Support Indie Artists!

http://phritzi.comicgenesis.com

This is the FUNNIEST sheeatt around.

You gotta see this and give her props...

I am one picky biotch too. So...

SUPPORT INDIE ARTISTS!!!

Native Earthlings Lake Onondaga is ALL our problem

Can I prefice this by saying I am fed up with my fellow Native American Relatives?

Here in Onondaga County the Onondaga are voicing protest and garnering forces to try to get the VERY polluted Lake Onondaga to be cleaned up.

Right now it has the capacity to make three eyed fish.

They rally and make fuss and when it is meeting time a lone indian walks up to confront the people who polluted the lake in the first place.

So WHY is it that when it was about complaining the entire reservation and its allies got in on the "Hey ho lets go!" mentality but when our "chief" needs support we are too tired, too busy or just plain don't want to get our butts off the reservation?

Your missing the point fellow earthlings. Its not about Native Americans or non- native Americans. Although setting an example by showing up in force would be great! Its about correcting a huge mistake that is literally killing the very land we rely on to sustain us.

It is not a ripple it is a wave and we stand in its path sand-baggless pointing at one group or another waiting for one to start the action of protecting us from the tidal wave created before us.

Complaining to Complain

I am at my ropes end. I keep hearing everyone around me kvetching and complaining about how hard life is, how unfair people are, how stupid things are, how unjust the world is...

Lucky people.

People whose lives have not been touched by famine, by unbelievable loss, by things that would crush other people. These complaints range from a kitten crying to other people complaining about silly procedure.

The point?

I can't take anymore of the stress of other people venting.

How does one listen to it?

Earthlings: Humans are such jerks...

Earhtlings: the video narrated by Joaquin Phoenix.

I cannot describe how much I hate people so much after watching this video. People were GLADLY even HAPPILY torturing and killing these animals with SMILES ON THEIR FUKKIN FACES?!

The image of a dog who thought its "captors" were there to give it water and food, maybe even a home. What did they do? They put it in the back of a GARBAGE TRUCK. Where it was put through the COMPACTION to crush it to its death.

The dog had a grin on its face even as it was tossed into the back of the truck.

If you eat meat, and care nothing about the way what you are eating was tortured you are JUST AS GUILTY.

If you don't wish to spay or neuter because of cost or personal beliefs you are JUST AS GUILTY.

If you turn away from these graphic films with TRUE footage, TRUE practices, and BLATENT examples of cruelty, you are JUST AS GUILTY.

Shame on all of us for treating a sentient being that feels fear and pain in such a way.

YOU ARE NOT A LION, YOU ARE NOT A WOLF, YOU DO NOT NEED MEAT<>

Vegan+Voice=Change

That dog needs you to change.

VEGAN UNTIL THINGS CHANGE.

Kraft n' Stitch INFO

Meetings will be Thursday 6PM @ Recess Coffee House and Roastery on 110 Harvard Place.

We will meet to discuss crafting and craft related things, show off our goods, and learn from each others crafts!

I also want to make crafts for good causes to sell for charity (or we could sell them and donate the moola) Since not all good causes have a not-for profit label I won't say that is a requisite.

Any questions please e-mail me.

KeenJoy@gmail.com

Circle Jerking...

OK...For the life of me I COULD NOT figure out how to knit on the circular needles!

I have FINALLY found a pair of small knitting needles that I can make a baby cap for my friends baby! I was getting hella pissed. I made the flyers for Kraft n' Stitch and handed them out. I asked Recess if it was OK to meet there and they said "Rad" which I assume to be good.

We will meet Thursdays at 6 PM at the Recess Coffee House and Roastery. This is 110 Harvard Place, Syracuse, NY.

If anyone wants to join us or has questions e-mail me or post a reply on da' blog.

Hope Floats

No this is not an opinion article on Sandra Bullock in that horrible movie.
It is an article about poop. My sister recently told me all about the needed consistancy, duration, frequency, and after care of a bowel movement.

One of the things she told me that surprised me was that Poop is SUPPOSED to float.

So needless to say in my desire to move the perfect bowel I began to do exactly the same thing her colon therapist had told her to do.

Water, no caffiene, no wheat, no dairy (I'm already Vegan this isn't tough!) no white sugar...

Ohhhh...K

No coffee...Oh hell. Yeah that was REALLY tough.

So I'd hover over the toilet and do my bidding and take a gander.

It started a quaint little conversation with my partner Chris "Any floaters hun?"

"No" I'd sigh.

Then this afternoon with my hands clutched to my chest and peering into the bowl I saw my long awaited award.

Floating poop.

All that hope welled up and floats. I felt like a kid who just got potty trained.

So for those of you out there who are seekers of the professional poop. Take heed if it don't float, its a flush.

See? I'm angelic

You scored as Faerie. Faerie: Aren't you a cute little flying person? Faeries are earth spirits. They live among each element completely hidden. They have cousins called Pixies. Pixies however, are very mischevious. They enjoy tormenting other creatures for fun. Little pranksters.. I hope you never meet one. Pixies have a bad reputation for finding a creature and clinging to them until death. Faeries can be somewhat close to a Pixie, but mostly they are loving, playful, and carry with them a child-like enthusiasm for life. Hide among the pedals of a Daisy, you are a Faerie. Angel 100% Faerie 100% Dragon 75% Mermaid 67% WereWolf 50% Demon 0% What Mythological Creature are you? (Cool Pics!) created with QuizFarm.com

Rock out with your sock out

You scored as Skater. Your A Skater! Skater 90% Goth 60% Rocker, Mosher 60% Emo 40% Prepy 20% Chav, Townie, Rude Boy, Ned, Kev 20% Trendy 0% What Group Are You? Chav, Rocker, Skater, Emo, Goth, Trendy, Prepy E.c.t created with QuizFarm.com

Finding Faith in a Blender...

I took a test. At first it told me I shold be muslim.

Yeah RIGHT.

I have nothing against the muslim except for the whole "women are subordinate to men" and "dress appropriate at all times"

Need to dress a LITTLE slutty at times LOL

So...I decided to give you all my answers...

You scored as Buddhism. Your beliefs most closely resemble those of Buddhism. Do more research on Buddhism and possibly consider becoming Buddhist, if you are not already. In Buddhism, there are Four Noble Truths: (1) Life is suffering. (2) All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the craving, attachment, and grasping that result from such ignorance. (3) Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance and attachment. (4) The path to the suppression of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right-mindedness, and right contemplation. These eight are usually divided into three categories that base the Buddhist faith: morality, wisdom, and samadhi, or concentration. In Buddhism, there is no hierarchy, nor caste system; the Buddha taught that one's spiritual worth is not based on birth. Buddhism 96% Islam 83% Paganism 83% Hinduism 83% Satanism 58% Judaism 33% atheism 33% Christianity 33% agnosticism 17% Which religion is the right one for you? (new version) created with QuizFarm.com

Try your own...

Garden Brothers Circus

So I went undercover at the recent Garden Brothers Circus. I didn't trespass, I had permission to be there I showed them a badge from a donation I had made to an organization that will remain nameless, and they let me in.

I exspected they would be more apprehensive but playing dumb and talking up these carnies was like shooting tin cans point blank.

First and foremost I was allowed into the Circus simply by saying I needed a phone. Once inside I easily slipped away and took a private tour to get my bearings.

I found the elephants easily in a parking garage... Upon being stopped by a male trainer I whipped out my contribution badge which I had laminated and said I had called ahead to check that the elephants had everything they needed.

The man didn't even look at it.

I have worked with elephants before and am familiar with their commands. I will be honest. What I saw there was not horrific, it was just sad. These elephants appeared so bored and so hopeless it broke my heart.

The three ladies were standing on bare concrete flooring. They had shackles on their feet connected to a concrete pillion. Less than 24 feet away lie an huge pile of dung 3 feet by 4 feet in size.

The smell was overpowering. There was no Hay, Timothy or otherwise for the ladies to munch or stnad on. They had dirty feet, and were swaying back and force in rhythem to the cars driving by. There was no music, no interaction, no food and no water.

A beautiful young woman came down as I was writing down my observations and introduced herself as the wife of the male trainer. She had been working with elephants all her life and appeare to have a deep love for the animals, but little understanding of anything being wrong with the surroundings.

She carried no bullhook although her husband did. She dressed the elephants in shiny masks and gave each one a scratch before untethering them and having them line up.

The ladies were forced to stand on a steep concrete drive and wait for the trainer to ask one of the elephants to lift her foot so as I could brush caked on feces from the bottom. I got two swipes before the man took the brush way and said "we don't have time for this"

Previosly I had asked each elephant to open her mouth so I could view her teeth and chin. I saw old healed marks and cuts but nothing recent at all. The ladies were very curious about me and each took turns reaching into pockets and touching my hair.

I truly felt like they knew my concern for them.

After the ladies went into the ring I was asked to leave and walked outside. I found a place where I could continue to view the girls without being seen.

Upon returning to the garage they were immediately shackled again, and given a 5 gallon bucket of water. No apples, affection, treats or brush down.

I observed the male trainer asking one of the elephants to open her mouth, peer in, and blow a thick cloud of cigarette smoke into her mouth.

I was disgusted and decided it was time to do some more research.

I found a carnie smoking in the back of the duilding with another female who had her child on some sort of leash. I feighned ignorance of the event inside and attempted to flirt with the carnie man. The man took all of three seconds to warm up before he was talking about Sarasota Florida being the Circus capital of the world. He told me the elephants are always transported in a huge truck and often do back to back shows throughout the entire year. He further informed me that the Garden Brothers Circus didn't even own the animals that they leased them from Sarasota Florida. I asked about a well known elephant abuser whom I'd seen in Peta Video's pretending to be facinated at his bravery. The man smiled and said "Well you know, these elephants are really like huge dumb dogs I hear, they don't do nothin and only respond to a little military discipline ya know? Like...Pain doesn't seem to effect them they'll trust anybody, cute animals but dumb, they are lucky there are circuses that can find a use for them."

I thanked the man for his time and gave him a fake phone number. Then proceeded directly to the picket line and informed my boss of what I had found.

We were both saddened and amazed.

Elephants are intelligent animals that nurse their young, travel in groupd of woman, and are curious and fun loving by nature. Elephants enjoy music, exploring, swimming, sratching and being near one another. They have favorite foods just like people and form lifelong friendships.

Elephants truly have the capacity to remember people and it is true that even though scars fade, elephants never forget cruelty. Nor do they forget compassion. Be kind to these gentle creatures. Do not attend the circus of patronize zoo's that are innadequete shelters for these magnificent animals.

For more information please go to www.circuses.com

Knitting Pretty

I have completed my sisters knitted pashmina!

It is 100% no dye cotton thick yarn in sky blue and cream. It is 64 stitches long on 7 gauge needles with a Knit row, purl row pattern.

My next project is a Vogue scarf I saw in black and pink. For me. So far everything else I have given away except my snuggly leg warmers. I have them on now and I LOOOOOVE them.

I never felt this way about crochetting...Knitting is addictive! I only think about "Knit, Purl, Turn"

Cathartic even.

Where Crafts are born...

http://www.craftster.org/

Why the HELL did I NOT know about this place?!

I mean I love crafts just as much as the next DIYer,Sweatpants with Studs wearing,Leg warmers in summer, purses cost more than food craftster!

I am looking around this site and I can say it took me literally four seconds to decide to register and excitedly wait at my g-mail account saying "come on! COME ON!"

So go...make your internet pilgrimage! Find the perfect cat cozey or Lamp made out of a Diaper Genie! Come to think of it...NO that idea is MINE!

Rogue aka KeenKitty the craftster

Sic Magnets for the Veg Fridge

I feel as though I need these. Perhaps only to pre-exterminate the question "Why isn't there any meat in here?" These magnets are not oly little kid cute, but they grab this cartoon watching loonies attention!

I give mad props to the SicasSin collective for making these 70's style cartoon magnets. I am now dutifully saving up my spare change for ne of their adorable Elephant T-shirts and Black Kitty Underwear.

For more info and to see a picture of the Magnets professing their herbivore love, go to:

http://www.sickonsin.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=84

Git yer Veg ahn!

Rogue

Big Big Love

I am unsure of when my love for animals began. I hold a special place in my heart for elephants and cats.

Honestly though I cannot think of an animal that I don't respect. Animals, just like people have personalities and habits that in my experience those deemed "with souls" possess.

It breaks my heart that there are so many people in the world who can view animals the same way they would view a spoon, or a car, or a coat.

What amount of fear makes a fur coat, is the wearer absolutely informed on how these animals are treated? If so how would one gleefully wear fur knowing that a living breathing creature suffered needlessly for fashion.

Would you skin your cat for fashion? What is it was all the rage. It may seem obsurd but think about it. Animals would not willingly kill for popularity, why would you?

I heard a woman once say "I am all for animals being treated compassionately but I enjoy meat." I asked her if she had ever slaughtered a hog, no. Had she ever killed a cow? no. How about had a male calf locked in a dark room, only to slit its throat and eat it? absolutely not! Did she know where veal came from?

"Its a type of cow right?"

no.

"Um...A bull?"

Yes. a toddler bull calf.

She thought about it and said "Well...I'll try not to eat red meat."

For most ethical means doing what our societies have done forever. We believe it is ethically ok to eat animal flesh because we've done it for years.

However if you ask if it is ethical to smoke in front of children or take speed they would look at you like you were a psychopath.

My point? We have changed and our views on sentience have to change. We have to become aware our surroundings. Truly aware.

It is Buddha who first spoke of his realization that animals suffer for our personal pleasure, and that in order to become "enlightened" we had to work diligently to be compassionate to all living things.

How are we today supposed to teach our children that it is wrong to hurt people, or kill people when we ROUTINLY kill and hurt animals.

No animals are not people, nor are macaw's a breed of horse.

Yet sentience has evolved and those who are aware realize animals are closer relation to us than we first suspected.

We have become educated, now we must evolve. Truly it is not meerly popular to become a vegan, but nessecary for our future survival as species anima in total.

Vocabulary for Animal Rights?

As a vegan and animal rights activist. I have a lot of people sending me things from WONDERFUL groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Syracuse Animal Rights Organization, Community Animal Project,Mercy for Animals, Humane Society of the United States...the list goes on and on.

It made me ponder the vocabulary we use to attempt to educate others on the importance of treating all living anima with the treatment we would wish for ourselves in the same situation.

Ethical: Of relating to dealing with ethics, being in accordance with the accepted principles of rights and wrong that govern a profession.

Could this not be construed as simply "Doing things in the tradition as they have historically been done?" Would this in the case of animal abuse move one to change the way they view and therfore interact with animals?

Is it not our purpose to educate people on a healthier way of eating and living that has a positive impact on both animals, the environment and other worldly populations?

Which brings me to my preffered terms:

Mercy: Compassionate treatment especially to those under your care, alleviation of stress and relief of pain and/or trauma.

and finally,

Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another with a wish to end it.

This final word...Compassion, envelops everything I believe about animal rights. Be they human, elephant, dog or cat they are all animals and every animal deserves compassion, especially those entrusted to the care of others, like us.

Buck the Rodeo...

OK...how is this for proving your manhood. This guy can beat up a BABY ANIMAL. Elephant Polo, Donkey Basketball, Greyhound racing, Cock fighting, PitBull Fighting, Bull Fighting whats next? Kitten Wrangling with burlap sacks and rocks? Can't you just let Mike Tyson make an ass out of himself without coercing animals into doing it? Urge Starbucks to Buck the Rodeo! Starbucks Corporation has faced intense public scrutiny recently for sponsoring various rodeos and rodeo organizations, including Cheyenne Frontier Days in Wyoming, the Miss Rodeo Washington Association, the PRCA Belton Rodeo, and the Calgary Stampede. In some instances, Starbucks donated money; in others, it donated beverages. Regardless of the nature of the donation, the company that’s been heralded for its progressive policies and hot coffee is suddenly alienating consumers through its affiliation with cruelty to animals. Rodeos are a cruel form of “entertainment.” Every national animal protection organization opposes rodeos because of the events’ inherent cruelty. Rodeo promoters say that the animals are wild and rough, but without the use of spurs, tail-twisting, and bucking straps cinched around their abdomens, these frightened and usually docile animals wouldn’t even buck. They are often terrorized when participants shock them with electric prods, twist their necks, yank them by their tails or legs, slam them to the ground, or otherwise batter them. Following a life of confinement, abuse, pain, and fear, the final destination for most of these animals is the slaughterhouse. The Calgary Stampede, a 10-day annual rodeo and exhibition that boasts hideous events such as chuckwagon races, bears responsibility for the deaths of at least nine horses in July 2005 alone. Animals have fallen, drowned, jumped to their deaths, and sustained injuries severe enough to require euthanasia.

Behold the power of poop

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/02/22/dog.waste.power.ap/index.html

This story just makes me think there is a use for everything. And that makes me happy and hopeful.

Joy

The Government Sucks.

I am so stressed out right now. I don't enjoy needing help from the government, but I try to be respectful, courteous, and prompt.

Yet besides my best efforts they were missing my form for recertification.

This is fukkin wonderful.

So now Chris has to come to my work, help me fill out forms and make copies, and then we have to leave early to drop this stuff off tommorrow A.M. so that we can get our damn food stamps.

GRRRRR!

I hate my memory problems!

Joy

Why Boycott the Circus?

Please join me in boycotting the Shrine Circus

Circus Location: New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse, New York

Show Dates

April 01, 2005	7:00 PM
April 02, 2005	10:00 AM 2:30 PM 7:00 PM
April 03, 2005	1:00 PM 5:00 PM

I hope to form protest/rally in order to re-educate the public by handing out pamphlets educating about the inhumane practices of the Shrine Circus and the accidents and deaths it has caused.

“The Shrine Circus escapes the scrutiny of governing bodies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local animal control agencies by not owning the animals used in its shows or possessing an exhibiter license. The animals are leased from outside companies…”

“Exhibiters of Shrine Circus leased animals have failed to meet minimal federal standards for care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The USDA has cited Shrine Circus exhibiters for failure to provide veterinary care, adequate shelter from the elements, nutritious food, and clean water, as well as failure to handle animals in a manner that prevents trauma and harm and ensures public safety.”

PETA Fact Sheet Shrine Circus.

“Elephants don’t perform because they WANT TO. They perform because they are afraid NOT TO. “

PETA-“Cruelty is not entertainment” pamphlet

There are far more entertaining ways to entertain and also educate your children about animals. Several Circuses that don’t use animals are: Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, and The New Pickle Family Circus.

There are places in NYS that Rescue, rehabilitate, and place animals in loving homes and accept tours! These places not only help animals to be happy and healthy but your patronage helps them to rescue more animals.

Volunteering at such animal rescue places such as:Farm Animal Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, Little Shelter, Huntington, Pets Alive No-kill Shelter Middletown, Animal Haven Flushing, Catskill Animal Sanctuary Saugerties, Lollypop Farm Fairport, For Our Friends Bayside, NYS Humane Societies, NYS SpcA, and State and National Wildlife Preserves and Rescue centers.

They are not only great places to show children happy animals, but are great places to learn about animals. You may even find an animal to become part of your loving family.

Teach our children that is isn’t right to hurt animals for our entertainment, PLEASE BOYCOTT THE SHRINE CIRCUS.

To help Pickett, Educate or Rally Support or for more information please e-mail: KeenJoy@gmail.com or go to www.circuses.com