Archive for February 29, 2020

Harmful Mermaid’s Tears

February 29, 2020 Comments Off on Harmful Mermaid’s Tears

Some cosmetics contain plastic microbeads (AKA mermaid’s tears) that end up in our water system and harm wildlife.  Do NOT wash them down the drain.  Tighten the cap and toss unwanted product into the trash to be gobbled up by the landfill.

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[For more easy, money-saving, Earth-friendly tips, download a FREE copy of Green Riches: Help the Earth & Your Budget. Go to www.Smashwords.com/books/view/7000 or your favorite e-book seller and download to your computer or e-book device. Totally free, with no strings attached.]

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U.S. Military Dogs Being Mistreated

February 24, 2020 Comments Off on U.S. Military Dogs Being Mistreated

(From Working Dogs Left to Die.)

“You may have seen the news recently about the reports published about horrendous neglect of U.S. bomb-sniffing dogs in Jordan. In response to a hotline complaint, the Office of the Inspector General sent a team to do an evaluation of the kennel conditions of Explosive Detection Canines provided to Jordan. What they found was a horrifying combination of neglect, overwork and lack of basic veterinary care.

“Dogs that were carefully trained to save lives are now living in squalid conditions. Their kennels are covered in feces, their water bowls are often dry, and they aren’t being fed regularly. All of that, and they are still expected to work long days under the hot sun; sniffing for bombs.”

Read more and sign the petition at https://www.spcai.org/news/ed-blog/working-dogs-left-to-die.

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You Otter Try It

February 22, 2020 Comments Off on You Otter Try It

The ocean is beautiful! We go once in awhile for a short 45-minute trip there for lunch on the wharf and discussions with the wildlife–birds, sea critters, and people. Recently I was captivated by a young sea otter who relaxed on the pier’s supports while Mom brought him lunch, then snoozed between attempts at exercising his vocal cords. My friend Christine Murphy, who was more than handy with a camera, took the picture below. No matter how tired or stressed I am, it’s amazing how little episodes in nature like this can refresh me, pulling me out of myself and back into this wonderful world I’m such a small part of.

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Worshiping the God of Hate

February 21, 2020 Comments Off on Worshiping the God of Hate

I switched my Thursday Thought to today because my dog insisted I honor her on yesterday’s National Love Your Pet Day. So, here’s today’s Day-After-Thursday-Thought quote. It struck me because of all the hatred, manipulation, lies, half-truths, and distrust I’m seeing in my world today, especially in my country.

“This call for a worldwide fellowship that lifts neighborly concern beyond one’s tribe, race, class, and nation is in reality a call for an all-embracing and unconditional love for all mankind. We can no longer afford to worship the God of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides of hate. History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursued this self-defeating path of hate.” (From Martin Luther King’s speech “When Silence Is Betrayal,” given at Riverside Church, New York, April 4, 1967.)

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Pets & Your Health

February 20, 2020 Comments Off on Pets & Your Health

If you don’t own a pet, maybe you should get one. A pet offers a whole bunch of health benefits to you:

  • Buffer stress
  • Lower heart rate
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Give social support
  • Help you stay in shape
  • Prevent certain sicknesses

And to your children:

  • Cognitive stimulation
  • Improved behavior in children
  • Heightened understanding of others
  • Increased immunity
  • Lower anxiety levels

You can read why pet ownership gives you these benefits by reading this Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center’s short article Health Benefits of Pet Ownership.

By the way, Feb. 20 is National Love Your Pet Day. So, love your pet…or get one.

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Sink Your Canines Into This

February 18, 2020 Comments Off on Sink Your Canines Into This

I discovered a dog-show I can really sink my canines into!  The Kennel Club ones are okay, but the dogs are over-groomed and the owners over-tense.  I’m talking about the American Rescue Dog Show.  It’s open only to dogs adopted from rescue organizations and shelters.  And you can bet the only papers these dogs have are newspapers on the floor and paper-towel wipe-ups.  The owners are more laid back and at least as proud of their furry ones as those in the Kennel Club contests.  These dogs compete in categories that matter to families, especially kids: Best in Belly Rubs, Best Couch Potato, Best Wrinkles, Best Wiggly Butt….  To me, though, the best thing is watching what looks like love born from these dogs’ appreciation for being rescued and brought into a loving forever home. 

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A Question for Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2020 Comments Off on A Question for Valentine’s Day

On this Valentine’s Day–a day celebrating love and caring–it occurred to me that, if natural enemies can overcome their fear, distrust, and unloving attitudes toward each other, why can’t humans?

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Doing Best and Better

February 13, 2020 Comments Off on Doing Best and Better

Maya Angelou contributed a lot, through her poetry, songs, civil rights advocacy–and just understanding human nature. Today’s Thursday Thought quote offers a bit of her insight.

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A Special Valentine Gift

February 12, 2020 Comments Off on A Special Valentine Gift

You may be thinking about a gift for your loved one for Valentine’s Day, since it’s getting to be last-minute. How about this?

Give your Valentine a locally-grown plant to enjoy for a long time rather than a bouquet of short-lasting flowers which traveled great distances to get here.  (80% of the flowers sold in the U.S. come from Colombia and Ecuador.)  It’s a loving gift that will last months or years to come, reminding that special someone of your love.

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Who is “Buying” that Law?

February 11, 2020 Comments Off on Who is “Buying” that Law?

Wonder about the status of a bill in Congress or who’s paying to push it through? Go to www.MapLight.com.  There you’ll find out about bills in the news recently and read a snippet of what they’re about.  Click on the “Interest Groups” or “Companies” tab to see a chart of contributors and amounts they’ve paid. The “Contributions” page lets you find out how much a particular group has contributed to a specific legislator.

There’s a wealth of information on this website.  It’s one all voters should take a look at, especially before the elections.

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