Gorilla Murders | National Geographic Channel on TUESDAY JULY 1, 10pm

WATCH IF YOU CAN


take a looky here



Who Murdered the Virunga Gorillas?

Heavily armed militias shatter the stillness in this central African park. Desperate refugees crowd park boundaries. Charcoal producers strip forests. Then, last summer, someone killed seven of these magnificent creatures in cold blood.

The killers waited until dark.

On July 22 of last year unknown assailants crouched in the forest, preparing to execute a family of gorillas. Hidden on a side slope of the Mikeno volcano in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, armed with automatic weapons, the killers had hunted down the twelve-member Rugendo family, well-known among tourists and well loved by the rangers of Virunga National Park. The patriarch of the gorilla family, a 500-pound silverback named Senkwekwe, would have sensed that the assailants were near, perhaps wrinkling his wide, black nose at their unfortunate smell, but he would not have been alarmed. Senkwekwe had seen thousands of people and had come to accept their proximity as irritating but unavoidable. So habituated to humans was the Rugendo family that the gorillas would occasionally wander out of the forest into cornfields for an impromptu picnic, angering local farmers.

Park rangers at the nearby Bukima barracks said they heard shots at eight that night. On foot patrol the next morning they found three female gorillas—Mburanumwe, Neza, and Safari—shot to death, with Safari's infant cowering nearby. The following day Senkwekwe was found dead: blasted through the chest that same night. Three weeks later the body of another Rugendo female, Macibiri, would be discovered, her infant presumed dead.

Just a month earlier, two females and an infant from another gorilla group had been attacked. The rangers had found one of the females, shot execution style in the back of the head; her infant, still alive, was clinging to her dead mother's breast. The other female was never found.

All told, seven Virunga mountain gorillas had been killed in less than two months. Brent Stirton's photographs of the dead creatures being carried like royalty by weeping villagers ran in newspapers and magazines around the world. The murders of these intelligent, unassuming animals the park rangers refer to as "our brothers" ignited international outrage.

Bloggy Stuff:

I am astonished, seriously.
Lastnight so much snot came out of my nose in one blow, that I was amazed.
I didn't think it was possible. I'm no being silly, I'm serious.
I started to feel kinda proud, like I should get my name in the record books.
Then I wondered if there was such a thing, maybe I'll be the first?
I didn't think all that stuff could even fit in there. Neither did my friend.

Amazing!


I'm realising how much I like Charlize Theron and how much I hate The Hogans-YUCK!

I'm also realising how much I miss having Tim Russert around, me being the news buff that I am, especially politics. God, I miss him and his soothing voice. I also realise that there will be yet another death (prolly heart-related as well). They come in 3's - so they say. Tim, George, and who's heart is a ticking time-bomb?
I don't know, that James Gandolfini from The Sopranos didn't look so hot the last time I saw him on TMZ.

I better never, from now on, "put off" seeing someone I like. You never know when their'll drop. Like I will never forgive myself for not making my way over to Bob Hope before he died. I use to collect his black & white 8x10 movie glossys and movies. I wanted a few things signed and to let him know how much he made me laugh when I needed it the most. I LOVE BOB HOPE!
I better go see Nick Cave, my sexy loverboy smokes like a train. I was going to see Boy George (yes, boy george) at The Ely Rey (I love the 80's music) but they won't renew his Visa, they won't let him in the country? haha. George Michael sold out before I could get my hands on any tickets!

I am reminiscing on all the lovely 80's music. Something made me think of Madonna. When she first came out, I was so into her. That's when she was good. I had all the posters from the magazines on my wall and I even dressed like her sometimes. Haha.
When I dig those photos up, they will be posted. I even had her hair! Haha.

I felt like watching this right now...

NOW THAT'S SOME GOOD SHIT!!!!!!!


The weird dreams keep coming in...
A few nights ago I was having a quarter- eating contest w/ Jerry Springer, (yes, Quarters!) I could hear them clinging in my stomach as I gulped them down. Jerry gave up & started interviewing me in the middle of the contest. Clapping me on were my parrents- Gene Simmons and his wife Shannon Tweed Haha. Wtf?

Don't ask. because I don't know.


One night I could not sleep and I thought of this, I saw on Oprah a few months back, I always wondered, sadly- now I know...(just watch the whole thing, it's about 5 min)



SAD. I KNOW. I CRIED LIKE A BABY.

People STILL don't get it.

You have got to watch this if you love Nick Cave. haha. this is great...

Nick Cave on high horse

A BIG bronze statue of Nick Cave might soon look down on Warracknabeal, just like the rock singer.

While mocking his birthplace as conservative and strangely lawless, Cave has long sought a statue.

The one he favours would show him bare-chested on a rearing stallion.

And after a new approach to the council, what seemed like a joke is gaining traction.

The council says it will look at the proposal and dares him to go the whole hog and build a 50m-high Nick Cave with a viewing platform.

Cave, famed for fronting seminal rock bands the Birthday Party and the Bad Seeds, has told a local paper he has already invited celebrity friends to the unveiling.

"Russell Crowe, my mate, has promised to attend," he told the Wimmera Mail Times by email. "Snoop Dogg, a rapper, says he'll come if they let him into the country.

"Kylie Minogue said she wouldn't miss it for the world; she even promised to wear her gold lame hotpants."

Yarriambiack Shire Mayor Andrew McLeod said the statue could be an added tourist attraction to the town.

Mr McLeod said the town, population 2600, had "a dry creek bed and a few dry lakes" for attractions.

He said the town wouldn't pay for a statue but "if he's internationally known, you'd say he'd be making more money than me".

Cave said the Warracknabeal statue would make Gundagai's Dog on the Tuckerbox pale by comparison.

He wants it on a roundabout, but the only one spare is earmarked for a statue of a dingo and her pups.

"I ask you, what could be more indigenous to Warracknabeal than me?" Cave complained to the paper. "I was bloody born there."

Shire chief executive Ray Campling said latest indications were that the Cave camp was serious.

"Why not go the full hog and erect a 50m statue of Nick riding a horse?" he said. "You could have a tourist information booth and people climbing up the horse's neck and viewing out of the nostrils."

George Carlin, Comic Who Chafed at Society and Its Constraints, Dies at 71

I been sick for the last few days, so I'm just blogging this now.

I got a text message from Jim on Sunday night when the news first broke on talk radio. Jim and Kate had tickets to go see George. I got the text and said "no way", then called him up. So, thanks for the heads-up Jim.

I remember when I was a little girl my dad listening to Toledo Window Box really loud. George's voice and the audience laughing would echo throughout the intire house. For some reason it made me feel good. I remember asking "Daddy, why is the man talking and not singing"? haha.
I even remember the album cover too. My dad and I listened to George throughout the years, he being one of my dad and I's favourite. One reason being is because he thought like we did and he cursed like a drunken sailor like I do. lol. and he's just fucking funny as all hell anyhow.
He will be missed by many people, including pops and I, whom I called when I heard about the tragic news. Dad told me all about that album I remembered and the story behind the weird-ass name title. *Do yourself a favor & go check out some of his work, if that doesn't put you in a good mood for the rest of the day, nothing will!

(Go back to when George Carlin had hair and "Saturday Night Live" was really, really funny)

Networks remembering George Carlin in classic reruns, specials

If you’re a fan of the late comedian George Carlin or a newbie wondering what all the fuss was about yesterday, you can relive the glory years or get an education in the next few days as two networks dig into their vaults for some classic Carlin.

HBO — the network that was always the first home to Carlin’s lengthy comic diatribes — will blow out a chronological marathon featuring 11 of the comedian’s specials for the cable channel. (He made at least a dozen.) First, HBO2, runs the following schedule of back-to-back specials:


Eleven of George Carlin's HBO specials will be rerun Wednesday and Thursday, and his inaugural "Saturday Night Live" hosting gig is back on NBC this weekend.


Wednesday

7 p.m.: “George Carlin at USC” (1977)
8:30 p.m.: “George Carlin Again!” (1978)
10 p.m.: “Carlin at Carnegie” (1983)
11 p.m.: “Carlin on Campus” (1984)
Midnight: “Playin’ with Your Head” (1986)

Thursday

7 p.m.: “What Am I Doing in New Jersey?” (1988)
8 p.m.: “Doin’ It Again” (1990)
9 p.m.: “Jammin’ in New York” (1992)
10 p.m.: “Back in Town” (1996)
11:05 a.m.: “You Are All Diseased” (1999)
Midnight: “It’s Bad for Ya” (2008)

The main HBO channel also will replay “It’s Bad for Ya,” which just debuted in March, at 9 p.m. Friday.

Then, “Saturday Night Live” pays tribute by rerunning its premiere episode from 1975, which featured Carlin as host. The show starts at 10:30 p.m. Saturday on WMAQ-Channel 5.

Remembering Carlin, "Saturday Night Live" creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels said in a statement: "You never forget the people who were there at the beginning. George Carlin helped give 'Saturday Night Live' its start as our first host. He was gracious, fearless, and most important of all, funny."

Carlin performs three individual monologues on the program. Music guests are Janis Ian and Billy Preston, plus a landmark performance from comedian Andy Kaufman.
________________________________________________






'He was one funny motherfucker'
Tributes to George Carlin

HBO Comedians have been paying their tributes to George Carlin, hailing his influence in transforming stand-up into an insightful, passionate artform.

‘He was one funny motherfucker,’ Robin Williams said, employing one of the Seven Words You Can’t Say On Television from the controversial routine that helped make Carlin’s name.

‘He dealt with the insanity of the world with the one-two punch of humour and honesty with no apologies,’ Williams added.

Carlin died of heart failure on Sunday night at the age of 71. He was admitted to a Santa Monica hospital complaining of chest pain, and died soon afterwards. He had been working to the end – with his last gig in Las Vegas just last weekend – and had been planning a summer tour.

Carlin started in the Fifties with a conservative nightclub routine, but after seeing Lenny Bruce, he started forging the harder-hitting routine about drugs and the counterculture that engaged with a new generation – even though changing his act cost him lucrative work at the time.

He later said: ‘I was doing superficial comedy entertaining people who didn’t really care: Businessmen, people in nightclubs, conservative people. And I had been doing that for the better part of ten years when it finally dawned on me that I was in the wrong place doing the wrong things for the wrong people.’

Jack Burns, who was the other half of a comedy duo with Carlin in those nightclub years, said: ‘He was a genius, and I will miss him dearly.’

Other tributes to Carlin include

Jay Leno: ‘Before George, comedians aspired to put on nice suits and perform in Las Vegas. George rebelled against that life. His comedy took on privilege and elitism He never lost that fire. May he continue to inspire young people never to accept the status quo.’

Ben Stiller: ‘He had an amazing mind, and his humour was brave and always challenging us to look at ourselves and question our belief systems, while being incredibly entertaining. He was one of the greats. If there was ever a comedian who was a voice of their generation it was George Carlin’

Joan Rivers: ‘His legacy to comedy is to tell the truth. Because the truth is hilarious... . This man never compromised, and that's a great thing to say about a comedian.’

Judy Tenuta: ‘This comic genius… so profoundly influenced me and every comic working today. The world has lost the Picasso of modern stand-up.’

Wanda Sykes: ‘ We have lost one of the last founding fathers of stand-up comedy. Well, at least now Pryor will have somebody who can make him laugh.’

Sarah Silverman: ‘George Carlin was a pioneer who continued to be vital and relevant til the day he died. He was cutting edge without sacrificing heart or passion.’

Ellen DeGeneres: ‘In a profession where some look for the easy laugh and cheap shot, George not only made us laugh, but his humour made us think.’

HBO: ‘No performer was more committed to the ideal of freedom of speech, a principle he embodied for the 50 years he performed. We will miss his humour and his righteous comic anger, and we will simply miss him.’

Bill Maher: ‘When I was thinking about being a comedian, George was my inspiration. He had a level of guts and fearlessness than nobody can match. Right to the end. In fact, the older he got, the more he didn't give a fuck.’

Lewis Black: ‘He was pulling us out of the Fifties mentality, which persists today. He did his best to try to help us grow up as a people. He said, “Can we mature a little? Can we be smarter than we’re acting?” The loss leaves a huge hole. We’re just not as funny any more.’

Last week it was announced that Carlin would receive the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and yesterday it was confirmed that the presentation would still go ahead posthumously, as a ‘funny celebration’ of Carlin’s career. Mark Krantz, executive producer of the award show, said: ‘He has a 50-year career to look back on. He was the first host of Saturday Night Live; he did 130 Johnny Carson shows’ he did 13 or more HBO specials, and he won four Grammys.’

Carlin will be best known for his controversial Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television routine. He was arrested for obscenity for performing it in 1972, but its later airing on a New York radio station led to a groundbreaking US Supreme Court case in 1978, which led to a nationwide 10pm watershed for indecent material.

Of the case, Carlin said: ‘My name is a footnote in American history, which I'm perversely kind of proud of.’

The iconoclastic former cocaine addict had recorded 18 albums of stand-up, was the first ever host of Saturday Night Live – and provided the voiceover for Thomas The Tank Engine in the States. He had previously suffered a heart attack in the Eighties, and had undergone two open-heart surgeries.
_____________________________________________________

Remembering George on LARRY KING LIVE (all 4 parts and all other videos)-
to watch click me!

________________________________________________________
Haha. I found these great George Carlin quotes:

Always do whatever's next.
George Carlin

At a formal dinner party, the person nearest death should always be seated closest to the bathroom.
George Carlin

Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
George Carlin

By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth.
George Carlin

Death is caused by swallowing small amounts of saliva over a long period of time.
George Carlin

Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things.
George Carlin

Dusting is a good example of the futility of trying to put things right. As soon as you dust, the fact of your next dusting has already been established.
George Carlin

Electricity is really just organized lightning.
George Carlin

Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity.
George Carlin

Frisbeetarianism is the belief that when you die, your soul goes up on the roof and gets stuck.
George Carlin

Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin

"I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that "I do" is the longest sentence?
George Carlin

I have as much authority as the Pope, I just don't have as many people who believe it.
George Carlin

I recently went to a new doctor and noticed he was located in something called the Professional Building. I felt better right away.
George Carlin

I think it would be interesting if old people got anti-Alzheimer's disease where they slowly began to recover other people's lost memories.
George Carlin

I think people should be allowed to do anything they want. We haven't tried that for a while. Maybe this time it'll work.
George Carlin

I was thinking about how people seem to read the Bible a whole lot more as they get older; then it dawned on me - they're cramming for their final exam.
George Carlin

I went to a bookstore and asked the saleswoman, "Where's the self-help section?" She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.
George Carlin

I would never want to be a member of a group whose symbol was a guy nailed to two pieces of wood.
George Carlin

I'm always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I'm listening to it.
George Carlin

I'm completely in favor of the separation of Church and State. My idea is that these two institutions screw us up enough on their own, so both of them together is certain death.
George Carlin

I'm not concerned about all hell breaking loose, but that a PART of hell will break loose... it'll be much harder to detect.
George Carlin

If God had intended us not to masturbate he would've made our arms shorter.
George Carlin

If it's true that our species is alone in the universe, then I'd have to say the universe aimed rather low and settled for very little.
George Carlin

If we could just find out who's in charge, we could kill him.
George Carlin

If you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten.
George Carlin

In comic strips, the person on the right always speaks first.
George Carlin

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.
George Carlin

Just cause you got the monkey off your back doesn't mean the circus has left town.
George Carlin

May the forces of evil become confused on the way to your house.
George Carlin

Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.
George Carlin

Not only do I not know what's going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did.
George Carlin

One can never know for sure what a deserted area looks like.
George Carlin

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
George Carlin

People who say they don't care what people think are usually desperate to have people think they don't care what people think.
George Carlin

Religion is just mind control.
George Carlin

Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that.
George Carlin

Standing ovations have become far too commonplace. What we need are ovations where the audience members all punch and kick one another.
George Carlin

The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.
George Carlin

The other night I ate at a real nice family restaurant. Every table had an argument going.
George Carlin

The reason I talk to myself is that I'm the only one whose answers I accept.
George Carlin

The status quo sucks.
George Carlin

The very existence of flame-throwers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves, You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done.
George Carlin

There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls.
George Carlin

There's no present. There's only the immediate future and the recent past.
George Carlin

Think off-center.
George Carlin

Weather forecast for tonight: dark.
George Carlin

Well, if crime fighters fight crime and fire fighters fight fire, what do freedom fighters fight? They never mention that part to us, do they?
George Carlin

What does it mean to pre-board? Do you get on before you get on?
George Carlin

When someone is impatient and says, "I haven't got all day," I always wonder, How can that be? How can you not have all day?
George Carlin

When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent.
George Carlin

When you step on the brakes your life is in your foot's hands.
George Carlin

When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America, you get a front row seat.
George Carlin

You know an odd feeling? Sitting on the toilet eating a chocolate candy bar.
George Carlin

You know the good part about all those executions in Texas? Fewer Texans.
George Carlin

HEADS UP - Los Angeles Concerts...

JULY
Tue 7/1 Ours @ The Roxy
Tue 7/1 We Are Scientists w/ Cut Off Your Hands & The Blood Arm @ El Rey (ENTER TO WIN TICKETS)
Wed 7/2 Todd Rundgren @ Key Club
Thu 7/3 Constantines @ Troubadour
Thu 7/3 We Are Scientists @ Glass House
Sat 7/5 The Reverend Horton Heat w/ Nashville Pussy & The Supersuckers @ House of Blues
Mon 7/7 American Idols Live Tour 2008 @ Staples Center (Tickets on sale 5/14)
Mon 7/7 Princeton @ Silverlake Lounge (Mondays in July residency)
Mon 7/7 Stevie Wonder @ Hollywood Bowl
Mon 7/7 Yaz @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland (A short drive through California Central Coast Wine Country)
Tue 7/8 Yaz @ Orpheum Theatre
Wed 7/9 ((sounder)) w/ w/Ivan & Alyosha and Empty Rooms @ Silverlake Lounge
Thu 7/10 Rocklahoma Festival @ A Field In Pryor, Oklahoma (More Hair Metal Than You Knew Existed)
Thu 7/10 The Gutter Twins w/ Ed Harcourt @ The Roxy
Thu 7/10 Tilly & The Wall @ Echoplex
Thu 7/10 Tilly & The Wall @ Echoplex
Thu 7/10 Yaz @ Orpheum Theatre
Fri 7/11 Albert Hammond Jr. @ Spaceland (On sale Fri 6/20 12 pm)
Fri 7/11 Maria Taylor w/ Jonathan Rice @ Echoplex
Fri 7/11 Yaz @ Orpheum Theatre
Sat 7/12 Drum Downtown @ Music Center Plaza (Bring your own percussion - 10-11:30 am - free)
Sat 7/12 Hieroglyphics, Blue Scholars, Knobody @ El Rey (Freshly Dipped Tour)
Sat 7/12 Ratatat @ Echoplex
Sat 7/12 Supergrass @ Avalon
Sat 7/12 The Who w/ Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters & The Flaming Lips @ Pauley Pavillion UCLA (VH1 Rock Honors show)
Mon 7/14 Princeton @ Silverlake Lounge (Mondays in July residency)
Tue 7/15 Boy George @ El Rey (Performing Culture Club hits)
Tue 7/15 Coldplay @ The Forum (KROQ tickets presale Fri 6/6 10 am -- password: VIVALAKROQ)
Tue 7/15 Joseph Arthur @ Troubadour (last time we saw him @ troub, he blew the power out)
Wed 7/16 Boy George @ El Rey (Performing Culture Club hits)
Wed 7/16 Journey, Heart & Cheap Trick @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater
Thu 7/17 Harry and the Potters @ Troubadour
Fri 7/18 Bitter:Sweet @ El Rey
Fri 7/18 Pitchfork Music Festival @ Union Park, Chicago, IL (Animal Collective, !!!, Spiritualized, M. Ward, Public Enemy doing It Takes a Nation of Millions)
Fri 7/18 Wolf Parade @ Henry Fonda
Sat 7/19 Coldplay @ MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas (Tickets On Sale 5/17 10 am)
Sat 7/19 Hard Summer Music Festival @ Shrine Expo Center (N.E.R.D, MSTRKRFT, Spank Rock, Kid Sister, A-Trak, Steve Aoki, The Bloody Beetroots, Kill The Noize & more)
Sat 7/19 Wolf Parade @ Henry Fonda
Sat 7/19 Yo Majesty @ Troubadour
Sun 7/20 Feist w/ Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings @ Hollywood Bowl
Sun 7/20 Jimmy Eat World @ The Wiltern
Sun 7/20 Yeasayer, Kaki King, Caribou, M83, RJD2, Mates of State, Tapes n' Tapes & More @ Gibson Amphitheatre (2008 Download Festival)
Mon 7/21 Princeton @ Silverlake Lounge (Mondays in July residency)
Wed 7/23 Hercules & Love Affair @ The Echo
Wed 7/23 Steely Dan @ Nokia Theater
Sat 7/26 Does It Offend You, Yeah? @ The Echo
Sun 7/27 Gnarls Barkley w/ Deerhoof @ Hollywood Bowl
Sun 7/27 John Mayer @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (American Express tickets presale through 4/18)
Sun 7/27 The Secret Machines @ Viper Room (new date)
Mon 7/28 ((sounder)) w/ Princeton @ Silverlake Lounge
Mon 7/28 Bloc Party w/ Does It Offend You, Yeah? @ Glass House (On sale Fri 5/3 12 pm)
Mon 7/28 Princeton @ Silverlake Lounge (Mondays in July residency)
Tue 7/29 Bloc Party w/ Does It Offend You, Yeah? @ Mayan Theatre (On sale Fri 5/2 10 am)
Wed 7/30 Chromeo @ Henry Fonda (On sale 5/10 10am)
Wed 7/30 The Hold Steady w/ The Loved Ones @ Avalon (On sale 5/20)
Thu 7/31 John Mellencamp w/ Lucinda Williams @ Greek Theatre



AUGUST
Fri 8/1 The Subways @ Troubadour
Sat 8/2 Motley Crue et al (Crue Fest) @ Glen Helen Pavilion
Sat 8/2 Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band @ Greek Theatre
Sat 8/2 Serj Tankian @ The Wiltern
Sun 8/3 Boris w/ Torche @ Echoplex
Sun 8/3 Reggae Night VII @ Hollywood Bowl (feat. UB40)
Wed 8/6 Steve Miller Band & Joe Cocker @ Nokia Theater
Wed 8/6 The Enemy @ Troubadour
Wed 8/6 Ting Tings @ El Rey
Thu 8/7 The Faint @ Henry Fonda
Fri 8/8 All Points West @ Liberty State Park, NJ (Radiohead Night 1)
Fri 8/8 All Points West @ Liberty State Park, NJ (Three Day Pass)
Fri 8/8 Dr. Dog w/ Delta Spirit @ El Rey
Fri 8/8 Kidz Bop Live @ Royce Hall
Fri 8/8 The Faint @ Henry Fonda
Sat 8/9 All Points West @ Liberty State Park, NJ (Radiohead Night 2)
Sat 8/9 Drum Downtown @ Music Center Plaza (Bring your own percussion - 10-11:30 am - free)
Sun 8/10 All Points West @ Liberty State Park, NJ (Jack Johnson Night)
Sun 8/10 Projekt Revolution @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater (Linkin Park, Chris Cornell, The Bravery, Busta Rhymes & more)
Fri 8/15 Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre
Fri 8/15 The Aquabats @ Glass House
Sat 8/16 Gipsy Kings @ Greek Theatre
Tue 8/19 Dave Matthews Band @ Staples Center
Wed 8/20 Dave Matthews Band @ Staples Center
Thu 8/21 The Walkmen @ Troubadour
Fri 8/22 Cafe Tacuba @ Greek Theatre
Fri 8/22 Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Radiohead, Jack Johnson, Tom Petty)
Fri 8/22 Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (VIP package)
Fri 8/22 Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Friday: Radiohead, Beck, Manu Chao, the Black Keys)
Fri 8/22 The Walkmen @ Troubadour
Sat 8/23 Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Saturday: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Ben Harper)
Sun 8/24 Outside Lands Festival @ Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Sunday: Jack Johnson, Wilco, Widespread Panic)
Sun 8/24 Radiohead w/ Liars @ Hollywood Bowl (Tickets on sale 4/12 10 am)
Mon 8/25 Bon Iver @ Troubadour (for the non Radiohead in you)
Mon 8/25 Radiohead w/ Liars @ Hollywood Bowl (Tickets on sale 4/12 10 am)
Mon 8/25 Stars @ Ford Amphitheatre
Tue 8/26 Bon Iver @ Troubadour
Sat 8/30 Long Beach Blues Festival @ Rainbow Lagoon Park (Chuck Berry, John Mayall & more)
Sun 8/31 Jack Johnson @ UCLA Intramural Field (Ryan's Pick)
Sun 8/31 Long Beach Blues Festival @ Rainbow Lagoon Park (Sly & The Family Stone, Booker T. & more)



SEPTEMBER
Tue 9/2 Sons and Daughters @ Troubadour
Sat 9/6 Virgin Fest Toronto @ Olympic Island (Foo Fighters Headlining; Ferry Inclusive)
Sat 9/6 Virgin Fest Toronto @ Olympic Island (Two-Day Pass)
Sun 9/7 Virgin Fest Toronto @ Olympic Island (Oasis Headlining; Ferry Inclusive)
Tue 9/9 Mogwai w/ Fuck Buttons @ The Wiltern
Wed 9/10 Built to Spill @ Troubadour (Performing Perfect From Now On)
Thu 9/11 Built to Spill @ Troubadour
Fri 9/12 Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl (Fireworks Finale: Celebrating Summer with...)
Sat 9/13 Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl (Fireworks Finale: Celebrating Summer with...)
Sun 9/14 Brian Wilson @ Hollywood Bowl (Fireworks Finale: Celebrating Summer with...)
Wed 9/17 Nick Cave & The Seeds That Are Bad w/ Spiritualized & Cat Power @ Hollywood Bowl
Wed 9/17 The Black Crowes w/ G. Love AND Special Sauce @ Greek Theatre
Wed 9/17 Vampire Weekend @ The Wiltern
Thu 9/18 Vampire Weekend @ The Wiltern
Sat 9/20 Beck, Spoon, MGMT @ Hollywood Bowl (Presale password: bowl)
Sun 9/21 Hot Chip @ The Wiltern (presale may 20; password: readyforthefloor)
Sun 9/21 My Morning Jacket @ Greek Theatre
Sun 9/21 Ozomatli, Michael Franti, Lila Downs, Nortec Collective @ Hollywood Bowl
Mon 9/22 CSS w/ SSION @ Mayan Theatre
Mon 9/22 Hot Chip @ The Wiltern (presale may 20; password: readyforthefloor)
Mon 9/22 The Raconteurs w/ The Kills @ Greek Theatre (On sale Sat 6/7)
Tue 9/23 CSS w/ SSION @ Mayan Theatre
Tue 9/23 Okkervil River @ Henry Fonda
Wed 9/24 CSS w/ SSION @ Glass House
Thu 9/25 The Raconteurs w/ The Kills @ Santa Barbara Bowl
Fri 9/26 ACL Festival @ Zilker Park, Austin, TX (Sep 26-28)
Mon 9/29 Calexico @ Henry Fonda

Steve's Jungle Girl embraces statuette, Bindi wins an Emmy! ;o)

Since the death of her dad two years ago, Bindi Irwin has carried on the family name in the show "Bindi the Jungle Girl". The show earned her an Emmy nod, so she takes Access on a search for the perfect Emmy fashion.




BINDI Irwin was so excited at winning an Emmy she took the statuette to bed with her and wanted to carry it back to Australia on the plane.

Family friend, manager and producer of the award-winning Bindi: The Jungle Girl series, John Stainton, said from New York yesterday that the Emmy win on the back of Bindi's Australian silver Logie in May was "just fantastic".

"She (Bindi) keeps her feet on the ground but she wouldn't let go of that Emmy all night and wanted to have it on the plane - but there are two sharp ends so I don't think they'll let her take it on board," he said.

Mr Stainton, who also produced the Crocodile Hunter shows for Bindi's father Steve, who was killed by a stingray while filming off north Queensland in 2006, said Bindi had been thrilled about just being a nominee and a presenter for the Daytime Entertainer Emmy Awards on Sunday in New York.

Up against popular talent for the category of Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series - including Jack Hanna for Into the Wild and Kevin Clash as Elmo in Sesame Street - Bindi and her mother Terri did not think the pint-sized Aussie could win, Mr Stainton said.

"It was unbelievable to see her face when she won - it was shock," he said.

"Steve would have been beaming. He was always saying he really wanted more than anything else for Bindi to take over from him and here she was being recognised around the world."

Mr Stainton said Bindi usually had to be in bed by 9pm but Terri had promised her "anything under the sun from room service" if she won.

"Robert (Bindi's four-year-old brother) was waiting up so they ordered all sorts of stuff - cakes and pies, sweet stuff."

He said there would be more shows coming that would strengthen Bindi's conservation message.

"She is the only little girl in the world championing wildlife," Mr Stainton said.

Tori Amos splits with label, goes indie

Wow! WTF? I am so out of the loop with the Tori world and her latest news and how I found this article was just luck. I was fixing up my blogger account and added a new page element (a news feed) and BAM, there it was. I actually thought it was old news, I opened the link and closed it without a second thought, thinking it was an old article about her split with Alantic. haha. It was not until I opened it a second time and read the title and saw the word INDIE, then I yelled "alright, it's about time". Fuck yes Tori, now that's the old Tori I fucking miss and love. That's my girl! I sure am happy about this news. * I should really go to her sites every now and again, because like I said, This was pure luck I found this...

When I give up on someone, I give up. and don't bother to see what's up with them. I think I should have a look at her site today. Who knows this may be old news?

-haha. It is old news, hey only by 3 weeks! I just went to undented, man- I should look more often. Seriously!

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Tori Amos has ended her six-year tenure with Epic Records, calling on her fellow artists to "stop being dependent ... on any system that has become undependable."

The singer/songwriter, 44, released three albums on Epic, most recently 2007's "American Doll Posse," which hit No. 5 on the Billboard 200.

Before that, she was with Atlantic from 1992 until 2001, when she joined artists such as Rod Stewart, Poe and Collective Soul in leaving the label.

In a statement on her Web site, Amos said she looked forward to crossing into "the new unchartered Music Frontier," where the impossible will soon become possible.

"Artists need not fear structure, we just have to design and partner with expansive ideas," she said. "It is time for us as artists to stop being dependent, dependent on any system that has become undependable. Only then can we help to create a new system that propagates and secures independence for each creator."

Amos' next album, due in spring 2009, will be "a project of new music and visuals which is being started in the summer," Amos' manager John Witherspoon told Billboard.com.

Amos is also writing a musical for the British National Theater, "The Light Princess," and in July will unveil a graphic novel, "Comic Book Tattoo," based on her catalog.


I took this from Undented-
______________________________________
It's Official: Epic Changes For Tori, Inc.!

After 22 years of being in the shackles of the major label system, Tori has chosen the path of independence for her next work. As with many of her contemporaries Tori is devising new and exciting ways of getting her music to the masses without the boundaries and limitations of the major music companies.

Last week, several people wrote in to say that Tori was no longer listed on Epic Records’ roster. Not knowing if it was the real deal, a big goof-up or an honest mistake, we weren’t really sure what to say about it. But, with those words in this week’s Ask Billboard, Tori’s manager John Witherspoon publicly opens the door on the latest significant development in Tori’s career. Whether this means free digital copies of albums like Issa (Jane Siberry), Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails or something else entirely different, only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: it means more freedom — something she’s been fighting for since Little Earthquakes — and that’s certainly a good thing for her and her artistry. (Interestingly, Tori touched on this subject in an interview broadcast on Polish radio last December. Foreshadowing much?)

Witherspoon also drops a few more juicy tidbits as well.

It seems that Tori will start working on a “project of new music and visuals” this Summer with an expected release in Spring 2009. Although a bit vague, we would guess this is not the American Doll Posse tour DVD since he indicates this is a new material. However, we don’t know any more about the status of the DVD than the rest of you and that’s only speculation.

Additionally, Witherspoon explains Matt Chamberlain’s recent sojourn to Cornwall: he was recording demos for The Light Princess, the musical that Tori is working on with Samuel Adamson for the United Kingdom’s National Theatre. (By the way, as he notes on his website, Matt’s back from Cornwall after spending “an amazing” two weeks at Martian Studios.)

Tim Russert- 1950-2008

I been meaning to blog this since Friday. I watched him all the time on Public Television. He was a fav. of mine. Different. I miss him. ohhh Thunder Road...

I LOVE Flipping Out with Jeff Lewis!! *My OCD brother

YES! I am so thrilled that one of my Fav. shows on the tele is back on for a second season on Bravo. Tuesday Nights at 9/10pm. I wasn't even aware of it until I saw a commercial. I am sooo stoked! Jeff and I are so much alike, we have so much in commom, even down to the "NO ONIONS, I said NO ONIONS!" part. Haha. We organize out cubboards and fridge the same way. Want our coffe at 140. There are so many things I crack up about because while everyone else around him thinks he's just mad, I totally understand and get the guy. I love me some Jeff Lewis! You should tune in!

www.bravotv.com/Flipping_Out

Meet the peeps-
Jeff Lewis

Ryan

Jenni Pulos

Chris Elwood

Zoila

Chris Keslar

and we can't forget MONKEEEY!!


haha. I love him! He's fucking great...







About the show

The second season of Bravo's hit series "Flipping Out" returns with everyone's favorite obsessive-compulsive house-flipper, Jeff Lewis. It takes a special kind of personality to handle flipping six multimillion-dollar houses at one time, but Lewis, one of Los Angeles' most colorful creative renovators and real estate speculators, pulls it off and turns a six-figure profit on every property. With the soft market teaching flippers new lessons as home sales decline, there's never a dull moment for Lewis and his intriguing cast of characters. Lewis makes his living with the help of a group of diverse and often disgruntled employees he counts as friends. These include an assistant who moonlights doing voiceover work, a housekeeper and two house assistants, as well as his official "trash man," who moonlights as an actor and his assistant's husband. Add to the mix his business partner and former boyfriend, his various therapists and spiritual advisors and it's clear that this intriguing cast of characters lives as one big dysfunctional family.

Like most families, Lewis' extended family has its share of issues, which results in the occasional confrontation and even a firing or two. Aware of his "Flipping Out" tendencies, Lewis attempts to counteract them with therapy, spiritual healers, psychics, and other advisors, but things are always flipping in Lewis' world. "Let's face it, the people I have working for me aren't necessarily the most qualified individuals," notes Lewis. "But the people that take care of me and my home and my pets are the most important part of this business. They can't leave. I can't do this without them."

Each day comes with a new barrage of problems - from dealing with suspicions of his staff (that leads him to install a nanny cam on site), while trying to turn over a new leaf, exercise patience and treat his staff with dignity. But, as Jenni says "it's a long process." Lewis also must contend with market fluctuations, since three of his projects have yet to flip, driving him to expand his business and pick up property renovations instead. Lewis is forced to work for others (which he hates), but in his own inimitable style takes on massive multimillion remodeling jobs.

Gore endorses Obama (yes! yes! yes!)

...But I already knew this would happen ;o)






Gore endorses Obama and attacks Bush in Detroit (Hurrah on BOTH!)

DETROIT (AP) — Al Gore is making his debut on the 2008 presidential campaign trail in support of Barack Obama. Gore appeared with the Democratic presidential candidate Monday night at a raucous rally at Detroit's Joe Lewis Arena. His speech was part endorsement, part blistering attack on President Bush.

Gore said Obama can lead the country past "eight years of incompetence, neglect and failure." He said Bush, who defeated him in the 2000 election, dishonored and disrespected the Constitution and made the worst foreign policy mistakes in the nation's history.

Gore won the popular vote in the 2000 race, but lost the presidency after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Bush in the disputed Florida election. Gore said, "Take it from me, elections matter."

The Geekster Handbook/ A field guide to the identification of unique species in the nerd underground

I am a Geek and proud of it! So there.


1. The Fanboy (or in my case Fangirl).
LOST Fangirl- I am more then a "fan". I believe I'm actually on the show, up in a tree eating mangos, watching all the absurdities. Maybe I'm Vincint's long lost cousin?

2. The Music Geek - Disposition- would be really happy to introduce you to music better than that over-exposed crap you like. Always up for a show. but it'll totally suck. MUSIC IS MY LIFE!!!!!

3.The Gamer- wish I had more time for this. I'm old-school and will kick your ass at pack-man. lol.

4. The Gadget Guy (or girl).
That's me to the T. - I just spent my 3 day memorial weekend taking apart my Blackberry with a bobbie (or is it barbie) pin. I kid you not! MacGyver. I love how things work and can not wait for the latest "new thing".

5. The Hacker- No comment.

6. The Otaku- Kinda annoying to me. So, no not me.

American Forests

One of my very fav. webpages...
Raven Loves Trees! ;o)



Urban Forests – Trees Working Where People Do

Trees are the oldest and largest living things on the earth, and they are a good measure of the health and quality of our environment. Trees are the original multi-taskers. Trees provide social, ecological, and economic benefits. Their beauty inspires writers and artists, while their leaves and roots clean the air we breathe and the water we drink.

As our cities expand and our population moves to increasingly urbanized areas, American Forests recognizes the ecological value of urban trees as an important conservation issue. Though it is inherently understood that trees improve our environment, until recently it was difficult to quantify these effects. American Forests has synthesized decades of proven research with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technologies to accurately measure the value of urban trees.

American Forests has conducted Urban Ecosystem Analyses in nearly 20 cities around the country documenting the loss of tree cover in our cities. These analyses report the value of trees not only in terms of their ecological benefits, but also in a language that decision makers understand—dollars. The Metropolitan Washington DC campaign provides a detailed report, press release, and slide show as an example of what a community can do to share the analysis findings with city leaders and the public.

Trees are indicators of a community’s ecological health. While urban ecology is more complex than just tree cover, trees are good indicators of the health of an urban ecosystem. When trees are large and healthy, the ecological systems—soil, air and water—that support them are also healthy. In turn, healthy trees provide valuable environmental benefits. The greater the tree cover and the less the impervious surface, the more ecosystem services are produced in terms of reducing stormwater runoff, increasing air and water quality, storing and sequestering atmospheric carbon and reducing energy consumption due to direct shading of residential buildings.


Stormwater Management
Air Quality Improvement
Energy Conservation


Our studies clearly show that trees in many urban areas have not received the attention they need and deserve. As a result, they have been disappearing at alarming rates (see the National Urban Tree Deficit). Many cities have seen a decline in natural tree cover by as much as 30% over the last several decadces.

American Forests has also developed the tools that local communities need to analyze and understand their own areas. CITYgreen software is a desktop GIS program that calculates the value of trees in urban environments. With the tools that American Forests has built, you can understand your local ecology and communicate to decision makers the value of trees to your city. See how other communities have used CITYgreen software successfully (see Success Stories).

CITYgreen has taken a very important role in education of our children. Teachers that have used CITYgreen in their classrooms find that the activities are student centered; inter disciplinary; and provide real world benefits to the local communities. See CITYgreen@school for more tools and information.

American Forests organizes the National Urban Forest Conference every two years, bringing together a broad range of people interested in improving the urban environment. This includes city planners, engineers, foresters, legislators and many others.

Ok, so I saw the movie 'The Notebook' for the first time lastnight & it made me think of my Grandpa

I caught the last hour of 'The Notebook' this weekend and it made me think of my Dear Grandpa that passed away this last past November, right before I left to go on tour with Tori. It made me very very sad. I never cared to watch the movie before, even when friends were raving about it because I thought it was just another one of those mushy love story, girly movies. I'm VERY picky about what movies I watch and actually only go like every 3 years. Sad isn't it- I should go see Indie movies way more often tho. and I will make a point of it. But this movie, even tho I didn't catch the first hour, just made me cry tears. My beloved G'pa died w/ complications from Alzheimer's and he was the last person on Earth I'd think would have got that. He was sharp as a nail, bright, alert, alive and ALWAYS singing. It broke my heart so bad. You people out there that have not seen this movie should. I will make sure I see the film in it's entirety! (By the way bitch- Tori DID play 'The BeeKeeper' for me because I asked her to for my Grandfather, and all you could do was stand there and look like a complete sad pathetic whore instead of comforting me).

http://www.newline.com/properties/notebookthe.html

my fav.







I love you G’pa and I miss you already... :o(
Current mood: mixed feelings, all of them...

I'm with you. Always. I'm holding your hand tonight. I'll always be holding your hand.

Maybe you'll come back after you're long gone.
I think you'll come & visit & talk sometimes kinda like Gidget and in funny little chants like an Indian brave...

-I'm sorry.

*my cherokee and English pride*

I'm going in the graveyard, with my little tune, to sing you to sleep now...

I can still hear you calling me "champ". I love you G'pa!

FROG ON MY TOE
poppa, i know
there's a frog on my toe
maybe i'll call him jethro
maybe i'll grow up to be
wise, as good as he
and maybe i'll come back after you're long gone

poppa, i'm sure
the worms have eaten you now
and jethro's been on some frenchy's plate long ago
now i'm pretty sure that i listen to every word
'cause i still hear you telling me still

"slap them boys when they're naughty
make them crawl, make you haughty
make you strong, little girl
you paint them toes the reddish color
and you know one day
you're gonna be bigger than a flea
you're gonna be bigger than that old poison ivy tree"

now i'm pretty sure
that i think you'd come and visit
and talk sometimes kinda like gidget
a funny little chance like an indian brave
he said "we all grew fat when the white man came."
but one day, girl, you're gonna learn
to make 'em crawl
make 'em grow tall
but have the grace
to be a lady with disgrace
and you fry them taters
and you make them with lady's hands
and know you're my pappy's baby

GRAVEYARD

here I said
don't even let this go
and it's hey
to that old man
I'm coming in the graveyard
with my little tune
it's june
I said she's gone but I'm alive
I'm alive
I'm coming in the graveyard to
sing you to sleep
now

THE BEEKEEPER

Flaxen hair blowing in the breeze

It is time for the geese to head south

I have come with my mustard seed

I cannot accept that she will be taken from me



"Do you know who I am" she said

"I'm the one who taps you on the shoulder when it's your time

Don't be afraid I promise that she will awake

Tomorrow somewhere

Tomorrow somewhere"



Wrap yourself around

The tree of life and the dance of the infinity

Of the hive

Take this message to Michael



I will comb myself into chains

In between the tap dance clan

And your ballerina gang

I have come for the beekeeper

I know you want my

You want my queen

Anything but this

Can you use me instead?



In your gown with your breathing mask

Plugged into a heart machien

As if you ever needed one

I must see the beekeeper I must see if she'll keep her alive

Call Engine 49 I have come with my mustard seed



Maybe I'm passing you by

Just passing you by girl

I'm passing you by

On my way

On my way

I'm just passing you by

But don't be confused

One day I'll be coming for you...

I must see the beekeeper

I must see the beekeeper

I read an Article about this lovely woman/hero Alice O'neil in my Humane Society Magazine & decided to look her up

...and the story about the Possum below made me cry. People can be so cruel!!!
PLEASE GO TO THE WEBSITE! CLICK HERE

Taken from the website: http://pleasebekind.com/ccp.html

In May, 2001, the Compassionate Action Institute agreed to serve as the City-wide Coordinator for a new program initiated by the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) in New York City. The "Cage Comforter Program" enlists volunteers to make small comforters for the cats, kittens and small dogs under its care. The comforters not only ease the stress of the homeless animals, many of whom have been abused, abandoned and traumatized, they also help to ease the transition when the animals are adopted since they take their comforters with them to their new homes. In addition, it’s been shown that the comforters actually help boost adoptions since the animals appear to be more adoptable lying on their colorful little beds instead of crouched in shredded newspapers. During the two years following the initiation of the program, volunteers from all over the country provided approximately 10,000 beds and 10,000 toys for these homeless animals.

This is a fun and easy way to provide direct aid and comfort to animals in need.


HELPING THE ANIMALS AT THE CACC IN NYC: (or near you)

There are a number of ways that you can help.

Volunteer to sew and become a Sewing Team Member.
Become a Sewing Team Leader.
Become a Donation Team Member
Crochet some kitty balls.
Donate needed supplies.
Make a cash donation.

~~~~~~~~~~

1. Sewing Team Member

Sewing team members work from home to create the cage comforters. Comforters can be hand-sewn, or made with a sewing machine. Prior sewing experience is not necessary. This is an ideal project for those who want to or need to work from home. It’s great for those who consider sewing a hobby or if sewing is their passion.

You don’t have to live in New York City to help the animals at the CACC. You can mail completed comforters and/or toys to Alice O’Neil, 105 Bartlett Place, Brooklyn, NY 11229. You will receive a thank you, picture of your comforters in use and a receipt for tax purposes.

Below are instructions for creating the cage comforters and toys.
******
Cage Comforter Specifications:

Comforters can be made from any type material except looped fabric like chenille or terry cloth that might get snagged in the animals’ nails.

The comforters should be a finished size of 12" x 18" but this can vary. We also use 24" x 18" comforters for mamma cats with kittens, litters of kittens and small dogs. We use 24" x 36" comforters for the mamma dogs with puppies.

Here’s how to make them:

For the 12" x 18" comforter –

Cut the material 13" x 39". You can then fold it in half with the wrong side of the fabric facing out and sew down each long side. Then turn the fabric right side out. It will resemble a small pillowcase.

Batting should be at least one inch thick. Cut the batting to size – approximately 12" x 18." Slip the batting into the case and sew the open end closed.

Tack down the batting in each corner and along each side so that it doesn’t bunch up during laundering.

That’s it! You have just created a gift of comfort for a homeless animal in desperate need. You have helped to relieve her stress in her new strange environment. You have increased her chances of adoption by helping her to relax so she can put on her best face for potential adopters. When she goes to her new home, her little bed will go with her and this little familiar item will help ease her adjustment to a million new and unfamiliar things. You have done a wonderful thing. Thank you!

The Cage Comforter Program also provides toys for the dogs and cats at the CACC. These animals can become bored and restless in their new confined quarters. Toys help keep them busy and help to alleviate the stress of being in a large, municipal shelter. Below are instructions, but feel free to improvise as long as the toys are safe, we’ll use them and the animals will love them!

Sew a "Mousie:"

Mousies are little rectangles with ribbon tails. Finished size is about 2" x 4".

Cut fabric about 9" x 3". This allows for a one-inch seam all around.

Fold fabric in half with wrong side facing out.

Sew down each long side.

Turn right side out. You can use a ruler to push out the corners, if necessary.

Stuff with polyester fiberfill, batting scraps, or other soft material.

Cut a few pieces of ribbon about 5" long.

Fold in the raw edges of the opening.

Sew one-third of the way across.

Stick ends of the ribbons in about ½". Sew across the ribbons and close up the seam.

Back-tack over the entire seam just to make sure that the tail pieces are very well attached.



Sew a Doggy Toy:

We have been experimenting with doggy toys. They seem to like everything we give them, though some dogs like them "to pieces" which can be a problem. We have been purchasing rope toys that are impossible to rip up for the bigger dogs and provide little pillow type hand-sewn toys for the smaller dogs and very young puppies. First tract whatever shape you like on a piece of stiff cardboard to make a template. We used a store-bought fleece toy shaped like a bone about 10" long. We use heavy fabric like canvas, faux sheepskin or heavy fleece. Using the cardboard template, trace two identical shapes onto the fabric and cut them out. Put the two pieces together with the wrong sides of the fabric facing out. Sew all around about one inch in from the edge, but leave on end open for stuffing. Turn the toy right side out. Stuff with batting scraps, fabric scraps, polyester fiberfill or other soft material. Sew up the open edge. We experimented with putting squeakers in the toys but found that the dogs were even more motivated to open them up to get the "prize." There’s a danger that the squeakers could be swallowed, so we don’t use them in the toys any more. Feel free to experiment. The toys can be as simple or as fancy as you like. The dogs are grateful for them no matter what.


2. Sewing Team Leader

A Sewing Team Leader recruits individuals or groups to sew cage comforters. This is a great project for seniors, girl scouts, office volunteer groups, etc. The team leader sets goals for the group and oversees the volunteers to ensure that the goals are met. The leader provides assistance and support to team members. The leader keeps records and documentation to track and assist the volunteer team and reports to the Cage Comforter coordinator on a regular basis.


3. Donation Team Member

Donation Team Members identify and contact potential sources for donated or low cost supplies to support the Cage Comforter Program. This can be done by contacting sources in person, by telephone, in writing, through flyers or articles in local newspapers, or via the internet. All donators will receive a receipt for tax purposes since donations are tax-deductible.


4. Crochet Some Kitty Balls

Use 4-ply yarn. You can use any size hook – the smaller the hook the smaller the ball. The "I" hook works well. You will be working in rounds. You can count as you crochet, or you can mark the beginning of each round with a piece of different colored yarn.

Round 1 – Chain 2

Round 2 – Work 6 single crochets (sc) in the second chain from the hook.

Round 3 – Work 2 sc in each sc around for a total of 12 sc.

Round 4 - * Work one sc in next sc, 2 sc in the following sc* Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 18 sc.

Round 5 - * Work two sc in each of the next 2 sc’s, then 2 sc’s in the following sc* Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 24 sc.

Rounds 6, 7 and 8 – Work even on the 24 sc.

Round 9 - * Work one sc in each of the next 2 sc’s, then decrease in the following stitch.* A decrease is made by putting the hook in the next sc and drawing up a loop, putting the hook in the sc after that and pulling through another loop and then wrapping the yarn around the hook and pulling all three loops off the hook. Continue around in this manner for a total of 18 scs.

Round 10 - Work one sc in next sc then decrease in the following sc.* Repeat in that manner all the way around for a total of 12 sc.

Round 11 – Decrease in each sc around for a total of 6 sc.

Stuff the ball with polyester fiberfill, batting scraps, fabric scraps, etc.

Continue to decrease as long as you can and then finish off leaving a 4" strang of yarn. Weave the yarn through the sc in the final round and pull tight like a drawstring and then finish off with an additional chain. Pull the leftover yarn into the ball so no strings are loose.

The balls don’t have to be exactly to these directions – if you lose count, don’t worry. Just work your way around. If you add or decrease stitches, the ball will be a little bigger or a little smaller or a little out of shape, but the kitties won’t mind. After you’ve done a few, you’ll get the hang of it.

~~~~~~~~~~

5. Donate Supplies


Since there is no budget for this program, we rely on the generosity of others to donate fabric, batting, thread, ribbon, etc. to the program. Donations are tax-deductible.


6. Donate Cash

You can make a money donation earmarked specifically for this program by sending a check or money order to the CACC, 11 Park Place, 8th floor, New York, New York 10007. Be sure to specify "Cage Comforter Program" on your check and the envelope. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes.

START A CAGE COMFORTER PROGRAM AT YOUR LOCAL SHELTER

Before doing anything, first contact your local shelter to make sure they want to implement the program. Many shelters do not because it means more work for them and there are other concerns about using the comforters – such as the possibility of spreading disease in the shelter. One answer to these concerns is that a comforter is assigned to an animal and stays with that animal. He takes it with him if he is adopted. It is discarded if he is euthanized. Another answer is that volunteers will launder the beds when they are soiled, or if they are transferred to other animals. The CACC washes the beds with bleach to kill any germs.

If you would like a listing of the shelters in your area, visit Hugs for Homeless Animals at www.h4ha.org. This group has a database of shelters and those that will use the comforters are designated by a red star. All you have to do is put in your zip code and it will give you a listing of the shelters in your area.

Once the shelter agrees to the program, you have to find volunteers to make the beds. There are 3 levels of volunteers – a Sewing Team Leader who oversees the activities of the sewing team members and keeps track of their activities and numbers; a Donation Team Member who recruits volunteers and solicits donations of materials; and a Sewing Team Member who does the sewing. Of course, one person can run the whole program depending on the volume of beds needed.

Volunteers can be recruited through church groups, senior centers, community centers, girl scouts, sewing circles, etc. There are numerous sewing and quilting forums that can be contacted on-line. Post a message about the program and chances are you will get some volunteers. One article in the local paper can result in volunteers as well as conations of supplies. You can also put up notices at local pet shops, vets’ offices, fabric stores, etc. Word-of-mouth works well too – every person who works on the program seems to be excited to talk about it to family and friends.

As far as getting supplies – the same notices in the same places will take care of that. You can also solicit donations from fabric stores on-line. You don’t have to use only new fabric. Sheets, pillowcases, t-shirts, etc. can all be cut up to make the beds. Comforters are great because they are already stuffed and all you have to do is cut and hem them.

You can also request money donations from people who want to participate in the program but can’t sew. You can ask for direct contributions to the program, or you can set up something where someone can donate enough money to provide beds for a specific period of time (e.g.) and during that time, the person’s name is posted at the shelter – or donations can be made in memory of a companion animal who has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. You can also set up a mechanism where people can give "gifts of kindness." They can donate a certain amount of money for someone’s birthday for example and you send that person a card telling them a gift was made in their name and sending them a picture of an animal enjoying that gift. Of course, money donations should go through the shelter earmarked for the Cage Comforter Program. If the shelter is a not-for-profit organization, tax receipts can be sent to the donator.

I have set up the program at the CACC so that most of the beds are delivered or picked up by me for distribution to the CACC shelters. Some people prefer that the volunteers go directly to the shelter themselves. This saves the coordinator time and trouble and has an added benefit – the people invariably get involved with the animals and help to find them homes. At a shelter in Pennsylvania, the program was so successful that for the first time, no cats or kittens were euthanized during the summer following the implementation of the program. That was due to the fact that quite a few volunteers were making frequent trips to the shelter to drop off beds. They talked to everyone about the work they were doing and helped raise awareness about the plight of homeless animals and the need to adopt.

The program seems to take on a life of its own. It easily captures everyone’s imagination because it’s an easy, concrete way to help animals in desperate need. Also, the level of commitment can vary – a volunteer can make one bed a month as time permits – or dozens, but every single one directly impacts on the quality of life of a shelter animal.
******************************************************

THIS STORY MADE ME CRY:
(Taken from the website)

This is Alice's Story as told to me


I was walking my little dog a couple of years ago and came across a dead possum lying next to the sidewalk. I never saw such a look of terror on anyone's face that she had and I said to my little dog that it was obvious she didn't die an easy death. The next day my brother came over for something and told me that kids had circled her in the street while she was trying to cross and had tormented her for a long time - they threw things at her and kicked at her and all she wanted to do was get across the street and out of everyone's way. Then they beat her to death and left her there and a neighbor who apparently had watched the whole thing, felt sorry and picked her up and moved her. Too bad she hadn't gone out sooner and maybe saved her life, but then people here were very scared of those kids for a long time - even the police couldn't control them. I didn't know anything about possums but it just got to me and I went on-line and educated myself and came to learn a lot about them - they don't carry rabies - they're not big rats, they don't destroy your garden or work their way into your house or kill your cats. In fact, they are good to have around - they clean up rotting fruit off the ground, they eat mice, rats, cockroaches and other bugs, garden slugs, etc. They don't make a nest in your yard and take up residence - they are constantly on the move, etc. I put together a flyer that I called "Opossum Alert." It seems that a lot of people in the neighborhood were terrified of them. When I started asking people about them I heard so many horror stories - normally kind, rational people,running into their yards and bashing in the heads of mothers and all of their babies! Anyway, I put the flyer together and had 3000 copies made and got up early every morning or went out after midnight (becauseI was embarrassed for some reason) and made sure every house got a flyer. This was in June and within a few weeks believe it or not, people were putting food out for them to try to attract them!

I contacted the Daily News to try to get an article done about possums and how they were being persecuted. At the same time I met an animal advocate while walking my dog - she turned out to be a forensic doctor. I told her about the mamma possum and she went and retrieved her body which had later been set on fire. There was another charred body next to hers. When the reporter came down she wasn't that sympathetic - she thought it was all a joke. The doctor went out of the room and came back in with a cardboard box with all of the charred remains - just bony hands reaching into the air - and plopped it on the table in front of her and said "In this box are the remains of 9 possums - 2 adults and 7 babies - that was the first I had known that "my" possum had been a mother with babies in her pouch. If I had known something about possums when I first found her I might have been able to save them. Anyway - the doctor gave a very moving speech and we looked over and the reporter had tears streaming down her face. Needless to say, the article that she wrote was very pro-possum.

I got a wildlife rehabber to come to the library to give a talk on possums and other forms of urban wildlife and why we have to learn to peacefully co-exist. It was at this meeting that I saw the reaction of the kids and got the idea for the kids club.

I started writing to all the different animal groups asking for what kinds of humane educational materials they had and was flooded with stuff. It occurred to me that teachers could never wade through all this stuff, and that's when I put together the humane education database. While doing this I made contact with a new group just starting up that wanted to promote humane education (it's required by law in NYS). They call themselves HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) and now they are very active in doing teacher training.

I was very impressed at how people's attitudes changed once they became educated and that inspired me to do the website.


The Compassionate Action Institute was founded by Alice O'Neil in Brooklyn, New York in the summer of 2000. It was created in response to the senseless killing of a mother opossum who was carrying seven babies in her pouch. Teenagers circled the hapless animal who only wanted to cross the street. They tormented her for some time before beating her to death in full view of neighborhood residents who merely stood by and watched. It was clear from the comments of these adult bystanders that their ignorance had led to their fear of opossums and this was the main reason no action was taken to save the lives of this opossum family.
Please read Alice's Story


Alice launched a campaign that started with her personally distributing 3,000 leaflets with facts about opossums to every home in the neighborhood. She also arranged newspaper coverage of the killing of the mother opossum. In addition, she organised a wildlife rehabilitator to give a talk at the local library explaining the need for peaceful coexistence with urban wildlife. As a result of this humane education, people in the neighborhood developed knowledge, respect and compassion for these gentle creatures.

An opossum is on the logo of the Compassionate Action Institute in remembrance of this mother opossum. It makes her cruel death easier to bear to think that she inspired the foundation of an organization that promotes humane education and encourages people to take compassionate action on behalf of those who can’t speak for themselves.

Alice keeps a low profile but is undoubtedly the heart and the soul and the driving force behind The Compassionate Action Institute. Here is what she says about her achievements so far:

Although we are only a small group, we have been very active. Here are a few of the things we have been able to accomplish:

We created the pleasebekind.com website that provides information on a variety of animal issues to people around the world.
We founded the Gerritsen Beach Kind Kids Club for children ages 8-12. Kids learn about animals and how to help them and participate in humane projects.
We sponsor poster contests each year for "Be Kind to Animals Week." More than 200 children have participated during the past two years.
We have provided KIND News subscriptions to teachers in New York, Ohio and South Carolina. We obtained a grant from the Alliance for Public Shelter Animals that provided KIND News subscriptions to 500 classrooms in New York City. KIND News subscriptions cost $30 per year for 32 issues each month of the school year. If you would like to provide a subscription to your local school, visit www.kindnews.org
We created a humane education database that makes it easy for teachers to obtain humane education material. Although the database is not yet accessible on our website, we have sent copies to interested parties the United States.
We’ve worked with groups in Maui and South Carolina who wanted to start humane education programs in their areas.
Upon hearing about the plight of animals at the municipal shelter in Gatesville, Texas, we donated a brand new igloo dog house to help provide shelter for the dogs as well as specially insulated cage comforters and kitty balls for the Gatesville felines.
We volunteer at the municipal shelter in New York City. When we saw that the cats’ water bowls easily tipped over soaking the cages, we provided 6 dozen non-tippable stainless steel water bowls so the cats can stay dry.
We run the Cage Comforter Program for the municipal shelter and in less than two years the program has provided close to 10,000 beds and 8,000 toys to the homeless animals sheltered there.
We founded an employee animal lovers club at the New York City Housing Authority that is working to improve conditions for animals in New York City and around the world. Check out the CAT section on this website to read about the accomplishments of this group.
We have answered countless requests for information from people around the world who have been faced with urban wildlife problems. These have included such things as mice stuck on glue traps, bats in the attic, orphaned baby rabbits, skunks trapped under the house, etc.
We have helped many students by answering requests for information on animal-related issues.
All of this and much more has been accomplished in a short time by a mere handful of people on a very small budget inspired by a little opossum who just wanted to cross the street in peace.

The need is great. Get involved and do your part to help make a kinder, gentler world.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The name "Compassionate Action" came from ideas expressed by Mary Lou Randour in her book Animal Grace: Entering a Spiritual Relationship with Our Fellow Creatures (New World Library: Novato, California, February 2000):

…Awareness is the source of compassion... Compassion is the underlying principle of the Golden Rule… Crucial to the notion of compassion is the ability to see the other’s suffering and then to respond to it; compassion requires us to take action that will relieve suffering. It makes us moral agents….Compassion, then, is an action. It also is a strong feeling, not a sentiment, which trivializes it…Compassion is a kind of ‘fierce tenderness’ that contains a powerful energy. It is the energy of a fierce warrior determined to relieve suffering.

"Institute" was added to Compassionate Action based on a future vision where this group would develop its own humane educational materials and programs and perhaps even provide training to teachers and humane educators.


"You must be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Gandhi