http://eatocracy.cnn.com/2011/06/23/does-4-h-desensitize-kids-to-killing/?hpt=hp_bn8
I'm so outraged by this I can't even think what to say. To attack 4-H like this is just
despicable, and what's more the people attacking haven't even been in 4-H. Now, I don't raise live stock, but I know people who do and to say that they are "desensitized" and basically calling them murderers is slanderous and appalling. 4-H teaches kids the humane and ethical way of raising animals, something we need in a society where most of our meat comes from inhumane factory farms! Kids in 4-H learn much more than raising animals. They meet new people, new friends, learn social skills, learn work skills, and teaches them about the world around them. Overall, 4-H is about helping kids be the best they can be, "to make the best better". Maybe if the commenters were in 4-H they wouldn't be so close-minded and ignorant. The fact is that slaughter is part of raising and animal. It has been a part of human culture since homo sapiens transitioned from hunter-gathers to farmers (without which, civilization never would have started). We are omnivores and require both meat and vegetables to get our essential amino acids, to survive. If you don't want to eat meat and supplement your amino acid intake other ways, that's fine it's your opinion. If you feel that you can't raise animals for food, that's perfectly fine too. But you can't force your opinion on others and attack an organization that you know absolutely nothing about. It is simply bigoted, slanderous, disgraceful, cruel, and shameful.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Boisterous Bruins Celebrate in Boston, Callous Canucks Burn City
They did it! The Bruins are bring home a Stanley Cup for their fans, the first since 1972! The game was a shutout; 4-0 Bruins. It was an exciting, heart pounding game and even I found myself, who has never ever watched hockey before, unable to tear myself away.
Fans in Boston's took to the streets. Jumping up and down, screaming, yelling, and shooting off fireworks. Even in the small towns across Massachusetts people were honking hours, yelling, and giving impromptu fireworks displays. Boston can't wait for their Bruins to come home so they can see them riding down the street atop the Duck Boats.
However, I think its important to note that although Boston got rowdy it never got violent. A few people who had partied a little to hard, may have been asked to leave by police, but for the most part fans behaved themselves. As one local news reporter said, "It's just good old fashioned celebrating."
It was a very different story in Vancouver where some fans were so distraught that they took out their anger by destroying property. It was on the verge of a riot. At one point people were jumping over a giant bonfire. How much of a sore looser do you have to be to do that? More importantly how stupid do you have to be? Other fans were disappointed but congratulated the Bruins any way and started looking forward to the cup next year. One woman decked out in her Canuck fan gear jumped in front of a news camera and screamed, "We still love you!!". That's a faithful fan; that's how the rest of Vancouver should have been acting. Instead they booed, screamed bloody murder, and tore apart their own town. Where's your dignity? Where's your pride? Come on Canucks, grow up.
Fans in Boston's took to the streets. Jumping up and down, screaming, yelling, and shooting off fireworks. Even in the small towns across Massachusetts people were honking hours, yelling, and giving impromptu fireworks displays. Boston can't wait for their Bruins to come home so they can see them riding down the street atop the Duck Boats.
However, I think its important to note that although Boston got rowdy it never got violent. A few people who had partied a little to hard, may have been asked to leave by police, but for the most part fans behaved themselves. As one local news reporter said, "It's just good old fashioned celebrating."
It was a very different story in Vancouver where some fans were so distraught that they took out their anger by destroying property. It was on the verge of a riot. At one point people were jumping over a giant bonfire. How much of a sore looser do you have to be to do that? More importantly how stupid do you have to be? Other fans were disappointed but congratulated the Bruins any way and started looking forward to the cup next year. One woman decked out in her Canuck fan gear jumped in front of a news camera and screamed, "We still love you!!". That's a faithful fan; that's how the rest of Vancouver should have been acting. Instead they booed, screamed bloody murder, and tore apart their own town. Where's your dignity? Where's your pride? Come on Canucks, grow up.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
On the Grid
So we all know that we live in a very digital age. No question about it. I mean the average person has about a bagillion electronics on their person at all time. But, have you ever stopped to think just how plugged in we are?Just yesterday I finally gave into my friend's pleading and set up a tumblr account. (Don't get me wrong, I'm already addicted. It's the perfect way to satisfy my criminal minds obsession :P) But, it got me thinking. I probably have over 20 accounts on the internet. I have a facebook, a yahoo, a tumblr, a blogger, an iTunes, tons of accounts for college websites, and countless other accounts (such as on Taylor Swift's website, Owl City's app, abc.com, dogchannel.com, playlist.com the list just goes on)
How many of these accounts do I actually use? I only check the first five daily, the rest I haven't been on in weeks, months, or even years. Do I remember their passwords? Nope not really. Will they just stay there forever? Probably, yeah.
It's been said the internet is forever, and I'm just wondering how much of a digital trail I'm leaving behind.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Student Death Sentence
Your sitting is small, stuffy room. Your scared stiff and from looking around you can see that everyone else in the room is just as terrified. Suddenly you hear heavy footsteps approaching you, you see a dark body leaning over you. SLAP! A packet of paper drops heavily onto your desk. That's right its the dreaded Summer Reading Assignment.
We've all been through it, and some of us are going through it now. Students are forced to read assigned books over the summer and complete assignments on them. For some, it is simply an unpleasant task that needs to get done. These kids don't let the assignments taint their love of reading. For most however, summer reading and school assignments is like a death sentence, one that obliterates any interest in reading.
The problem with Summer reading is that its structure sabotages its purpose. It is meant to foster a love of reading, especially in younger students. However, by choosing the books for the students teachers are instead fostering contempt for reading. Imagine this: you walk into a bookstore looking for a good read. Suddenly, an employee walks up to you and says, "I'm sorry, but you can only buy one of these twenty approved books." What if you were not interested in any of the books? What if there was a book that you really wanted to read that wasn't on that list? Would you be angry? Would ever come back to that store? Well that's how most students feel about Summer Reading and they apply those feeling of frustration and anger towards all books and reading.
My suggestion is that instead of offering a limited list of required titles, teachers should offer suggestions. How hard would it be to say, "OK you assignment is to choose a book that is 200 pages long, read it over the summer, and make a poster, movie, or power point about it." This way, teachers know the kids are reading at their level while the kids feel in control and enjoy reading about a topic of their choice. I understand, at the high school level at least one classic has to be read to jump start the curriculum, but the free reading book still needs to be fun.
Until, teachers, librarians, and principles realize the flaws of summer reading the book hatred epidemic will continue to spread. Case in point, almost 75% of my Honors 11 English class rarely opens a book, including those assigned during the school year. It's time to turn the page in summer reading and start a new chapter in which the characters are bookworm students.
We've all been through it, and some of us are going through it now. Students are forced to read assigned books over the summer and complete assignments on them. For some, it is simply an unpleasant task that needs to get done. These kids don't let the assignments taint their love of reading. For most however, summer reading and school assignments is like a death sentence, one that obliterates any interest in reading.
The problem with Summer reading is that its structure sabotages its purpose. It is meant to foster a love of reading, especially in younger students. However, by choosing the books for the students teachers are instead fostering contempt for reading. Imagine this: you walk into a bookstore looking for a good read. Suddenly, an employee walks up to you and says, "I'm sorry, but you can only buy one of these twenty approved books." What if you were not interested in any of the books? What if there was a book that you really wanted to read that wasn't on that list? Would you be angry? Would ever come back to that store? Well that's how most students feel about Summer Reading and they apply those feeling of frustration and anger towards all books and reading.
My suggestion is that instead of offering a limited list of required titles, teachers should offer suggestions. How hard would it be to say, "OK you assignment is to choose a book that is 200 pages long, read it over the summer, and make a poster, movie, or power point about it." This way, teachers know the kids are reading at their level while the kids feel in control and enjoy reading about a topic of their choice. I understand, at the high school level at least one classic has to be read to jump start the curriculum, but the free reading book still needs to be fun.
Until, teachers, librarians, and principles realize the flaws of summer reading the book hatred epidemic will continue to spread. Case in point, almost 75% of my Honors 11 English class rarely opens a book, including those assigned during the school year. It's time to turn the page in summer reading and start a new chapter in which the characters are bookworm students.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Surprise! It's Memorial Day!
It seemed to have snuck up on everyone this year. May was mostly cold, wet weather; especially during last few weeks when it seemed to rain everyday. Then BAM its Summer. The hot weather came barreling in, shoving the dismal weather aside, and giving us all shell shock. Then, to top it off it turns out Memorial Day is right around the corner. Who would have guessed with all those rain clouds hanging about.
Well the clouds were gone and it was time to commence operation Mango Dolphin Sunshine (that is Memorial Day Setup). That meant purging closets and dressers of those cumbersome fall/spring clothes and replacing them with light, fun summer wear. Perhaps, the memorial day sales were even taken advantage of. Now its time to tackle the pool. Step 1) Open it. Step 2) Move in the lawn furniture. Step 3) Deploy pool noodles and floaties.That just leaves the grill, a swift and precise operation: clean and deploy charcoal, burgers, and hot dogs.
Now its D-Day, time to put Mango Dolphin Sunshine to the test. First, it's off to parades with the family, to cheer as the floats and veterans go by. Then, its time to remember the true purpose of Memorial Day by thanking our veterans and honoring our dead. Maybe this means attending a Memorial Day ceremony or putting flags on graves. Finally, its back to the house to kick back in the pool and enjoy that hot dog.
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! And thank you to those who are serving or who have served our country!
Well the clouds were gone and it was time to commence operation Mango Dolphin Sunshine (that is Memorial Day Setup). That meant purging closets and dressers of those cumbersome fall/spring clothes and replacing them with light, fun summer wear. Perhaps, the memorial day sales were even taken advantage of. Now its time to tackle the pool. Step 1) Open it. Step 2) Move in the lawn furniture. Step 3) Deploy pool noodles and floaties.That just leaves the grill, a swift and precise operation: clean and deploy charcoal, burgers, and hot dogs.
Now its D-Day, time to put Mango Dolphin Sunshine to the test. First, it's off to parades with the family, to cheer as the floats and veterans go by. Then, its time to remember the true purpose of Memorial Day by thanking our veterans and honoring our dead. Maybe this means attending a Memorial Day ceremony or putting flags on graves. Finally, its back to the house to kick back in the pool and enjoy that hot dog.
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! And thank you to those who are serving or who have served our country!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lemonade Mouth: Just Another DCOM?
[CAUTION: SPOILER ALERT!]
The plot, unfortunately is all too predictable and somewhat unoriginal. Its vaguely a mix of the plots of the High School Musical, Camp Rock, and Cheetah Girls movies. The movie starts out by following the stories of the five different band members. They first meet in detention and soon start singing and playing together. The music teacher hears them and encourages them to become a band and play at the Rising Star Competition-the winner of which gets a recording contract. She hopes the band can show the school that the arts and sciences matter just as much as sports. (Ms. Darbus's goal in High School Musical) Working together as a team and supporting each other (Cheetah Girls) the band soon becomes a local sensation, spreading their message of "being heard" (a lot like Stick With the Status Quo from HSM). Right before the competition, however, the band hits major road blocks in the form of injuries and fights within the band (Cheetah Girls 1,2,+3; Camp Rock 1+2). After a few hours in jail, however, they realize that friendship is stronger and get back together. When the leave the police station they are determined to perform at Rising Star, but their injuries prevent them from giving a performance at all. However, even though they loose; they know that their friendship is forever, have learned valuable life lessons, and become famous on their own. (Cheetah Girls 1+3; Camp Rock 1+2). In the end their success and determination results in their high school building a new auditorium and paying more attention to the arts and sciences. (again HMS).
The characters, however, are certainly interesting. Each as there own problem that they rely on their friends to deal with: divorce/new mom, mom dead/dad in jail, not living up to a dad's expectations/boy trouble, not living up to an older brother, and not fitting into a genius family. Although almost every DCOM involves similar problems (including HSM, Cheetah Girls, + Camp Rock), it still gives depth to the story line and allows regular kids who may be facing similar issues relate to the characters.
One thing that did surprise me was the issue of a dad in jail and a parent dating a much younger woman. These issues certainly happen in the real world, but Disney has always deemed such issues as too old for the channel. Recently, the channel has been integrating older dialogue into their shows (ex: A character on the comedy Shake It Up said he thought the word couture meant "lady parts") In most cases, I think that Disney is going a little too far; especially since Disney was always considered "safe" programming for concerned parents. In Lemonade Mouth, however, I think Disney is simply recognizing changing times and offering guidance on problems that many of its viewers face.
Finally, we come to the music. The music isn't Grammy winning, but its not that bad either. The songs are upbeat and catchy, without being HMS dance numbers. They have lyrics you can sing along and that get stuck in your head. I honestly wouldn't mind listening to them on the radio.
Overall I would give Lemonade Mouth a B+. True, it's a typical DCOM, and not incredibly original, but it's still a fun, upbeat movie to watch. Am I going to rush out and buy the DVD? No. Will I watch it when they play it on Disney Channel now and again? Sure.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Spring Fever
It is the last day of school before April vacation and every EBHS student's thoughts are on the upcoming vacation and imminent end of the year. I recently sat down with junior and sports star Jess and asked her to share her own thoughts.
Q: The last few weeks have been quite hectic. How busy have you been?
A: Pretty busy considering I have two proms coming up. They are two months apart, but I've been making all the appointments and stuff. Plus I have track and work.
Q: What do you plan to do over vacation?
A: Probably sleep, hang out with my friends, work, go to track.
Q: Have you gotten any homework to do over vacation?
A: Yeah....I don't want to talk about it. Sore Subject.
Q: What do you think the teachers do over vacation?
A: Not homework, and not going to work, and not going to track; and I'm jealous.
Q: You mentioned the upcoming proms; tell me about them.
A: EB's prom is April 29th and I'm pretty much all set. Coyle's prom is May 26th and I'm not at all set for that one. I'm wearing the same dress for both.
Q: What does your dress look like?
A: Its blue and its mermaid style and it has a sparkly beady thing right there (pointing to left side).
Q: What part of prom are you most excited for?
A: To wear my dress. I've been staring at it for two months and I haven't gotten to wear it yet. I only wore it at the fitting and the lady still has it.
Q: Do you think you can make it through the last thirty days of school?
A: Absolutely Not!
Q: What do you want to do during the upcoming good weather?
A: Hopefully go to the beach.
Q: How do you think it will feel when the seniors leave and we become seniors?
A: Awesome, but I'm friends with a lot of them so I'll miss them. It will be cool to eat outside; well I've already eaten outside, but it will be cool to be allowed to eat outside.
Q: The last few weeks have been quite hectic. How busy have you been?
A: Pretty busy considering I have two proms coming up. They are two months apart, but I've been making all the appointments and stuff. Plus I have track and work.
Q: What do you plan to do over vacation?
A: Probably sleep, hang out with my friends, work, go to track.
Q: Have you gotten any homework to do over vacation?
A: Yeah....I don't want to talk about it. Sore Subject.
Q: What do you think the teachers do over vacation?
A: Not homework, and not going to work, and not going to track; and I'm jealous.
Q: You mentioned the upcoming proms; tell me about them.
A: EB's prom is April 29th and I'm pretty much all set. Coyle's prom is May 26th and I'm not at all set for that one. I'm wearing the same dress for both.
Q: What does your dress look like?
A: Its blue and its mermaid style and it has a sparkly beady thing right there (pointing to left side).
Q: What part of prom are you most excited for?
A: To wear my dress. I've been staring at it for two months and I haven't gotten to wear it yet. I only wore it at the fitting and the lady still has it.
Q: Do you think you can make it through the last thirty days of school?
A: Absolutely Not!
Q: What do you want to do during the upcoming good weather?
A: Hopefully go to the beach.
Q: How do you think it will feel when the seniors leave and we become seniors?
A: Awesome, but I'm friends with a lot of them so I'll miss them. It will be cool to eat outside; well I've already eaten outside, but it will be cool to be allowed to eat outside.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
London Teen Shot Outside Bank
The following is a news article based on the events of the Alex Rider novel Scorpia by Anthony Horowitz:
Late yesterday afternoon a fourteen year old South London boy was shot on Liverpool Street outside the Royal and General Bank.
The teen-who's name was not released to protect him-was apparently leaving the bank when an he was shot in the chest by an unidentified shooter.
Witnesses quickly rushed to his aid, finding him unconscious and unresponsive. Police and EMTs quickly arrived on scene.
The teen was brought to hospital-the name of which was also not released by police.
Witnesses gave this account of the violence:
It was late afternoon and the congested London streets were full of cars, taxis and people trying to get home.
One of those people was this young teen. He was seen leaving Royal and General, apparently walking towards the tube station.
Suddenly, a single shot rang out and the young lad collapsed onto the sidewalk. He had a deep chest wound and large amount of blood quickly pooled around his body.
Several witnesses rushed over to the boy. A few phoned 999 for help. Others took off their jackets and sweaters, covering the boy and attempting to stop the bleeding.
Police and EMTs arrived within two minutes. The EMTs tried to stabilize the boy and stop the bleeding. They say that he was semi-conscious when they arrived, but was in complete shock and bleeding profusely. He muttered something about seeing his parents again before completely loosing consciousness.
The boy was rushed to hospital where he underwent an emergency heart surgery. The doctors expect him to make a full recovery, but say he will have to undergo months of physical therapy.
Meanwhile, the police are still searching for the shooter. They set up road blocks around the area, but to no avail. It is believed that suspect fled before the police arrived.
Witnesses are also having a hard time identifying the shooter. No one seems to be able to tell where the shot came from or saw anyone particularly suspicious in the area. Similarly, witnesses saw neither a person fleeing the scene nor a get-away car.
Due to the lack of motive and openness of the crime, police believe that it is a random act of violence-possibly gang related.
Late yesterday afternoon a fourteen year old South London boy was shot on Liverpool Street outside the Royal and General Bank.
The teen-who's name was not released to protect him-was apparently leaving the bank when an he was shot in the chest by an unidentified shooter.
Witnesses quickly rushed to his aid, finding him unconscious and unresponsive. Police and EMTs quickly arrived on scene.
The teen was brought to hospital-the name of which was also not released by police.
Witnesses gave this account of the violence:
It was late afternoon and the congested London streets were full of cars, taxis and people trying to get home.
One of those people was this young teen. He was seen leaving Royal and General, apparently walking towards the tube station.
Suddenly, a single shot rang out and the young lad collapsed onto the sidewalk. He had a deep chest wound and large amount of blood quickly pooled around his body.
Several witnesses rushed over to the boy. A few phoned 999 for help. Others took off their jackets and sweaters, covering the boy and attempting to stop the bleeding.
Police and EMTs arrived within two minutes. The EMTs tried to stabilize the boy and stop the bleeding. They say that he was semi-conscious when they arrived, but was in complete shock and bleeding profusely. He muttered something about seeing his parents again before completely loosing consciousness.
The boy was rushed to hospital where he underwent an emergency heart surgery. The doctors expect him to make a full recovery, but say he will have to undergo months of physical therapy.
Meanwhile, the police are still searching for the shooter. They set up road blocks around the area, but to no avail. It is believed that suspect fled before the police arrived.
Witnesses are also having a hard time identifying the shooter. No one seems to be able to tell where the shot came from or saw anyone particularly suspicious in the area. Similarly, witnesses saw neither a person fleeing the scene nor a get-away car.
Due to the lack of motive and openness of the crime, police believe that it is a random act of violence-possibly gang related.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Opening Day
Spring has arrived, and one of the world's greatest sports has once again started up for the season. No, no, I'm talking about Opening Day at 
Fenway (though di-hard fans around New England were dancing around their kitchens to "Sweet Caroline" Friday). I'm talking about the Dog Show season.
The Muddy Paws Dog Show kicked off at 8:30 AM at the Osterville Community Center on the Cape. Three different clubs attended the event, bringing around 40 participants. Crate space was limited and at times everyone felt like sardines, but we savored every minute. It was finally time to put all of our winter training and practice to the test.
That practice certainly showed. Every club and every member exhibited excellence in both showmanship and obedience. The competition was very stiff and the final results/scores astounding.
Satucket River Dog Club-my club-was no exception. Our novice kids looked perfectly at home in the ring. One of our novice members received a first in her showmanship class. Another received seconds in both obedience and showmanship, which when combined with her knowledge score, made her the best overall junior. The Senior
s didn't do half bad either. Returning veteran Katie received a 2cd in Graduate Novice Obedience and a 2cd in Advanced Showmanship. Jack received first place in Novice A obedience with a score 0f 199 out of 200. I received a third in Novice A Obedience with a score of 193 and third in Advanced Showmanship. Both my score and Jack's score are qualifying legs towards our CD-Companion Dog-titles. (3 scores-legs-over 175 with more than half of the total points earned in each category)
Fenway (though di-hard fans around New England were dancing around their kitchens to "Sweet Caroline" Friday). I'm talking about the Dog Show season.The Muddy Paws Dog Show kicked off at 8:30 AM at the Osterville Community Center on the Cape. Three different clubs attended the event, bringing around 40 participants. Crate space was limited and at times everyone felt like sardines, but we savored every minute. It was finally time to put all of our winter training and practice to the test.
That practice certainly showed. Every club and every member exhibited excellence in both showmanship and obedience. The competition was very stiff and the final results/scores astounding.
Satucket River Dog Club-my club-was no exception. Our novice kids looked perfectly at home in the ring. One of our novice members received a first in her showmanship class. Another received seconds in both obedience and showmanship, which when combined with her knowledge score, made her the best overall junior. The Senior
s didn't do half bad either. Returning veteran Katie received a 2cd in Graduate Novice Obedience and a 2cd in Advanced Showmanship. Jack received first place in Novice A obedience with a score 0f 199 out of 200. I received a third in Novice A Obedience with a score of 193 and third in Advanced Showmanship. Both my score and Jack's score are qualifying legs towards our CD-Companion Dog-titles. (3 scores-legs-over 175 with more than half of the total points earned in each category)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
March Madness
The bell rings and students file out of classrooms heading to their next class. Its just another ordinary day at EBHS, but hold on a minute something is different. Almost everyone is wearing pyjamas. Everywhere you look fleece pants, sweatpants, flanel pyjamas, footsie pyjamas. Did everyone oversleep today?
Nope, march madness has simply returned to EBHS. Its time for crazy costumes, face paint, shamrocks, and school spirit once again. Its time for fierce competition between the classes; for the freshman to get smushed and the seniors to rein triumphant. Most of all however, its time for the junior class to step up.
The current March Madness standings place the junior class in fourth just ahead of the freshman and below the faculty. As upperclassmen this standing is beyond pathetic and the old excuse, "Why try, its rigged anyway," isn't going to work anymore. If it was really rigged, why are we loosing?
Many juniors dress up in the craziest costumes and make march madness as fun as possible, but others simply don't even try. Perhaps its because they are too shy or because they don't have any school pride-true EBHS is falling down-but I say, "Shut the Shamrock Up!" March Madness is a chance to have some fun in school and beat the monotony of the long month of March-and for the upperclassmen to crush freshman. SO COME ON JUNIORS! LET THOSE SHAMROCKS SHINE!
Nope, march madness has simply returned to EBHS. Its time for crazy costumes, face paint, shamrocks, and school spirit once again. Its time for fierce competition between the classes; for the freshman to get smushed and the seniors to rein triumphant. Most of all however, its time for the junior class to step up.
The current March Madness standings place the junior class in fourth just ahead of the freshman and below the faculty. As upperclassmen this standing is beyond pathetic and the old excuse, "Why try, its rigged anyway," isn't going to work anymore. If it was really rigged, why are we loosing?
Many juniors dress up in the craziest costumes and make march madness as fun as possible, but others simply don't even try. Perhaps its because they are too shy or because they don't have any school pride-true EBHS is falling down-but I say, "Shut the Shamrock Up!" March Madness is a chance to have some fun in school and beat the monotony of the long month of March-and for the upperclassmen to crush freshman. SO COME ON JUNIORS! LET THOSE SHAMROCKS SHINE!
Dairy Cows at Daybreak
The following is a fictional story:
East Bridgewater residents were astonished to find ten cows grazing on the high school's football field early Monday morning.
The cows had escaped from the nearby barn at Peaceful Meadows in Whitman. The management there believes that the cows wandered out of their barn around midnight via a side door carelessly left open by a new trainee. "After they got out, I guess they just wandered around town looking for a good grazing spot," said manager Susan LaGlace, "They've had quite the adventure!"
For the cows their grazing elysium was EBHS football field. They were discovered there, happily feasting, by student Kelly Moore when she arrived for school at 6:30. Moore had arrived early to take a make-up chemistry test and discovered the cattle after she parked her car in the back lot. "I was just thinking ok, I know its early, but I can't be hallucinating cows. Can I?" said Kelly.
After realizing that this was indeed not a dream, Kelly did the only thing she could do, she called the fire department. After arriving, the fire fighters were baffled by the unusual task they had been set. They had to contain the cows before school started, so they herded the cows into the adjacent, enclosed tennis courts. The resourceful fire fighters used boards, ladders, trucks and any thing else handy to guide the scared cows. Students arriving for school were befuddled by the sight of the heifers wandering among the tennis nets.
Soon, the fire department received a panicked call from the Peaceful Meadow staff searching for the bodacious bovines. By 10:00 all the cows had been boarded onto the barn's cattle car and were headed home. "They are back at their stable safe and sound, sleeping off their late-night escapade," said barn manager Ary Holstein, "I don't think they'll be up for another adventure for a long time."
Friday, March 4, 2011
Canine Crusader (Hourglass Story)
The following a fictional story:
A local dog did her civic duty Thursday night when she stopped a criminal from fleeing the scene of a bank robbery in Hanover.
The suspect, 35 year old George Smith, held up Petco in Hanover, demanding $100,000. He was wearing a Halloween costume and carrying a dictionary disguised as a bomb. After receiving his ransom, Smith tried to make his getaway.
Luckily, Artemis, a four year old, Samoyed was shopping with her owner. Perceiving the threat, Artemis charged and took down the suspect, without any previous training. She then proceeded to hold down Smith until the police arrived.
The police recount the incident:
Eight AM Thursday morning Smith entered the Hanover Petco dressed as a giant banana and carrying a standard Webster's dictionary. He then proceeded to the first cashier and demanded the money from all the registers and the safe. When the cashier refused, he told her that the dictionary was actually a bomb. The cashier than got the manager, who gave Smith the money.
Thinking that he had gotten away with the perfect crime, George sprinted out the door towards his 2011 Chevy Camaro. Suddenly, the brave Artemis broke away from her owner a sprinted after the suspect. After catching up to him, she clamped down onto his arm and refused to let go-a technique used by police dogs, but never taught to Artemis. The Samoyed managed to hold her quarry until the police arrived and arrested Smith.
Artemis will be presented an award Sunday by Governor Patrick for her bravery.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Last Great Race on Earth
The air is filled with tension. People are cheering. Dogs are barking and straining against their harnesses. Suddenly, BANG! The team lurches forward; the dogs running at their best, enjoying every minute of it.
It's that time of y
ear again. This Saturday at 10 AM 62 teams embark from Anchorage Alaska on a 1,131 mile odyssey to Nome. That's right the Iditarod is about to kick off.A tradition since 1973, the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race embodies the Alaska
n spirit and honors the brave dog teams that helped settle the area. It tests the endurance of both the dogs and musher as they travel across vast, beautiful, and dangerous landscape. Nicknamed "The Last Great Race on Earth" it attracts spectators and mushers alike from all over the world. It is truly a phenomenon.The race will be broadcast on the local station, GCI Cable 1. However, for those of us living in the lower 48, the entire race broadcast can be found on http://iditarod.com/ by signing up for the Iditarod Insider-$19.95 for the video or GPS tracker or $39.95 for both.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
What is Dog Showing?
Dog handlers and dog lovers alike tuned into CNBC last night to watch the ever exciting action of the 135th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in Madison Square Garden.
Not many people can understand the attraction to such an event. After all its not the Red Sox or Patriots. As a dog handler in 4-H I believe that you can not really appreciate the excitement of the dog showing world until you are immersed in it.
Dog showing is all about the preparation, not only for your dog, but also for yourself. Firstly, the dog needs to be trained. True enough conformation is not an obedience based event, but your dog still needs to be well behaved and responsive to your commands. (esp. since your only leash and collar is a thin showmanship lead). It also needs to tolerate stacking, (setting up your dog in the best position to showcase the breed's qualities) and the judge's inspection. In addition, every dog needs to be ableto free-stack (the dog sets itself up). Then, comes the grooming. The amount of time and difficulty of grooming is specific to each breed. However, even terriers whose coats are meant to be working, hardy coats need hours of grooming. Your doggy's do must be as close to the breed standard as possible (sorry no crazy hair dye) while still showcasing your dog's best qualities. Your dog's coat can make or break you. I take my hat off to Standard Poodle handlers who spend all day on their dogs. Finally, you have to train yourself. A handler's job is to showcase their dog and make sure the judge notices them. In order to do this you must exhibit your dog while staying out of the judge's way. Your dog should be between you and the judge at all times. For example, don't reach over your dog when stacking it. One dog show announcer summed it up, "A good handler should be invisible."
After all that preparation its time to show your stuff in the ring. Once you actually get in the ring the air is full of tension, competition, and excitement. This feeling can even be felt by spectators hoping their favorite breed will win. But win or loose, dog showing is a great way to see all your favorite dogs, learn about dogs, and meet fellow dog lovers.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Friday, February 11, 2011
New Orginal Series?
The beginning of the new year saw some new "original" series added to American television such as Being Human, Skins, and the upcoming X-Factor. While some praised the new shows, others despised and degraded them from almost the minute they premiered. Fierce criticism could be found plastered all over facebook in the form of status posts, page comments, and even flair. What could cause such an intense hatred of a show that had just aired its first episode? The answer is that these shows had in actuality, been on air for years and already had avid fans.
The programs were actually successful British creations that Hollywood had Americanized and brought here. The issue is that with that many Americans were already watching those shows on the Internet or TV stations such as BBC America. After falling in love with the story and picking their favorite characters/actors, the fans took Hollywood's actions as a personal insult. They are outraged because Hollywood calls the new version "originals", rarely, if ever, giving the original actors and writers credit. Furthermore, Hollywood usually edits the scripts to make them more "American" changing characters' backgrounds and names, dialing down some themes, and sometimes even changing the show's name. Di-hard fans consider this blasphemy. When the original scripts were so addictive and amazing, why change them? And come on let's just face it, British accents make everything ten times cooler.
Now, as it is pretty obvious, I have also contracted Anglophenia. My favorite BBC America show is Being Human; a show about a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf who all live together and struggle to be normal.....to be human. Dynamic characters and suspenseful plots keep myself and thousands of other fans tuned in to BBC America every Supernatural Saturday. Seeing its success in both the UK and US; the syfy channel decided to create their own version. The name of every character was changed as was the background of my favorite character Mitchell, the vampire. Mitchell was a soldier in World War I who allowed himself to be turned as long as his comrades were spared. The US "Aiden" was a Revolutionary War soldier. My question is, "Wasn't the US in World War I as well?" I could barely watch the preview trailer and haven't even tried to watch the show.
In closing, I'd just like to leave you with one thought. The UK has also borrowed a few of our shows (ex: CSI: Miami, the Vampire Diaries, and Glee), but they air the originals. Why don't we do the same?
The programs were actually successful British creations that Hollywood had Americanized and brought here. The issue is that with that many Americans were already watching those shows on the Internet or TV stations such as BBC America. After falling in love with the story and picking their favorite characters/actors, the fans took Hollywood's actions as a personal insult. They are outraged because Hollywood calls the new version "originals", rarely, if ever, giving the original actors and writers credit. Furthermore, Hollywood usually edits the scripts to make them more "American" changing characters' backgrounds and names, dialing down some themes, and sometimes even changing the show's name. Di-hard fans consider this blasphemy. When the original scripts were so addictive and amazing, why change them? And come on let's just face it, British accents make everything ten times cooler.
Now, as it is pretty obvious, I have also contracted Anglophenia. My favorite BBC America show is Being Human; a show about a ghost, a vampire, and a werewolf who all live together and struggle to be normal.....to be human. Dynamic characters and suspenseful plots keep myself and thousands of other fans tuned in to BBC America every Supernatural Saturday. Seeing its success in both the UK and US; the syfy channel decided to create their own version. The name of every character was changed as was the background of my favorite character Mitchell, the vampire. Mitchell was a soldier in World War I who allowed himself to be turned as long as his comrades were spared. The US "Aiden" was a Revolutionary War soldier. My question is, "Wasn't the US in World War I as well?" I could barely watch the preview trailer and haven't even tried to watch the show.
In closing, I'd just like to leave you with one thought. The UK has also borrowed a few of our shows (ex: CSI: Miami, the Vampire Diaries, and Glee), but they air the originals. Why don't we do the same?
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