweet disposition and his ability to track and find any lost person, or object, makes him a worthy companion. Don’t let his “slow” ways fool you, however, Bud is always ready to jump to action and go tracking. (Don’t forget to rub his belly, he LOVES it).
The bloodhound (also known as the St. Hubert hound) is a large breed of dog bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings. Consequently, it is often used by authorities to track missing persons. Bloodhounds are well-known for their ability to follow a scent hours or even days old, over long distances. Combining a keen sense of smell with a tenaciously strong tracking instinct, bloodhounds have proven their worth as the archetypal training dog.
BUD
LOBO, DELTA AND CHICO: These are BH’s three Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD). Like the OES, the Porties have a sweet disposition. They are big-time clowns who love to play tricks on BH visitors. Chico was adopted by BH attorney SanPaul Held, Lobo and Delta are part of my pack. All three of them love to play together. When they are not running around BH knocking people over, you will find them resting inside SP’s pavilion (or on the pavilion’s roof).
The Portuguese Water Dog, colloquially known as a Portie or PWD, is a breed of gun dog as classified by the United Kennel Club or working dog as classified by the American Kennel Club. Portuguese Water Dogs are originally form the Portuguese region of the Algarve, from where the breed expanded to all along Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing fishing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught cod to bring home. Portuguese Water Dogs were also often taken with sailors, during the Portuguese discoveries.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed; only 15 entrants for Portuguese Water Dogs were made to England's Crufts competition in 2002. Though some breeders claim they are a hypoallergenic dog breed, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that hypoallergenic dog breeds exist. Their non-shedding qualities, however, have made the Porties more popular in recent years. (The fact that the First Family adopted a Portie has not hurt their reputation either!) While there may not be any scientific backing, this breed is non-shedding; it does require extensive grooming and upkeep as its coat grows.
LOBO
DELTA (that's BH resident/renter Nina Urqhart playing with Delta).
CHICO
Here are some additional photographs taken by BH resident and all-around good guy, Buccaneer Braveheart.
WUZZY AND ME (THAT'S BUC IN THE BACKGROUND, WEARING HIS WESTERN DUDS)
WUZZY, FUZZY, DOBIE, GOLIATH (IN THE FAR BACKGROUND) AND ME
SHERLOCK, FUZZY, BUD AND ME!
This is the end of the “pup tour.” Depending on how things work out, there may be more “little gents” and “little ladies” roaming BH’s grounds and playing with our residents and visitors.
I hope you enjoy the company of BH’s furry, four-legged residents.
BLESS THE BEAST AND THE CHILDREN
By the Carpenters
Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice
Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see
Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them
Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm
Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them
Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm
ONE FINAL NOTE: It would be nice if what we do here in SL, and especially at BH, could be translated into action in the Real World. To some of you, well to many of you, SL is just a game with no consequences at all in RL. That may be true; but if we can move just one of you to action, if we can convince just one of you that the plight of the homeless, and their pets, is a cause worth fighting for, then we at BH will have achieved part of our mission. Think about it!
ONE MORE FINAL NOTE (I promise): In searching for the Bless the Beasts and the Children clip I came across this other clip from The Carpenters. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. (I always cry when I hear this song, but it is a "good" kind of cry.)
A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.” The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think
Did you know that over the course of a year, as many as 3.5 million people become homeless? Many American families are just a pay check away from becoming homeless. Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy. Unfortunately, however, for those with pets it becomes more difficult.
The homelessness crisis, brought about by the deep economic recession, is further compounded by the pet population of the homeless. Pets have been among the voiceless victims of the current economic recession, with some families struggling to keep and feed pets, and others forced to leave them behind when foreclosed on.
Many homeless shelters will not take people if they have pets. It’s not a matter of shelters being cruel – it is simply a matter of lack of resources. When there is hardly enough money to help humans, pets (sadly) become less of a priority. When homeless people are turned away by a shelter and are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head many choose to stay on the streets with their pets. It is easy to understand why the homeless chose the company of a beloved pet over a food and a warm bed: pets are nonjudgmental; they provide comfort and an emotional bond of loyalty. Additionally in many cases pets can provide the homeless with protection in what can be an otherwise scary and dangerous world.
How can we help the homeless and the pets that share the streets with them?
1. There are different types of homeless people. Some are homeless, but live in their car, van or motorhome; others live in camping areas, and still others live literally on the streets. Some homeless people may have mild to serious emotional or mental issues, whereas others had a string of bad luck that turned into homelessness. Knowing the person’s situation will help in determining what kind of help you can offer the homeless person and his or her pet companion.
2. Stop and think about what you want to achieve. If you want to help the animal, feeding, providing comfort and tending to their health should be the goals.
3. Have dog food, bottled water and bowls to offer to the homeless person for their dog. If you want to help dogs of the homeless on an ongoing basis, keep a supply of these provisions in your car along with a few clean towels, blankets or other soft items so the dog doesn’t have to sit on a cold (or hot) hard surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot.
4. When you approach a homeless person and his pet, first be careful for your own safety. Then, as you continue to approach, say as you approach that you are involved with helping dogs and would like to provide their dog with food and water. You can also offer something soft for the dog to sit on. When they see you are the “real deal” and there to provide good things for their dog, it will help build trust.
5. Offer to get a collar and I.D. tag for the dog. You can put the dog's name and your phone number on it or the phone number of your rescue organization if you have one. This way if the dog gets separated from his owner for whatever reason, and is found by an individual or ends up at a shelter, they will call you. It may also deter a police officer or citizen from calling animal control, which often happens with dogs of the homeless.
6. If you want to go a step further and tend to the dog’s overall health, your goals should be: spaying (for a female dog) or neutering (for a male dog), inoculations including rabies, a microchip, ear and teeth checkup and flea medication if needed. Contact your local vet’s office and see if they are willing to provide these services for free (really nice) or at low cost (also nice).
7. Along these lines, establish a rapport with a few local veterinary providers, as well as with the local homeless population; by doing so you will be a bridge to the animals being healthy and well fed. After all, that could very likely be one of the things the homeless person wants most: to have their best friend and protector cared for and feeling well.
8. If you can, give out your business card to local homeless people with pets and tell them that you have a partnership with a low-cost veterinary clinic (see #6 and #7, above) and that you are willing to provide spaying/neutering and other medical services for free. Build the same relationship with the veterinary clinic and ask for a dozen of their business cards so that you can give those out to homeless people to arrange for care of their pets. Make THEM a partner too.
Between Homes’ original mission was to provide a place for newbies, and other homeless avatars, to hang around and spend time relaxing while learning their way around SL. In the past few months we have now expanded our mission to make room for pets. Thanks to the help of Vitolo Rossini and his Canis Dog Park, we have been able to afford to rescue and adopt a large number of dogs. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Gloeing Ember and SanPaul Held we have been able to add land (and those ever-present prims) to BH so that rescued dogs can be brought to the shelter. These rescued dogs, along with some members of my original pack, are now roaming freely (and happily) through BH’s grounds.
Many of you have already spent time playing with the “little gents” and “little ladies” (as Glo likes to refer to them) that are now running around BH. Some of you, however, have not yet met the little rascals. So I thought that it would be nice to officially introduce you to BH’s furry, four-legged residents.
SHEILA and TANYA: Sheila and Tanya are Australian Shepherds, or Aussies. The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its name, Aussies did not originate in Australia. They acquired their name because of association with Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia.
Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive, and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as dog agility, flyball, and frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service, and therapy dogs. And, above all, they can be beloved family companions.
Sheila was my first VKC dog. Tanya (together with Bud, Delta and Tinker) was a recent adoption. Sheila and Tanya, like to run around and explore. Don’t be surprised if you find them inside one of the apartments, looking for someone, or something, to herd.
SHEILA
TANYA
FRITZ, FLASH and GHANDI : Fritz, Flash and Ghandi or “F - F - G” are three German Shepherds. Fritz was the first dog that Glo gave to me as a present (there have been a lot pups since then). Flash and Ghandi were presents from Glo as well.
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. Due to their loyal and protective nature the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds. GDS make wonderful family pets as long as you make sure not to leave small children alone with them (but this is true for ALL breeds and it is just common sense). GSD are the quintessential family protectors, they will guard and protect their family often to the death.
When Fritz patroled the grounds of my former home, he was always the first one to greet me whenever I logged in-world. Fritz would then usually stay by my side, wherever I went - even after the other pups would take off to run around the grounds. As with RL GSD, Fritz’s loyalty and devotion were remarkable.
Flash, like his name implies, is always moving around, constantly "checking out" the grounds for intruders. Ghandi, on the other hand, is the "calm" of the trio. But if he thinks that you ae threatenign his pack - WATCH OUT!
FRITZ
FLASH
GHANDI (AND FLASH)
GHANDI LOVES TO BE PETTED (WELL, THEY ALL DO!)
(NOTE: Notice how WuzzyBear, one of the Old English Sheepdogs roaming around BH, gets himself in a lot of the pictures. He is such a big ham!)
SHERLOCK and HOLMES: These two “gents” have to be the two most curious and mischievous “newfies” in all of SL.
Sherlock - Holmes are Newfoundlands (or “newfies”). The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, and for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due to their great muscles and partly to their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs require grooming at least once per week (and frequently more often). They are extremely loving and patient, and Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak. When it comes to physical strength, this breed is thought to be the strongest--even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound.
You will often find S & H sunning themselves on top of the apartment’s roofs. When they are not on the roof, S & H can be seen flying around BH or swimming in the big pond. Regardless of where the pair may be, they (and you) are bound to be having lots of fun.
SHERLOCK - HOLMES
(Yes, that is WuzzyBear in the background - again!)
FUZZYBEAR, WUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, PEG, CHARLES and TINKER. These six Old English Sheepdogs are the biggest bunch of BH “clowns.” The loveable BH OES pups are everywhere and for good reason: OES are “people” dogs – they just love being around people (sometimes even trying to herd them).
With their trademark beautiful, profuse coat, the intelligent and agile Old English Sheepdog (OES) can easily complete any demanding task asked of him. Square in build and possessing great strength, the OES enjoys working and is seen in the conformation, obedience, agility and herding rings today with their characteristic shuffling gait.
The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England, and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname "bobtail" due to their docked tails.
The OES is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. I have seen the BH OES “gang” try to herd other pups or even people (including me!)
CHARLES - THE USC TROJAN OES
TINKER
FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, WUZZYBEAR (and "GOL")
PEG
FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE AND WUZZYBEAR (and no "GOL")
GOLIATH: “Gol” is the quiet Rottie. He does not make a lot of noise, but when “speaks” others (including humans) pay attention. Like Fritz and Flash, the German Shepherds, Rotties come to us from Germany.
The Rottweiler, or Rottweil Metzgerhund, is a "medium to large size, stalwart dog" breed originating in Germany as a herding dog. It is a hardy and very intelligent breed. Rottweilers also worked as draught dogs, pulling carts to carry meat and other products to market. Rottweilers have abundant strength and are black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings. Their singularly powerful appearance does not lack nobility; Rotties are exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service and working dog.
During the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service in various roles including as messenger, draft and guard dogs. Currently, Rotties they are often used as search and rescue, assistance, guide dogs for the blind, guard and police dogs in addition to their traditional roles.
GOLIATH
DOBIE: Dobie, the sweet and loveable Doberman Pinscher has been a part of my personal pack for a very long time. Dobie can be a fierce protector of his home and pack, but at the same time he loves belly rubs.
The Dobermann Pinscher (alternatively spelled Doberman in many countries) or Dobermann is a breed of domestic dog. Dobermann Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs, watch dogs, or police dogs, this is less common today. The modern Dobermann Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life.
DOBIE
BUD: Bud is BH’s bloodhound. He is a recent adoption (along with Tinker, Tanya and Delta). Bud’s sweet disposition and his ability to track and find any lost person, or object, makes him a worthy companion. Don’t let his “slow” ways fool you, however, Bud is always ready to jump to action and go tracking. (Don’t forget to rub his belly, he LOVES it).
The bloodhound (also known as the St. Hubert hound) is a large breed of dog bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings. Consequently, it is often used by authorities to track missing persons. Bloodhounds are well-known for their ability to follow a scent hours or even days old, over long distances. Combining a keen sense of smell with a tenaciously strong tracking instinct, bloodhounds have proven their worth as the archetypal training dog.
BUD
LOBO, DELTA AND CHICO: These are BH’s three Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD). Like the OES, the Porties have a sweet disposition. They are big-time clowns who love to play tricks on BH visitors. Chico was adopted by BH attorney SanPaul Held, Lobo and Delta are part of my pack. All three of them love to play together. When they are not running around BH knocking people over, you will find them resting inside SP’s pavilion (or on the pavilion’s roof).
The Portuguese Water Dog, colloquially known as a Portie or PWD, is a breed of gun dog as classified by the United Kennel Club or working dog as classified by the American Kennel Club. Portuguese Water Dogs are originally form the Portuguese region of the Algarve, from where the breed expanded to all along Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing fishing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught cod to bring home. Portuguese Water Dogs were also often taken with sailors, during the Portuguese discoveries.
The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed; only 15 entrants for Portuguese Water Dogs were made to England's Crufts competition in 2002. Though some breeders claim they are a hypoallergenic dog breed, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that hypoallergenic dog breeds exist. Their non-shedding qualities, however, have made the Porties more popular in recent years. (The fact that the First Family adopted a Portie has not hurt their reputation either!) While there may not be any scientific backing, this breed is non-shedding; it does require extensive grooming and upkeep as its coat grows.
LOBO
DELTA (that's BH resident/renter Nina Urqhart playing with Delta).
CHICO
Here are some additional photographs taken by BH resident and all-around good guy, Buccaneer Braveheart.
WUZZY AND ME (THAT'S BUC IN THE BACKGROUND, WEARING HIS WESTERN DUDS)
WUZZY, FUZZY, DOBIE, GOLIATH (IN THE FAR BACKGROUND) AND ME
SHERLOCK, FUZZY, BUD AND ME!
This is the end of the “pup tour.” Depending on how things work out, there may be more “little gents” and “little ladies” roaming BH’s grounds and playing with our residents and visitors.
I hope you enjoy the company of BH’s furry, four-legged residents.
BLESS THE BEAST AND THE CHILDREN
By the Carpenters
Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice
Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see
Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them
Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm
Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them
Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm
ONE FINAL NOTE: It would be nice if what we do here in SL, and especially at BH, could be translated into action in the Real World. To some of you, well to many of you, SL is just a game with no consequences at all in RL. That may be true; but if we can move just one of you to action, if we can convince just one of you that the plight of the homeless, and their pets, is a cause worth fighting for, then we at BH will have achieved part of our mission. Think about it!
ONE MORE FINAL NOTE (I promise): In searching for the Bless the Beasts and the Children clip I came across this other clip from The Carpenters. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. (I always cry when I hear this song, but it is a "good" kind of cry.)
FRIDAY EVENING - BEER COMMERCIALS
By Debbie Bulloch
Just the other day I was having a “discussion” about beers. Joining me in the discussion were a Canadian Moose and a Dutchie Lefty – I was clearly outnumbered and outflanked. Nevertheless, I held my ground until “someone” remarked that for being a half-German I know squat about beers.
That remark really hit below the belt, especially since the Czech and the Irish outpace the Germans in per capita beer consumption. Of course, my friend also neglected to mention that I am (“sort of”) half-Mexican. Mexican beer is enjoyed all over the world (just, please, don’t mention Corona, that is not even beer – YUCK!)
Drinking beer is an acquired taste – personally I love to knock back a couple of cold ones after a long bike ride, otherwise I am not much of a beer drinker. Beer preference, however, is a highly subjective matter. One person’s beer nectar may be another person’s sewer water.
One thing is for sure though, television commercials for beer are among the best produced and funniest commercials around. Something about pitching a bottle of suds seems to fire the creative imagination of writers and directors of beer commercials. With the weekend just around the corner I thought I would bring to you some of the best beer commercials from around the world.
The “most interesting man in the world” campaign for Dos Equis (Mexico) beer is both funny and intriguing – a very powerful combination.
Here is a short version of the commercial. Dos Equis itself is a mediocre beer, however. (Which goes to prove that sometimes the more pedestrian a product is, the better its commercials are.)
Here is the long version of the “most interesting man in the world” campaign.
In spite of what certain Dutchie may think, Heineken beer is NOT horse piss. In fact, a cold, cold Heineken after a long, hot bike feels pretty darned good.
I guess that drinking Heineken does make you want to dance!
Canadians think that their beer is the best – they also think that the Sun rises and sets on the frozen tundra they call home (don't they all live in igloos?). OK, OK, “some” things (and people) from Canada have captured my affection. For example, the cranks on my mountain bike are made in Canada and Alex Trebek (of “Jeopardy” fame) is so handsome! And, for the record, there is one Canuck who has captured my fancy, but if I mention his name, he will get a big head - to match his big heart!
This commercial for Labatt beer is pretty darned funny. Sushi and beer, what a concept!
Here’s another Labatt commercial. Canadians are so romantic, who else would have thought of a gigantic beer-pez dispenser as a gift for a young woman?
Some people think that Grolsch is the best Dutch beer. Well, even if it isn’t, this commercial is pretty sweet!
Here is the “battle” of Heineken vs. Grolsch. I don’t speak Dutch, so I hope they are not saying anything “objectionable.”
I don’t drink Budweiser (not even on a dare). But their commercials, especially the ones shown during the Super Bowl, are classics. Horses and beer, how can you go wrong?
Snow fight – never pick a fight with a bigger horse!
Donkey – you can always dream big!
I DO know a thing or two about German beers. Like my Dad, I too like Bitburger beer. It is clear, refreshing and does not leave you with a bitter after taste. It is a great summer beer.
Here is a good Bitburger commercial. It combines three of my Dad’s favorite “things”: soccer, beer and Mercedes Benz (look at the patches on the players’ jacket).
I hope you have enjoyed this little trip through TV land’s beer commercials. Remember, if you drink, please drink responsibly. DO NOT drink and drive. Have respect for your life and the lives of others.
Just the other day I was having a “discussion” about beers. Joining me in the discussion were a Canadian Moose and a Dutchie Lefty – I was clearly outnumbered and outflanked. Nevertheless, I held my ground until “someone” remarked that for being a half-German I know squat about beers.
That remark really hit below the belt, especially since the Czech and the Irish outpace the Germans in per capita beer consumption. Of course, my friend also neglected to mention that I am (“sort of”) half-Mexican. Mexican beer is enjoyed all over the world (just, please, don’t mention Corona, that is not even beer – YUCK!)
Drinking beer is an acquired taste – personally I love to knock back a couple of cold ones after a long bike ride, otherwise I am not much of a beer drinker. Beer preference, however, is a highly subjective matter. One person’s beer nectar may be another person’s sewer water.
One thing is for sure though, television commercials for beer are among the best produced and funniest commercials around. Something about pitching a bottle of suds seems to fire the creative imagination of writers and directors of beer commercials. With the weekend just around the corner I thought I would bring to you some of the best beer commercials from around the world.
The “most interesting man in the world” campaign for Dos Equis (Mexico) beer is both funny and intriguing – a very powerful combination.
Here is a short version of the commercial. Dos Equis itself is a mediocre beer, however. (Which goes to prove that sometimes the more pedestrian a product is, the better its commercials are.)
Here is the long version of the “most interesting man in the world” campaign.
In spite of what certain Dutchie may think, Heineken beer is NOT horse piss. In fact, a cold, cold Heineken after a long, hot bike feels pretty darned good.
I guess that drinking Heineken does make you want to dance!
Canadians think that their beer is the best – they also think that the Sun rises and sets on the frozen tundra they call home (don't they all live in igloos?). OK, OK, “some” things (and people) from Canada have captured my affection. For example, the cranks on my mountain bike are made in Canada and Alex Trebek (of “Jeopardy” fame) is so handsome! And, for the record, there is one Canuck who has captured my fancy, but if I mention his name, he will get a big head - to match his big heart!
This commercial for Labatt beer is pretty darned funny. Sushi and beer, what a concept!
Here’s another Labatt commercial. Canadians are so romantic, who else would have thought of a gigantic beer-pez dispenser as a gift for a young woman?
Some people think that Grolsch is the best Dutch beer. Well, even if it isn’t, this commercial is pretty sweet!
Here is the “battle” of Heineken vs. Grolsch. I don’t speak Dutch, so I hope they are not saying anything “objectionable.”
I don’t drink Budweiser (not even on a dare). But their commercials, especially the ones shown during the Super Bowl, are classics. Horses and beer, how can you go wrong?
Snow fight – never pick a fight with a bigger horse!
Donkey – you can always dream big!
I DO know a thing or two about German beers. Like my Dad, I too like Bitburger beer. It is clear, refreshing and does not leave you with a bitter after taste. It is a great summer beer.
Here is a good Bitburger commercial. It combines three of my Dad’s favorite “things”: soccer, beer and Mercedes Benz (look at the patches on the players’ jacket).
I hope you have enjoyed this little trip through TV land’s beer commercials. Remember, if you drink, please drink responsibly. DO NOT drink and drive. Have respect for your life and the lives of others.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TUESDAY AFTERNOON MUSINGS
By Debbie Bulloch
Today I want to share two recent stories from my local newspaper. One story deals with the increasing local homeless population; the other story deals with the “healing” power of bike riding.
NUMBER OF HOMELESS FAMILIES CONTINUES TO INCREASE
Ventura County is one of the most affluent counties in all of California and it consistently ranks among the top 100 most affluent counties in the entire nation. It is thus shocking to read that the homeless population Ventura County has grown by over 10% over the last year. This is proof that not even the wealthiest areas of the country have been spared the adverse consequences of the economic downturn.
The increase number of homeless people is also a call to action; as I have written here on several occasions the homeless are not lazy, shiftless, crazy, drug-addicted people – the homeless are US and we are THEM. We must be willing to take all necessary action to help the homeless; if we fail to help them we fail to help our own brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughter then we fail as a society. The homeless situation is not a “homeless problem,” it is a problem of our entire society.
TANDEM RIDERS HELP FIND A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE
As you all know, I am a big fan of bike riding. I fully believe in the restorative power of bike riding; so it is not surprising that this second story is about the good work done by two local bike riders. At the recent Los Angeles Marathon (Monday, May 25, 2009) two local women rode a tandem bike to raise money to combat Parkinson’s disease The two women have been training for months on a tandem bike to ride on the pre L.A. Marathon bike ride. Although the ride is perhaps a relatively short ride by Monsieur Odriscoll’s standards (only 26.2 miles) riding a tandem bike presents problems of its own. Climbing hills and maneuvering around tight turns is difficult on a tandem bike and coordinating a common cadence takes practice. On the other hand, riding downhill on a tandem is a lot of fun because the added weight of the second rider makes tandem bikes extremely fast on the downhill part of any climb.
In addition to training hard, the two women, Jessica Chadbourn and Debbie Jew (ages 48 and 42 respectively) have also been busy gathering sponsors to raise funds for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease And while training and finding sponsors, the women have also been raising the public’s awareness of this debilitating disease that afflicts millions of people throughout the world.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with one single step. Maybe we will not be able to completely eradicate homelessness during our lifetime, and maybe a cure for PD is not yet around the corner. But with all of us taking small “baby steps” we can work together to solve these, and similar, problems.
MEMORIAL DAY BIKE RIDE
For Memorial Day I had originally planned to ride my bike out by the beach. But when I stepped out my front door the morning was cool, overcast and slightly foggy – ideal conditions for a little hill climbing. So instead of putting my bike on the back of the car and heading for the coast, I decided to just ride out.
The ride was very nice; I covered about 25 miles (about the same distance as in a marathon) in just under 2 hours. There were long hills to climb, which were then followed by fast descents. Lowest speed was about 7.5 mph (during a long, steady climb against a headwind) while the fastest speed was about 29.0 mph. I was using my mountain bike and because of the fat tires and “taller” sitting position speeds of 30 mph or higher are hard to achieve.
Along the way I paused to take a few pictures. As you can see, this ride took me through some of the “back” country around my home. Most of the roads where I rode are back, country roads that carry less traffic than the main roads. Riding in traffic can be hazardous (see Ghost Bikes) and so I prefer to take to the back roads, where the traffic is lighter and the view are nicer.
Now please join me in my Memorial Day bike ride.
(Please remember to click on each individual image for a larger view. Thank you.)
As you can see in this photo, there is a lot of empty country where I ride.
Here you can see where the road begins to climb. It is not a steep climb, but after a while it begins to add up.
Here is one of the back roads that I traveled on Monday – notice the lack of motor vehicle traffic. I like these shots in black and white.
The sign, spray-painted on the pavement points to a bike path that leads back to Thousand Oaks, California. One photo is a close-up of the sign while the other shot shows where the signs is pointing to.
The road that I ride on takes me within eye shot of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Reagan Library is located in the city of Simi Valley, California It was a foggy, hazy morning when I took these photographs so the library compound is hard to see on the pictures. On a clear day, however, it is possible to see the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from the Reagan Library.
(The Ronald Reagan Library compound can be seen on top of the ridge, on the upper right hand side of the picture. The big square building to the left houses the former Air Force One used by President Reagan. The only other place in the US housing former Presidential airplanes is the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.)
(The Ronald Reagan Library compound can be seen on top of the ridge, on the upper left hand side of the picture. The big square building to the left houses the former Air Force One used by President Reagan. The only other place in the US that houses former Presidential airplanes is the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.)
Ventura County has often been referred to as “horse country.” Some of the finest horses in the entire country (and possibly the world) are raised and trained in Ventura County. Will Simpson a rider from Thousand Oaks medaled during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
I hope that you have enjoyed riding along with me on this bike ride. Thanks for coming along!
All photographs are original work. © Copyright 2009, DB. All Rights Reserved.
Today I want to share two recent stories from my local newspaper. One story deals with the increasing local homeless population; the other story deals with the “healing” power of bike riding.
NUMBER OF HOMELESS FAMILIES CONTINUES TO INCREASE
Ventura County is one of the most affluent counties in all of California and it consistently ranks among the top 100 most affluent counties in the entire nation. It is thus shocking to read that the homeless population Ventura County has grown by over 10% over the last year. This is proof that not even the wealthiest areas of the country have been spared the adverse consequences of the economic downturn.
The increase number of homeless people is also a call to action; as I have written here on several occasions the homeless are not lazy, shiftless, crazy, drug-addicted people – the homeless are US and we are THEM. We must be willing to take all necessary action to help the homeless; if we fail to help them we fail to help our own brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, sons and daughter then we fail as a society. The homeless situation is not a “homeless problem,” it is a problem of our entire society.
TANDEM RIDERS HELP FIND A CURE FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE
As you all know, I am a big fan of bike riding. I fully believe in the restorative power of bike riding; so it is not surprising that this second story is about the good work done by two local bike riders. At the recent Los Angeles Marathon (Monday, May 25, 2009) two local women rode a tandem bike to raise money to combat Parkinson’s disease The two women have been training for months on a tandem bike to ride on the pre L.A. Marathon bike ride. Although the ride is perhaps a relatively short ride by Monsieur Odriscoll’s standards (only 26.2 miles) riding a tandem bike presents problems of its own. Climbing hills and maneuvering around tight turns is difficult on a tandem bike and coordinating a common cadence takes practice. On the other hand, riding downhill on a tandem is a lot of fun because the added weight of the second rider makes tandem bikes extremely fast on the downhill part of any climb.
In addition to training hard, the two women, Jessica Chadbourn and Debbie Jew (ages 48 and 42 respectively) have also been busy gathering sponsors to raise funds for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease And while training and finding sponsors, the women have also been raising the public’s awareness of this debilitating disease that afflicts millions of people throughout the world.
A journey of a thousand miles starts with one single step. Maybe we will not be able to completely eradicate homelessness during our lifetime, and maybe a cure for PD is not yet around the corner. But with all of us taking small “baby steps” we can work together to solve these, and similar, problems.
MEMORIAL DAY BIKE RIDE
For Memorial Day I had originally planned to ride my bike out by the beach. But when I stepped out my front door the morning was cool, overcast and slightly foggy – ideal conditions for a little hill climbing. So instead of putting my bike on the back of the car and heading for the coast, I decided to just ride out.
The ride was very nice; I covered about 25 miles (about the same distance as in a marathon) in just under 2 hours. There were long hills to climb, which were then followed by fast descents. Lowest speed was about 7.5 mph (during a long, steady climb against a headwind) while the fastest speed was about 29.0 mph. I was using my mountain bike and because of the fat tires and “taller” sitting position speeds of 30 mph or higher are hard to achieve.
Along the way I paused to take a few pictures. As you can see, this ride took me through some of the “back” country around my home. Most of the roads where I rode are back, country roads that carry less traffic than the main roads. Riding in traffic can be hazardous (see Ghost Bikes) and so I prefer to take to the back roads, where the traffic is lighter and the view are nicer.
Now please join me in my Memorial Day bike ride.
(Please remember to click on each individual image for a larger view. Thank you.)
As you can see in this photo, there is a lot of empty country where I ride.
Here you can see where the road begins to climb. It is not a steep climb, but after a while it begins to add up.
Here is one of the back roads that I traveled on Monday – notice the lack of motor vehicle traffic. I like these shots in black and white.
The sign, spray-painted on the pavement points to a bike path that leads back to Thousand Oaks, California. One photo is a close-up of the sign while the other shot shows where the signs is pointing to.
The road that I ride on takes me within eye shot of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Reagan Library is located in the city of Simi Valley, California It was a foggy, hazy morning when I took these photographs so the library compound is hard to see on the pictures. On a clear day, however, it is possible to see the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands from the Reagan Library.
(The Ronald Reagan Library compound can be seen on top of the ridge, on the upper right hand side of the picture. The big square building to the left houses the former Air Force One used by President Reagan. The only other place in the US housing former Presidential airplanes is the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.)
(The Ronald Reagan Library compound can be seen on top of the ridge, on the upper left hand side of the picture. The big square building to the left houses the former Air Force One used by President Reagan. The only other place in the US that houses former Presidential airplanes is the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio.)
Ventura County has often been referred to as “horse country.” Some of the finest horses in the entire country (and possibly the world) are raised and trained in Ventura County. Will Simpson a rider from Thousand Oaks medaled during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
I hope that you have enjoyed riding along with me on this bike ride. Thanks for coming along!
All photographs are original work. © Copyright 2009, DB. All Rights Reserved.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
GHOST BIKE PROJECT
By Debbie Bulloch
If you have followed this blog you probably know by now that along with photography, pets (especially dogs) and the homeless, my other consuming passion is bicycling. I have been riding a bike since I was a little kid and I plan to keep on riding well into my old age. Nothing feels better than jumping on my metal steed and just “disappearing” for a few hours while the miles roll under my bike’s wheels. I usually come back from a ride tired, but in a much better mood than when I began riding (unless, of course, I happen to get a flat tire).
Biking is a great sport – don’t miss Arcabulle Odriscoll’s posts about the Tour de France and then watch the Tour on television this coming July. Bicycling is also a great way to get good exercise and to clear the mental cobwebs that occasionally keep us from “thinking right.” And, let’s not forget, bicycling is a wonderful method of transportation that helps keep the planet green by reducing our “carbon footprint.”
Bicycling can also be very dangerous, especially when riders are forced to share the road with smoke belching behemoths driven by people with little, or no, concern for the wellbeing and safety of riders. In other countries, like The Netherlands and Canada, bike riders have rights and are treated with respect and courtesy – not so in many parts of the United States.
Every year biker riders are injured, severely maimed or killed because of the carelessness, and sometimes outright hostility, of drivers of motor-driven vehicles. In order to remind the public of the horrible consequences of drivers' indifference or hostility towards riders, an organization called Ghost Bikes has set up memorials in places where bike riders have been injured or killed on the streets.
A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.
The first ghost bikes were created in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003, and they have since appeared in over 80 cities throughout the world. For those who create and install the memorials, the death of a fellow bicyclist hits home. We all travel the same unsafe streets and face the same risks.
At a recent event held in Los Angeles, bike riders from all over Southern California gathered to remember a a bike riders who had been recently killed by a drunk driver. Here is news footage of the event:
Here are some photographs of a ghost bike set up on the corner of La Brea Boulevard and Fountain Avenue in Los Angeles, California.
(Click on image for a closer view.)
Recently, bike riders have increasingly come under attack by motorists who hate to share the road with bike riders. In Los Angeles, a doctor used his car as a weapon against bike riders. (Whatever happened to doctors helping people?)
Here is another story of a bicyclist recently injured on a Los Angeles street.
Incidents like these will continue to increase as more bike riders take to the streets and drivers continue to be careless, aggressive - or both. We need more laws to protect bike riders, we need more bike lanes and we especially need drivers to be better educated about bike riders.
In the meantime, all of you who ride bikes, please be careful for your own safety's sake. Those of you who drive, please be extra careful (and protective of) around bike riders - the rider that you "protect" could be your son, daughter, husband, wife, friend or loved one.
Learn to share the road!
If you have followed this blog you probably know by now that along with photography, pets (especially dogs) and the homeless, my other consuming passion is bicycling. I have been riding a bike since I was a little kid and I plan to keep on riding well into my old age. Nothing feels better than jumping on my metal steed and just “disappearing” for a few hours while the miles roll under my bike’s wheels. I usually come back from a ride tired, but in a much better mood than when I began riding (unless, of course, I happen to get a flat tire).
Biking is a great sport – don’t miss Arcabulle Odriscoll’s posts about the Tour de France and then watch the Tour on television this coming July. Bicycling is also a great way to get good exercise and to clear the mental cobwebs that occasionally keep us from “thinking right.” And, let’s not forget, bicycling is a wonderful method of transportation that helps keep the planet green by reducing our “carbon footprint.”
Bicycling can also be very dangerous, especially when riders are forced to share the road with smoke belching behemoths driven by people with little, or no, concern for the wellbeing and safety of riders. In other countries, like The Netherlands and Canada, bike riders have rights and are treated with respect and courtesy – not so in many parts of the United States.
Every year biker riders are injured, severely maimed or killed because of the carelessness, and sometimes outright hostility, of drivers of motor-driven vehicles. In order to remind the public of the horrible consequences of drivers' indifference or hostility towards riders, an organization called Ghost Bikes has set up memorials in places where bike riders have been injured or killed on the streets.
A bicycle is painted all white and locked to a street sign near the crash site, accompanied by a small plaque. They serve as reminders of the tragedy that took place on an otherwise anonymous street corner, and as quiet statements in support of cyclists' right to safe travel.
The first ghost bikes were created in St. Louis, Missouri in 2003, and they have since appeared in over 80 cities throughout the world. For those who create and install the memorials, the death of a fellow bicyclist hits home. We all travel the same unsafe streets and face the same risks.
At a recent event held in Los Angeles, bike riders from all over Southern California gathered to remember a a bike riders who had been recently killed by a drunk driver. Here is news footage of the event:
Here are some photographs of a ghost bike set up on the corner of La Brea Boulevard and Fountain Avenue in Los Angeles, California.
(Click on image for a closer view.)
Recently, bike riders have increasingly come under attack by motorists who hate to share the road with bike riders. In Los Angeles, a doctor used his car as a weapon against bike riders. (Whatever happened to doctors helping people?)
Here is another story of a bicyclist recently injured on a Los Angeles street.
Incidents like these will continue to increase as more bike riders take to the streets and drivers continue to be careless, aggressive - or both. We need more laws to protect bike riders, we need more bike lanes and we especially need drivers to be better educated about bike riders.
In the meantime, all of you who ride bikes, please be careful for your own safety's sake. Those of you who drive, please be extra careful (and protective of) around bike riders - the rider that you "protect" could be your son, daughter, husband, wife, friend or loved one.
Learn to share the road!
SUNDAY MORNING COMICS - MEMORIAL DAY 2009
By Debbie Bulloch
You know the drill - grab a cup of coffee, sit on your favorite easy chair, put your feet up (you've worked hard all week)...and enjoy!
(Click on image for bigger view.)
Sunday comics courtesy of Comics.com. Thank you!
One final note. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in the USA - a day wehen we honor all the men and women who have died in this country's wars. Please take a moment, or two, and think about all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we (you and me) can live free. Freedom, they say, is not free; it is bought and paid for with the blood, sweat, tears and limbs of heroes who are willing to do the rough things that most of us are not willing to do, so that we may all live free. As Winston Churchill once remarked: Never was so much owed by so many to so few.
God bless our heroes and may He hold them, and their loving families, in His mercy.
Images above are copyrighted. All rights are fully reserved by the individual copyright onwer(s).
You know the drill - grab a cup of coffee, sit on your favorite easy chair, put your feet up (you've worked hard all week)...and enjoy!
(Click on image for bigger view.)
Sunday comics courtesy of Comics.com. Thank you!
One final note. Tomorrow is Memorial Day in the USA - a day wehen we honor all the men and women who have died in this country's wars. Please take a moment, or two, and think about all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we (you and me) can live free. Freedom, they say, is not free; it is bought and paid for with the blood, sweat, tears and limbs of heroes who are willing to do the rough things that most of us are not willing to do, so that we may all live free. As Winston Churchill once remarked: Never was so much owed by so many to so few.
God bless our heroes and may He hold them, and their loving families, in His mercy.
Images above are copyrighted. All rights are fully reserved by the individual copyright onwer(s).
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