Dog Training

I believe that a great way to train your best friend is for them to learn nothing in life is free. This NILF school of obedience works so well in establishing pack behavior as well as creating a general relationship with the animal that you live with. Before I feed Ranger his dinner he must wait until I give him permission to commence eating. Ranger will wait for up to five minutes before he will start to chow down. He will gaze into my eyes awaiting those words 'okay boy go for it.' I can walk around him or even go inside and he generally will not eat until I give him the green light.

I think that Ranger has benefitted in this training because he knows that I am paying attention to him not just haphazardly dropping the food in the dish. Ranger knows that he is special to me and that I am taking the time to be with him paying close attention.

Another way that NILF has been effective is that he will not go through a door until I either go first or he has gotten permission. This prevents him from bolting outside possibly creating a unpredictable situation.

This dog has matured well in the four years he has been with me since a pup and we have reached a wonderful level of understanding. He no longer tests the limits and I know that I have a reliable, loyal pal at my side. Ranger knows that I will be there for him and never put him in a dangerous situation.

Three out of four Baby Boomers think they look younger than their peers.

Currently I am reading a book called The Unthinkable by Amanda Ripley who talks about survival in a disaster and lists reasons why some don't succumb to what others find inevitable.

This entries title quote is based on a list of issues that can cause one to make a wrong and sometimes deadly decision. One of those false perceptions is overconfidence. The quote is where she shows precisely how common overconfidence actually is. It is a nice one isn't it?

To display overconfidence's fatality she discuses how not evacuating your home during a predicted serious hurricane because you think your precious structure is stronger than wind and rain. Reality indicates that trailers and solid wood frame homes both had their roofs blown off and people drowned in the false security of their denial.

How many of you actually listen the to the safety lecture before the aircraft takes off or know where the closest exit sign is. Why?

This is rather a glum subject inspired by the current crop of dangerous storms perhaps stirred by cooked up ocean temps. At any rate I do recommend this book as an interesting read perhaps changing your perspective a bit. I rarely pick up non fiction preferring a good novel but this has grabbed me and got me to thinking about the unthinkable.

Now are you one of the overconfidant Baby Boomers who actually think you look younger than your peers?

SUMMERTIME & THE LIVING IS EASY oh yea'

I cannot tell a lie I love Blueberry pie.

It is a combined work of art & nature . To me it epitomizes the multiple harvests of a New England summer. For some it might be the first ear of sweet corn dripping with butter or picking the first strawberry warmed by the fourth of July sun but my touchstone is that feast in a dish: BLUEBERRY PIE.

Even in my formative years in NYC the pie stood out. My Mother would produce that seasonal delight direct from her oven in our little kitchen on 181st. In those days the blueberries came from a store in square cardboard baskets and they were good, real good but living in the country the experience is vastly different.
Traditionally my friends Scott & Francine have these prolific bushes adjacent to their house which produces a huge volume of sweet berries. So many in fact that in high season one can stand in one spot in front of a bush and easily fill a bucket. Francine arrived yesterday with a bag full of at least five pounds and from this we created the ultimate pie. No doubt it will taste as good at looks.
The endless summer remains elusive but the memory of the annual blueberry pie remains as strong as the heady aroma of freshly mowed lawn.

Original Summer Heat 5769

Not quite how connected the previous Whole In The Donut post is to this one but since one of the people I love most in the world is embarking on a remarkable journey to Europe and the Middle East I have developed a keen interest in this region. I do this to either live vicariously or be more acutely aware of possible events, hazards and the weather on the other side of the world. As a result I have been reading Harretz more consistently. No doubt a most interesting newspaper.

All kinds of articles in it and the one revealed in this post is most striking. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1003669.html

I find the final segment interviewing the NY man makes the whole segment worthwhile.

The comments written by Harretz readers are also noteworthy.

The world is truly shrinking. Only wish we all could get along. Imagine.

Controversial waxwork

BERLIN (Reuters) - A man tore the head from a controversial waxwork figure of Adolf Hitler on the opening day of Berlin's Madame Tussauds museum on Saturday, police said.
Just minutes after the museum opened, the 41-year-old German man pushed aside two security men guarding the figure before ripping off the head in protest at the exhibit, a police spokesman said. The police were alerted and arrested the man.

I don't mean to shock any of you with this photograph but in the news today was a story that kind of shook me up. The current German government attempted to put some of the issues regarding its Holocaust legacy on the back burner by allowing the museum to exhibit this piece but the flame could not be contained. One Deutsche commentator hailed it as “a successful assassination attempt – sadly 75 years overdue”.

I wonder if the the museum will replace the head or will the decapitated body remain as the symbolic wrecked relic of a disturbing past?

Workers Solidarity Day! MAY 1 2008

I have been a serious worker ("wage slave") for more than 2/3 of my life and yet to have experienced "The Pink Slip". So when I was served my lay off notice I felt abandoned by my

employers (ruling class) who in the past were steadily available to exploit my labor yet provide me with an adequate, liveable wage.

Current circumstances are not bad at all and we will survive this episode but for me it conjures up images of being in a sea adrift.

Bravado hallucinations of The Gorilla in a hard hat breaking his chains and sparking revolution briefly flash before my eyes soon fading into a languishing bright New England Summer with unemployment insurance .

Today is also my Father's Birthday. Happy Birthday to you even though you are no longer here to do my worrying for me.

An Internet Crisis

As some of you may know I am currently employed at a large local University here in Western MA. What you may not know is that for the past week there has been absolutely no Internet access at parts of the campus including the Health Service which is where I am stationed.
No Internet means that scheduling of students for appointments on my division has slowed to a crawl and reduced documentation to a bare minimum. The administration is working round the clock to rectify and correct the problem while the fellows in OIT are in full crisis management mode. Some of the computer staff are taxed to the limit trying to locate the problem and then replacing multiple hard drives. You can only imagine how many computers require this individual attention.
As for me not having my connection to my usual resources has been frustrating at times I have noticed how the absence of the computer dimension changes the energy around the work place. Initially computers were designed I thought to create less work but instead seems to have created more. Now without the machines people are personally communicating more, sitting in each others offices and actually chatting, not sending emails, directives, attachments and IM's. A refreshing break, sort of a time machine trip back to an era before the invasion of the Internet to the workplace.

Apropos the boys at South Park had this episode on Comedy Central which typifies the initial reaction staff had when we first experienced our failing connections to the 21st century.
http://gawker.com/380877/south-park-the-day-the-internet-stood-still?autoplay=true

Eventually adjustments were made in work practices but as the screens slowly begin illuminating again we should reflect on how different this past work week has been at our jobs on this campus.

The saga of the Bears & the Bird Feeder

It has always been a pleasure of mine to offer sunflower seeds to the migrating birds that come through my yard on the hill. Cardinals, chickadees, nuthatches & rose crested grosbeaks are visitors to my feeder. It has become more difficult to do this because of the hungry bear that savagely beats up my feeder. The bear simply bends the metal bar like it was made of taffy and feasts away while laying on his/her back.
Who would think that two opposing creatures of nature are competing for the meager handful of seeds that I provide. For the moment it appears that the bear has created a temporary moratorium to my practice. As soon as I straighten the bar however the feathered creatures who have flown a great distance back to the Northeast forests will once again be able to nibble on those Black oil sunflower seeds that I know they love.

Ticks, Dogs, Brooklyn & Me....

Spring is here and although I have looked forward to it I have fallen victim to one of its hazards.
Frolicking in the early morning in Brooklyn's Prospect Park with the dogs Ranger & Oscar was allot of fun. I did not expect to find a fat engorged tick feeding on my abdomen later that night. I removed it & the resulting wound looked raw and mean. My friend who I was staying with has no first aid supplies in the house so I could not clean it as well as I would have at home with the peroxide or betadine. I was thinking of going to Brooklyn Methodist hospital but it was well past midnight and I thought that there are so many more serious medical emergencies that I would look like a total neurotic wimp.
Upon my return home, 36 hours later I visited my friendly neighborhood physician who examined me and thought that some tick body parts may still have been imbedded which he said would eventually work themselves out. Not too worry. I was prescribed a hefty dose of doxycycline. Two large pretty sky blue capsules both of which to be taken immediately.
It has been a long snowy, cold winter in New England and as I welcome the warmth of the sun, one now finds comfort in the frozen blanket of snow and ice that covers the parasites that exist dormant underneath to plague us with many viral poisons.
The old expression of winter being "the great purifier" rings true to me loud anbd clear.
Happy Spring anyway to all of you.

IT'S PIZZA NIGHT

Many households have some minor celebratory event on regular basis to make the work day week all the more worthwhile. In my home it is Friday (my favorite) and it is Pizza. Someone brings home a fresh pie from their special place and we do it up.
I usually like to bring home a cheese pie uncut and add the following breaded fried eggplant fresh portobello and roased garlic. Top it with fresh basil & parsley when in season.
Others have it all put together by the masters themselves.
Pizza places often called for a Friday pick up are Antonios in Amherst, The Red Rose Springfield, River Shark Cafe North Amherst. Looking forward to trying Pizza Amore Northampton.
Do any of the many regular readers of WHOLEINTHEDONUT have a frequent favorite happy meal...Leave a reply. I promise I won't poke fun at you.

Unquomonk Reservoir

How can one lose a body of water, just like that? Well it happened right here in Williamsburg MA. There once was this placid, enchanting and remote reservoir that we all loved to hike to with our dogs and let them swim, maybe take a dip ourselves on hot summer day or just sit and study the serene natural beauty. To everyone it felt like our own private place. A spot to show only our special friends who always felt blessed to be trusted with the knowledge that such a wonderful spot existed just a brief hike away. The walk to the Reservoir through the dark cool woods was just far enough. Just when you thought am I almost there yet it appeared shining in the sun. A generous reward for the exertion of trudging through the underbrush.
Then suddenly without warning some beaureaucrat decided that Unquomonk was a hazard to the public and unsafe. It had to be drained removing the allure of the water and relief from the heat and humidity of a New England summer. In the Spring of 2007 the dam was opened allowing the life giving water to run off creating a mud hole slowly being taken over by briars and weeds. What happened to the frogs, fish, snakes, birds who lived off its enviorons? A rhetorical question that can not be fathomed.

I have not returned to this natural retreat since the dam was burst. Just can't bring myself to do it.

A friend of mine who moved to the area from California used tocall Unquomonk her "Little Lake Tahoe". She will no doubt shed a tear for the loss this community has experienced with the pulling of the plug of her place of dreams.

All of the things I call home

When one leaves the comforts of a well established home even for a long anticipated, planned adventure in a far off land you cannot help but feel butterflies deep in the gut. I have to resist that tempation to sit back in the feel good, safe zone and stagnate. There must be times to stretch and see what is behind that gorgeous sunset over the snowy hills of New England. So we buy tickets,make lists, pack essentials and gather a fortune to follow our hearts on to another experience that will hopefully bring us safely back with many stories to tell and photos to share.

this year in Music 2007

The following link is a list of the top 100 musical releases of our past year. Some of them are great and some let's say less than memorable. What is so cool about the link is that you can actually hear the songs and see the videos. Always a fun activity for a snow bound individual this season.

Hope that you have a good time with them.

In fact let me know what is your favorite. I have to say that I go with the Shins so far.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/17601363/the_100_best_songs_of_2007?utm_source=weekly-newsletter&utm_medium=email

Frozen Solstice

Looking at the frostbitten leaves once so vibrant and green in summer now long gone cold reminds me of an object out of place hanging on to a season that has since past.
It is time that is impossible to freeze but there are many happy moments and chapters in my life that I would liike to capture and re experience. We all realize that this is some idyllic fantasy that will forever elude us.
Water in the atmosphere however freezes into a variety of solids, with snow being the most beautiful. It is an incredible nuisance however when it interferes with travel to and from places that one must be. I am often humbled to be trapped in winters grasp for a moment in time realizing that whatever plans we make there is inevitably a greater force to influence a change of direction.
As we advance toward the Solstice we appreciate the brief daily visit of the sun as well as the blanketing darkness that contrasts so well with the newly fallen snow.

Heidelberg, Honduras & the Euro

I have a comrade who is in assignment in Honduras and has been corresponding describing his life in this country with wife and two little ones in tow. He has adopted a song that carries the day and keeps him in tune.

We are closely attached to the University of Heidelberg and the events there through the eyes and ears of our daughter an exchange student at the school. Converting dollars to Euros to keep our ship afloat in this endeavor plagues me at times.

And now we are off on another adventure in Europe to bring home the prize and tour the land. I too find this tune resonating within me.

Gracias Andres

This one is for you Warren:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5puAN1PGQw

Going Home for the Holidays

Being on the staff of a large University in New England I have become acutely aware of the rhythm of the year as seen on an academic schedule. The students are the barometer as the seasons change from flip flops to leather boots. The photo above shows the Exodus on the day before Thanksgiving as the crowd waits for the buses to take them to all the various points of the compass.
At this point most are looking forward to returning to the family for the Thanksgiving homecoming. It is this occasion that retains the tradition without the trappings of commercialism. Everyone enjoys their favourite food be it mashed potato, cranberry sauce from Mothers special recipe or the roasted turkey basting in the oven since the thin early morning light. Let us not forget to leave room for the ample assortment of pies and other desserts.
It is the aroma of the house that lingers in our memories for years to come. Those special times spent with loved ones remain permanently etched in time.

High flyin Art

I often don't recommend other sites here. I don't even have a section for links, but recently I hit upon a website that was posted in a local restaurant that I visited and was most impressed with the quantity and quality of the artwork displayed by the artist Eric Drooker. His use of fantasy in urban settings is spellbinding as well the sequential art that is creatively joined together with music makes the whole experience flow. It can be viewed at http://www.drooker.com/

I think it can be appreciated more if you read the bio poem written by Allen Ginsberg before you peruse the prints and such. Just my opinion though but either way enjoy.

Happy Halloween?

This holiday season in New England we see all sorts of displays that are designed to frighten & scare us. Devil worship, celebration of death and the wearing of costumes at work or school becomes the norm. In their disguises people wear out their fantasies be it violent, sexual or political(I understand the most popular mask this year is Hilary Clinton which may include all three).
I noticed this lawn ornament on my way to work this morning while driving the back roads of Western Massachussets. I was particlurly appalled to see this in light of the current racial climate that has crystalized around this symbol in Jena Louisiana. The yard was filled with other Halloween paraphenalia pumpkins, skeletons and the like but this center piece caught my eye. Am I reading too much into this symbolism, being too thoughtful or PC. Should I rather enjoy the spirit of the witching season and not let my own mind wander into a more sinister place. Could it be better to think of this as someone having fun with their own ignorant, yet innocent demons.

Wildlife sightings here and there// mostly here.

A local resident sent this notice about what she has seen this early Fall. Some of these sightings are highly unusual in these parts especially all in the same day. She is a reliable source though.
I do wish that the pack of coyotes will move on and stop snacking on them chickens.

Here is a description of what she saw:
"First it was the huge bull moose with a full rack of antlers Tuesday morning on her road while she was running. He came out of a swamp and walked right in front of her, crossing the road slowly, giving her a long stare before he ambled into the woods. No need for something that big to fear a lone jogger. A car slowed behind her as she waved it to a stop. The woman driver's jaw dropped too. Speechless. And this morning it was a pack of coyotes after the chickens (first one showed up, grabbed a bird and took off, then the pack and her dog chased them away the second time). The dog was gone half an hour and she worried but he came back just fine and barely panting. Then just last night she heard a noise outside the dining room and not one, not two but FOUR bears, a mom and 3 large cubs, walked across the darkening deck not five inches from the French doors where she and her husband were sitting (inside) and eating apple pie for dessert! Did they smell the pie, are the animals striking back at the development up here, who knows? It certainly got the adrenaline going. He grabbed for his ever present camera but it was too dark for a shot. Mama gave one baby a swat as he tried to climb a tree and they continued up the hill through the trees.
She is hesitant to ask, "What's next?" Life in the country."

The Clothesline

Climate change is so much on the minds of all us at this point. What can we as individuals do but to be more mindful and creative in our attempts to prevent or at least slow the apparent inevitable.
Despite my obvious pessimism I thrive to reduce the environmental impact I have on the planet every day. Driving a low emmissions car, recylcing all my edible scraps feeding them to my chickens, heating the house with wood harvested on my land within feet of the house and drying my clothes in the sun on a clothes line like my Mother used to do.
I remember going with my Mom to the roof of the six story apartment in NYC to hang out the wash. Several others were up there too armed with their wooden clothes pins or folding freshly dried laundry, gently placing gleeming white sheets in yellow plastic baskets . Chatting up a storm with eachother while enjoying the breeze of a dry sunnyday.
I carry on this tradition and loving it as I hang the wash on my line facing south behind the house underneath several pine and birch trees. I always like to see our clothes flying like colorful flags blowing in Spring, Summer or Autumn wind. On occassion it is even not beyond all reason to get the job done under optimal conditions in the dead of winter.All can be right with the world when one hangs out clean clothes to dry in light of the sun.