"What you seek is seeking you."

"Sometimes change is too much to bear, but most of the time change is the only thing saving your life."- Unknown

             October has been designated national  Adopt-A-Shelter- Dog Month. Why is adopting from a rescue or shelter so critical right now? The facts are heartbreaking. Approximately 2.7 million  perfectly healthy animals are euthanized in this country every year. Companion animals like dogs and cats are killed when there isn't enough room to house them in shelters. Most dogs are surrendered  or disturbingly dumped at shelters by previous owners for reasons such as aging, medical expenses or grooming costs, families having children, relocation's or re-trainable behavioral issues. A surprising 25% of dogs surrendered to shelters are purebred. Many rescues are so full of unwanted animals, dogs and cats placed in a shelter have as little as one week to be adopted before they're killed. Despite the success of spaying and neutering programs in the past ten years homeless animals outnumber homeless people 5 to 1. This statistic is tragic for both homeless families and homeless animals. How do we consider this acceptable in one of the most prosperous nations in the world?
          Every year I've tried to share as much information as possible on my blog regarding animal rescues, shelters and the sheer richness and pleasure dogs bring to our lives. From personal experience and avid research, as rescue, police, military, therapy and family companions these incredible animals are intelligent, capable,  protective, trusting and unrivaled in loving their humans. They provide physical health and mental benefits beyond  what we can statistically measure. What can we all do in October and all year long to help these beautiful animals?

         *    Decide if adopting a dog is right for you. Do your research. Dogs require time, affection, exercise and grooming attention but like any thing we love they are worth the effort. Check with your local shelter today. Once you adopt make sure the animal is spayed or neutered.
             https://www.petfinder.com/

         *    If you're unable to adopt do whatever you can to help animals in shelters such as donate supplies or volunteer your time. Call your local shelters and ask them what they need most.

         *    Remember if you're looking for a purebred dog such as a Golden Retriever or Beagle 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred. Find a breed specific rescue in your area. Please- don't buy puppies from pet stores or pet shops online. Puppies bought and sold in stores and online are more likely raised in illegal puppy mills.

         *    Support spaying and neutering programs in your city and state. Population control is critical to preventing overcrowded shelters and senselessly killing healthy animals later.

          *   Use your own resources to help animals in need such as posting information on your Facebook, blog or Twitter page. Urge communities to offer programs which spay and neuter animals for reduced price or free. Population control is key.


        *  Teach children the importance of compassion and care for all animals. Dogs rely on our love and kindness for their survival. Please, do whatever you can to help even if you're unable to bring a new canine companion into your home this month.

     *  Please, take time to thank those brave enough to work in shelters and rescue organizations  every day. Most of us can't even imagine the amount of courage it takes to desperately try and negotiate temporary foster or permanent homes before an animals time runs out. Please, think of those doing a job most of us could never bear to do but what must be done. 

           

           

            " What you seek is seeking you."- Rumi

       

"Our voices are our most powerful weapons."

"There is a moment when you have to choose whether to be silent or to stand up."
 Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Prize recipient, author, activist.

                        Opening Friday, October 9th at the "Hamptons International Film Festival" and everywhere worldwide, He Named Me Malala is the anticipated documentary of  Nobel Peace Prize recipient Malala Yousefzai. Directed by acclaimed producer Davis Guggenheim (An Inconvenient Truth, 2006), (Waiting for Superman, 2010) the film has been described as a compliment to Malala's  2013 autobiography, I Am Malala (Little Brown & Company 2013) with author Christina Lamb. October 9th is a significant date for Yousefzai. It is the day she almost paid the ultimate price for speaking out against the atrocities the Taliban were committing in her homeland. Having taken control of the Swat Valley in Pakistan, the Taliban violently enforced uncompromising restrictions on families, especially the rights of women and girls to receive an education. In 2012 the courageous young woman who stood up in protest for her independence was callously shot in the face by a group of global terrorists who wanted Malala silenced forever.

            Critics of the documentary which opened in limited release on October 2nd commented that the film appears to be more promotional than educational. There are memorable scenes where the truly amazing, wise yet playful personality of a young woman emerges. Malala Yousefzai is nothing short of an extraordinarily resilient and brave activist who continues her fight for women and girls not only in Pakistan but all over the world. The story needs to be told again and again and perhaps the criticism of  some writers and reviewers in the US is either due to our arrogance or our ignorance.
 He Named Me Malala is rated PG-13.   http://www.foxsearchlight.com/henamedmemalala/






           



http://hamptonsfilmfest.org/
   

"Something incredible is waiting to be known."

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known,"- Carl Sagan, astrophysicist, cosmologist, astronomer, author

        The Martian opened to excellent  reviews  Friday, October 2nd topping all other movies at the box office this weekend. Legendary director, Ridley Scott's sci-fi epic is based on novelist Andy Weir's incredible story of The Martian (Crown 2011) number one on the New York Times Best Sellers fiction book list for the week of October 11th.
       Not all space-exploration fiction translates well to film but in the case of  The Martian starring Matt Damon (Mark Wagner) and Jessica Chastain, both featured in director Christopher Nolan's impressive intergalactic thriller, Interstellar (2014) the survival saga is already earning award worthy buzz.  As a novel, The Martian was well received due to the imposing amount of meticulous research double checked by author Weir himself. In the video above NASA scientists confirm the films attention to detail. Whether audiences choose to watch an impactful movie, read an inspiring novel or both, The Martian franchise promises to transport us on an unforgettable journey of discovery.

 Actor, writer and sci-fi icon, Will Wheaton provided his own accolades for The Martian novel by awarding it five out of five stars on Good Reads website:      http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18007564-the-martian

    "Andy Weir does this incredible thing where he makes the reader feel the isolation that Mark Wagner feels, and he does it so subtly, we don't even realize that he's doing it until it's done."




http://www.andyweirauthor.com/books/the-martian-tr/the-martian-hc

http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-martian

"The power of a vote..."

"Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputations can never effect a reform."- Susan B. Anthony, social activist

                  In the United States we have a tendency to take our freedoms for granted until we are seriously challenged or threatened to have them taken away. If history teaches us anything it's to be less apathetic and more vigilant about the power we hold in modern day elections. We do love our films and this powerful story marches us arm in arm with millions of brave women who struggled with heartbreaking personal tragedies and injustice while demanding their human rights. Focus Films brings us in limited theater release October 23rd, Suffragette
        A suffragette is a woman who advocates for the right to vote in political elections. In the United States women were granted the right to vote in 1920 with the 19th Amendment to the U.S Constitution. So believe it or not in less than 100 years women in this country have demanded their right to vote and have fiercely fought for reforms which allow us to maintain our independence and freedom. Freedom is independence."Independence is happiness.", rightfully attested  American activist, Susan B. Anthony. Still, in many nations today the fight against oppression is far from over.
              In the United Kingdom the push for women's suffrage became a national movement as early as 1872. A full movement began in 1906. Marches and protests spanned a decade beginning in 1918 during World War I. After submitting and rejecting bill after bill, British parliament granted women over 30 who owned property limited suffrage. Finally, in 1928 all women over 21 were granted the right to vote.
            Suffragette  retells the  saga of strong and relentless British mothers, daughters and rebels who sacrificed their lives for women around the world. Now in 2015, the fight continues. Written by Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady)( The Hour) and directed by Sarah Gavron (This Little Life), Suffragette stars Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter and the incomparable, Meryl Streep.

 The official movie trailer can be seen above. See full movie details and release dates here  http://suffragettethemovie.com/#landing/home

"Keep feeling fascination..."

"Summer ends, and Autumn comes, and he who would have it otherwise would have high tide always and a full moon every night."-  Hal Borland, author, journalist.

  

https://www.nasa.gov/

                          A Supermoon Lunar Eclipse is fascinating because it's a rare event in our human history. The last time most Earthlings witnessed a Supermoon lunar eclipse was in 1982 when TIME's "Man of the Year" was the computer, the first CD player was sold in Japan, the Weather Channel made its debut,  E.T and Chariots of Fire topped the box office, Michael Jackson released his Thriller album and the most popular song in the US was "Don't You Want Me" by the Human League.

        The next Supermoon lunar eclipse will occur 18 years from now in 2033, so if you have the opportunity don't miss this incredible visually breathtaking event, Sunday, September 27th between 9:07 PM and 12:27 AM.  Tweet photo's to # SuperBloodMoonLunarEclipse

  NASA will be providing a live feed on their website. https://www.nasa.gov/

           

"Why are you here?"

"Self-esteem comes from being able to define the world in your own terms and refusing to abide by the judgments of others."- Oprah Winfrey
 http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3518.Oprah_Winfrey?page=2

 

                    Why am I here? All human beings contemplate this question whether we hold doctorates in astrophysics or gather coins on a crowded street corner from strangers. At some point in our seemingly insignificant existence we want to know what the hell it's all about. Alone at night, gazing spellbound at the limitless sea of pulsating stars we wonder..tenderly searching the eyes of a loved one or beloved child and feeling our hearts burst with overwhelming warmth, listening to the orchestral echoes of waves as they ebb and flow on secluded sands, still, silent moments in solitude when we feel as if we are truly the only soul on earth...we question..WHY?  

       Religion, science, philosophy, art, literature, the power of rituals are fascinating to us because they give our lives meaning. There are so many breathtakingly beautiful images depicted in the  preview glimpse video of  Oprah Winfrey's,  "Belief"'  it left me eagerly anticipating more. In less than a month a seven part series will air on OWN beginning October, 18th. If you are a curious human being with much to learn about yourself,  others, and the world around you, I would highly recommend watching this program. 

http://www.oprah.com/app/belief.html

" The makers of magic...."

"If I was any more on edge, I'd be Bono..."

"I'm a tearless clown. If I were to get a tattoo it would be the two masks and they would both be smiling." -  Andy Samberg, writer, comedian, 2015 Emmy Awards emcee.

                  The 67th Emmy Awards ceremony will be held Sunday, September 20th at 8PM, EST airing on FOX. Hosted by writer, actor and star of the hilarious TV action comedy, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Andy Samberg will be sure to keep audiences enthusiastically entertained. The live broadcast will be filmed from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. By the end of 2015 nearly 400 or more television shows are projected to be in production due to the meteoric rise in streaming services. This indicates the weekend binge-viewing public is enjoying and demanding more television scripts, which is excellent news for aspiring writers and actors.

          The 2013 and 2014 Emmy Awards have been two of the highest rated television variety shows in a decade. No doubt the charisma and charm of Samberg will carry the 2015 broadcast in the same dynamic direction. The video above contains the nominations for this year.

 The link to the official Emmy Awards show can be found here: http://www.emmys.com/awards/emmys

"Making history, one play at a time."

"I was a little disappointed I didn't make a better kick. I was sure it was going right but it did go through. I'll probably beat myself up for that for a little while but it was awesome." Kent State Golden Flashes kicker, April Goss ( source: AP Sports)

                When a university football team makes history it usually appears as a feature in national or local sports coverage but somewhere between the adoration of Urban Meyer's Ohio State dream team and the start of the NFL season a unique story was left benched in many areas of the country. Kent State may be an unfamiliar school to some but in Northeast, Ohio you can't throw a Great Lakes Brewing Company beer bottle cap without hitting someone who graduated or at least attended a branch of Kent State University- seven or more family members included. On Saturday, September 12th, Kent State Golden Flashes football player, April Goss became only the second female in college history to score in an official season game. As field goal kicker, Goss lifted the Flashes extra point to help dominate Delaware State in a 45-13 victory,   

        As a senior soon to graduate, April Goss may not have another opportunity to score a field goal during a  regulation game with her specialty teams. Goss has kicked down the door for other young women who may consider trying out for the Flashes in the future.  Along with her teammates, acknowledgment must be given to former Kent State four-year letterman defensive back and current coach, Paul Haynes, who has proven to be an exemplary leader and supporter of Goss.

Katie Hnida was the first woman to score for an FBS program in 2003, kicking two extra points for New Mexico.

"The art of hugging."

           Your weekend forecast calls for 100% chance of puppy hugs. Sunday, September 13th has been designated "Hug Your Hound" Day. Animal lovers across the world are encouraged to take time to appreciate the valuable gifts our dogs unselfishly provide without reciprocity. Our pets require proper time and attention and most dogs absolutely relish being cuddled. We know giving and receiving affection makes us feel good both emotionally and physically but have you ever wondered why we love to hug each other so much?
              Oxytocin is the hormone that plays a significant role in our ability to bond with our mothers or care givers early in life. We are born with the need for physical contact. Its been scientifically researched and well documented that both animals and human babies who go without affection have developmental delays such as being withdrawn, despondent or depressed. Touching and caressing creates bonding, intimacy and most importantly a sense of trust. When we're secure with our emotions we naturally desire to hug what we love. We show our gratitude for others with affectionate gestures from playful swats on the behind, bro-chest thumps or deeply passionate bear hugs that leave us breathless. Some people try to avoid PDA (public displays of affection) or describe themselves as "non-huggers" but essentially these individuals are consciously keeping distance. Hugging and snuggling is normal, natural  human behavior and essential for truly strong healthy relationships. Hugging relieves stress and provides reassurance. So hug, hug, hug, hug and hug some more. Hug your hounds and hug the humans you cherish on each and every opportunity.

"Follow your own path..."

           " Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise."
             Seek what they sought."

                                                     Matsuo Basho-  poet (1644-1694)

"Late night heats up again...."

         We may be approaching the autumn months but late night TV is heating up again. What's so hot?  Only the return yet debut of one of the most sizzling talk show hosts in America. How would you like to be front row and center for the first ever Late Show with Stephen Colbert? http://www.cbs.com/shows/the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/   The countdown to Tuesday, September 8th, 11:35 PM EST is running out for two lucky winners to be randomly selected, flown to New York City, enjoy accommodations at a four star hotel and of course attend the premier as Stephen Colbert's VIPs.  Additional details can be found about the Late Show experience at professional dream makers Omaze  fundraising website. https://premiere.omaze.com/experiences/colbert 

      All proceeds for the premiere ticket raffle will be donated to support the Yellow Ribbon Fund http://www.yellowribbonfund.org/  Yellow Ribbon Fund  continues to be one of the strongest advocates for returning service men and women, filling in the gaps of the often long and complicated recovery process. Be sure to check out the video above for more information.

" Change that will save lives."

http://everytown.org/


          Everytown for Gun Safety is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating American communities, preventing gun violence and advocating for stronger laws and gun safety measures. Survivors of gun related violence, law enforcement, local governments, gun owners, teachers, mothers and fathers, and all citizens who want to secure their neighborhoods by promoting non-violence come together to take positive action.
        Everytown is committed to serving victims of gun violence by allowing them to connect with other survivors and share their stories in order to heal. Victims of gun violence suffer from more than just physical wounds, some endure trauma for many years struggling to regain a sense of security and trust. Everytown provides support to those who have lost loved ones from gun violence and provides an opportunity for all citizens to endorse legal measures which will save countless lives now and in the future. http://everytown.org/

       Headline news, hardly a day goes by when we don't hear or read about a gun related death. You may even live in a community where children and adults you know personally have been wounded or killed  One of the most recent tragedies occurred with the senseless executions of a Virginian journalist and cameraman live on air. Escaping justice, the shooter killed himself following the double homicide. Americans have been murdering Americans at a rate which surpasses every other  industrialized nation in the world for a long time. Yet we seem to ignore this fact. How many Americans have to die before we seriously examine why the United States refuses to make the changes needed to protect innocent lives from gun violence?
           
           

         
               
     

"Pathways to understanding...."

"What would happen if we spoke the truth."- Alison Bechdel, author, cartoonist

              Contrary to media reports overheard or nonchalantly glanced at trending on social media this week, Duke University students are not being forced to do anything. As part of the  incoming freshman summer reading program a graphic novel by New York Times best-selling author, Alison Bechdel (photo shown above) was chosen among other literature because it is likely to spark open conversations about life, death and sexuality. Topics that all sincere adult students pursuing higher education should be comfortable contemplating. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic was first published in 2006 and has since been made into a highly successful Broadway musical. Summer reading is entirely voluntary but Fun Home offers a rich opportunity for discussion, especially about discrimination and human rights. What most people don't understand about the Duke dilemma is how students who haven't read the novel automatically dismiss it as violating their moral beliefs.


 To clarify, in a statement by Michael Schoenfeld, VP for Public Affairs and Government Relations at Duke University  

Like many universities and community, Duke has had a summer reading for many years to give incoming students a shared intellectual experience with other members of the class (you can see the most recent selections at https://studentaffairs.duke.edu/new-students/common-experience).  

The reading is selected by a committee of students, and staff, who then solicit feedback from other members of the Duke community.  Fun Home was ultimately chosen because it is a unique and moving book that transcends genres and explores issues that students are likely to confront.  It is also one of the most celebrated graphic novels of its generation, and the theatrical adaption won the Tony Award for Best Musical, and four others, in 2015.  As we have every year, we were fortunate to have the author join us on campus for a lively discussion of the book during orientation week.

The summer reading is entirely voluntary — it is not a requirement, nor is there a grade or record of any student’s participation.  With a class of 1,750 new students from around the world, it would be impossible to find a single book that that did not challenge someone’s way of thinking.  We understand and respect that, but also hope that students will begin their time at Duke with open minds and a willingness to explore new ideas, whether they agree with them or not. 

"Those without a voice can be heard."

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” ― Malala Yousafzai

                       


                 This month many schools in the United States are welcoming back students from summer break. Children raised in America have access to free public education.from kindergarten to grade 12. Fortunate public school systems provide books, paper, pencils, computers or individual tablets for their students. Increasingly in the States, parents or classroom teachers are purchasing these items  out of their own pockets. Having attended and worked in public schools as well as being the sister of a dedicated public school teacher, I can assure you this is true. Public school teachers and parents care enough to realize the value of giving every child an opportunity for a good education. Many under funded schools must request grants or raise their own money to provide essential classroom materials. As one of the most prosperous nations in the world we are still unable to provide adequate supplies for all of our girls and boys: our future citizens, our future leaders.
      Despite failing federal standards and unrealistic mandatory curriculum's we are still financially head and shoulders above most countries. We provide equal opportunities for both male and female pupils which is not the case in many areas of the world. As a native of Pakistan, author, Nobel Prize laureate and education advocate, Malala Yousafzai has endured the unimaginable to speak out for the rights of women and girls to be educated. At just 18 years of age, Malala continues to risk her life standing up to religious and political extremists who attempt to silence her voice forever. “The extremists are afraid of books and pens, the power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women.” stating perceptively with a wisdom beyond her years. Education is power.  Education gives us the tools for survival. Whether we choose to attend public, private or home school, having access to books, library facilities or the internet develops our sense of empowerment. The most meaningful aspects our of lives come from learning, sharing and expressing our own ideas. Education is a human right.


 For more information about becoming a Global Citizen  https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/

"That light inside that drives you..."

“Creativity is connected to your passion, that light inside you that drives you. That joy that comes when you do something you love. That small voice that tells you, “I like this. Do this again. You are good at it. Keep going.” That is the juicy stuff that lubricates our lives and helps us feel less alone in the world.” ― Amy Poehler-actor, comedian, author of Yes Please

       Author, actor and comedian, Amy Poehler recently developed a new science web series for her highly successful Smart Girls project. "Experimenting with Megan " is hosted by writer Megan Amran  who is the author of a clever satirical textbook,  Science...For Her!  Her host character has been described as the female scientific researcher equivalent of Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report's narcissistic political pundit. What 's really happening before our eyes is an entertaining, educational guide to scientific knowledge and step by step experiments. Learning with laughter. Is there any better way? In the episode above Megan welcomes her guest, CalTech engineer and aeronautics professor, Dr. Beverly Mc Keon. Watch a new episode every Monday at amysmartgirls

     Amy's Smart Girls was co-created by Poehler,  current director, Meredith Walker and composer, performer and teacher, Amy Miles.(see full bio's on the website)  In addition to earning two Emmy Award nominations for her comedic role in NBC's Parks and Recreation, Amy Poehler is a humanitarian, active in women and girls issues and serves as Ambassador for the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Amy's Smart Girls website is informative, entertaining and allows girls of all ages to contribute their own unique voice. Men and boys are encouraged to check out the site too. Find out how you can support girls in your schools and communities who are “changing the world by being themselves."


http://amysmartgirls.com/shows/






Happy Anniversary to Les & Chuck on August 15th. Wishing you more love & happiness to come.

"Masters of daydreaming.."

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.” ― John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

        https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/


               As a child I remember lying on soft snuggly blankets in the backyard lazily looking up at  slightly overcast afternoon skies. Few things are as relaxing or set our imaginations free as when we allow ourselves to discover shapes and new forms in the ever changing clouds. Many times we are surrounded by beauty but our awareness has tuned it out like when we are texting our friends at the beach or snapping Instagram photos of a sunset we should be absorbing in real time. We are a society obsessed with our smartphones, social media, held captive by the constant flickering flame of our own thoughts. Cloud appreciation goes far beyond childhood or adolescent daydreams, it is a practice all of us are encouraged to continue at any age. Why?
            Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society stated the reason perfectly,
"I find that sometimes by paying attention to something outside of yourself, it's just enough to find yourself centered again." In his presentation above Pretor-Pinney discusses how letting our imaginations go is a necessary part of creativity and human nature.

"No waves, no wind."

"midnight- no waves, no wind."

midnight - no waves, no wind
the empty boat is
flooded with moonlight

                - Dogen

" Share your strength. End child hunger."

"One of the greatest feelings in the world is knowing that we as individuals can make a difference. Ending hunger in America is a goal that is literally within our grasp."
-- Jeff Bridges, anti-hunger activist and advocate for children.

                                             

                           
           Over 16 million children in the United States or 1 in 5 struggles with hunger each day. American kids aren't getting the food they need. Hunger compromises a child's ability to focus, properly develop and maintain overall health. What's even more tragic is that the United States is one of the most prosperous countries in the world and we are allowing some of our children to starve. According to research conducted by Children’s Health Watch,  lack of food or what is now commonly termed "food insecurity" is linked to increased hospitalizations, developmental issues, headaches, stomachaches and colds. The truth is it's costing our country more to ignore hunger than to take actions to resolve the root causes. And at least in the United States we do have the ability and resources to help. So why are we allowing hungry children to suffer?


       Consider the following important points proposed by legal clerk and consumer activist,
 Erin Brocovich,

      "Most of our citizenry believes that hunger only affects people who are lazy or people who are just looking for a handout, people who don't' want to work, but, sadly, that is not true. Over one-third of our hungry people are innocent children who are members of households that simply cannot provide enough food or proper nutrition. And to think of the elderly suffering from malnutrition is just too hard for most of us. Unlike Third World nations, in our country the problem is not having too little – it is about not caring enough! Write your elected representatives and promote support for the hungry."  http://endhunger.com/assets/Celebrities/brockovich.html


 Here are the facts:

             Almost 50 million Americans which includes 16 million children are living in homes with  insufficient incomes. These households lack enough resources to consistently provide nutritious meals. At some time during a school year millions of children are going without food.

             Food insecurity is most common in large cities but still exists in rural areas, suburbs and other outlying areas around large cities.

             25 % of households with children living in metropolitan areas are food-insecure.

             Federal nutrition programs play one of the most important roles in helping parents and children build and maintain health.


            So what's it going to take to eliminate hunger in the United States besides Federal programs and local food banks?  Advocate and spokesman for No Kid Hungry, Jeff Bridges stated,

 "Public charities, food banks and church pantries are doing more than ever before, but they can't keep up with the need. We can never end hunger only through the wonderful work of local charities. Like other Western democracies, we must end our national problem of hunger through national and political leadership. Charity is nice for some things, but not as a way to feed a nation. We don't protect our national security through charity, and we shouldn't protect our families and children that way either."

  For additional resources, stories, action plans, research and more visit the
  No Kid Hungry website   https://www.nokidhungry.org/the-problem

         
           

"One of the most beautiful.."

"Until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is--whether its victim is human or animal--we cannot expect things to be much better in this world."-- Rachel Carson, American conservationist

            "He was one of the most beautiful animals to look at." stated Johnny Rodrigues, head of the Zimbabwe Conservation Task Force. Cecil, a gorgeous majestic male lion was well known by park guides and tourists for his demeanor and distinctive dark mane. After living in the national park for thirteen years Cecil was lured away from the protected grounds and viciously killed. Cecil was first injured with a bow and arrow and later found shot to death.  According to the Zimbabwe Professional Hunter and Guides Association, bow hunting is permissible in private hunting concessions or communal hunting areas only but NEVER in a national park or government-controlled safari area. Zimbabwean conservationists have emphasized recently that hunting by bow and arrow is on the increase. Bow hunting is silent, allowing unethical or illegal hunting to go undetected by authorities.
           American dentist and avid trophy hunter, Walter James Palmer from Eden Prairie, Minnesota is now being sought and held accountable for illegal hunting. In a statement he made to authorities earlier this week, Palmer said "I had no idea that the lion I took was a known, local favorite, was collared and part of a study until the end of the hunt. I relied on the expertise of my local professional guides to ensure a legal hunt."  The GPS collar which Cecil wore for research tracking purposes was destroyed before his beheaded remains were found.
           According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare,  60% of the African lion population has been destroyed in the last three decades alone. The poaching and trophy hunting deaths of lions, elephants, rhino's and tigers has reached critical levels. Trophy hunting and poaching are big business in Africa resulting in international crimes. Hunters will pay as much as $300,000 dollars to track and kill an animal with legal permits to make it appear an ethical sport. What most people, conservationists and animal advocates want to understand is- why? Unbridled greed, ego-driven violence and an arrogant photo opportunity seem senseless in the face of so many beautiful animals being endangered. Poaching contributes to the corruption and intimidation of government officials and local communities, increases the sale of illegal fire arms and drug distribution where the activities take place. Taking full responsibility for their part in cruel and pointless poaching crimes is long overdue for the United States. Laws need to change now.

"The moment you think of a joke.."

"The moment you think of a joke is the best moment."
- writer, producer, director, comedian, Judd Apatow

             How well do you know writer, producer, director and comedian, Judd Apatow?  You may not immediately identify his face but you will certainly recognize his extensive body of work. He is the creative genius behind the movies The 40-Year Old Virgin whom he co-wrote with the films star, Steve Carrell, Funny People featuring Adam Sandler and Eric Bana, and the memorable Knocked Up with Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl. He is the producer of Bridesmaids, Superbad and currently HBO's Girls.

            Apatow's latest offering is Trainwreck, in theaters now, starring comedians Amy Schumer, Bill Hader, with a special appearance by Akron, Ohio's own Cleveland Cavalier, LeBron James. As if that were not enough, in June, Apatow released a new book titled, Sick in the Head: Conversations About Life and Comedy ( Penguin Random House 2015). Beginning with transcripts from 1983 when he was a mere 14 years old, Apatow documents a surreal  interview with a young Jerry Seinfeld. (Apatow discusses some of the comedians in the video above). The entire book contains brilliantly entertaining, insightful excerpts with the most successful comics of a generation.  If you're looking for a summertime read with large doses of thoughtfulness and incredibly amusing anecdotes,  your prescription is staying "Sick in the Head".


Read a preview of the book here:

http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/247242/sick-in-the-head-by-judd-apatow/

" Life among the stars."

"To confine our attention to terrestrial matters would be to limit the human spirit."- Stephen Hawking

http://www.breakthroughinitiatives.org/



                       The search for extraterrestrial intelligence  has always been a part of human  contemplation. Since the dawn of existence we have turned our gaze upward towards the stars. What lies beyond the spectrum of the human eye and telescopes? Our search and understanding of space is one of the most fascinating areas of human study. We were made for exploration. For scientific and historical purposes SETI or the Search for Extraterrestrial  Intelligence officially began with astronomer Frank Drake in 1960. Drake used an 85-foot radio telescope in the first attempt to detect interstellar radio transmissions sent by beings outside our solar system.  

          Today, July 20th 2015,  a major announcement was made regarding a new global science initiative by Russian entrepreneur Yuri Milner, along with the internationally renowned physicist, Stephen Hawking.  The link below provides detailed information: 

 http://www.breakthroughinitiatives.org/News/1

 The video above is narrated by the multi-talented writer,  Seth Mac Farlane who produced the highly successful series, Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, hosted by astrophysicist,  Dr.Neil deGrasse Tyson.   
 http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/cosmos-a-spacetime-odyssey/  

" Please, don't let this happen..."

"The dog has seldom been successful in pulling man up to its level of sagacity, but man has frequently dragged the dog down to his.” ― James Thurber, author

      It may seem like common sense but with the most sizzling days of summer approaching pet owners are repeatedly reminded not to leave dogs in cars. Several petitions circulating on Change.org are specifically geared to enact laws which will make leaving pets in vehicles during sweltering temperatures illegal. Why do senseless pet deaths continue to happen?  Do pet owners realize how deadly hot the temperatures are in a vehicle even with windows cracked? Do pet owners understand the full effect this type of stress places on an animals system and how quickly this stress can escalate to death? 

 Important facts to know about vehicle temperatures and your pet:

 A dog’s normal resting body temperature is between 101 to 102.5 degrees. Imagine lying on a Florida beach at noon in the middle of July wearing a fur coat and stocking cap. Dogs can only tolerate a high body temperature for a few short minutes before suffering heatstroke, heart and nerve problems, liver failure, brain damage or even death. 

        Research studies have determined that cracking a window has little effect on a car’s internal temperature.  Check out the videos above. A study at Stanford University showed that  even when it's 72 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature quickly rose to 116 degrees within an hour. 

    What should you do if you see a dog in distress inside a vehicle? Call 911. Wait for an officer to arrive unless the dog is in obvious panic which includes excessive panting or near collapse. If the vehicle is parked outside of a store go inside and ask the manager to make an announcement. Don't allow any animal to suffer this summer. Breaking the glass of a vehicle to remove a child in heat distress is legal. Animal advocates and responsible dog owners would like to extend laws to include compassion for all suffering. If dogs could speak they would plead with their owners, "Please, don't leave me. I wouldn't leave you."