Going To The Dogs

Since I didn't have my camera when I watched the windsailors the last time I went to the Hollywood Beach, I decided to take it with me today. Unfortunately, there was really no wind so no windsailors. What I did find, though, were plenty of dogs. The City of Hollywood has opened a section of the beach for dogs (and their masters) on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from November to April 30th. They charge a fee though residents can purchase a pass. Watching the dogs frolic in the waves, I was taken with how much fun they were having. This will be viewed as nonsense, of course, by those that believe animals don't have real intelligence or emotions. Don't tell that to the dogs.



There were many people there with their dogs. I watched for about half an hour, and I didn't see any dogs bother another dog or people. They were having too much fun.



This dog, in particular, seemed to be having the most fun. He needed no coaxing to go into the water. He kept running into and out of it and really seemed to be enjoying himself. He would cut through it, dive into it, and prance through it. I haven't had a dog in more than two years. I'm not sure how Cassie would have liked this, especially with her fur coat. I just know that these dogs were having a ball. I hope they continue it.

Bye, Bye, Miss American Pie

or,

Why I'm no longer a supporter of Hillary

In my email this morning was one from the "Hillary for President" campaign group. That's nothing new. As a supporter, including financially, I've gotten emails from the group, from Hillary, and Bill (well, you know what I mean). I've also gotten phone calls, and I found those to be quite irritating, asking for money and, when I said I had already given, the response was, "Well that was a month ago." Right. I know campaigns are expensive, but I felt like I was doing my part.

The email this morning is especially for supporters in South Florida. It first goes on to tell me that Hillary had signed a pledge not to campaign in any state that violated the DNC calendar (nasty Florida has done just that). But, that dastardly Obama, who also signed the pledge, is actually campaigning here in the sunshine state. But, since he seems to be behind in Florida polls, he's indicated that Florida voters don't matter (according to this email). However, they do matter to Hillary. Since she will continue to honor the pledge, she won't campaign for our primary on the 29th, but I have the opportunity to meet her at an "upcoming event" in South Florida. I can meet her at a bowling alley (wow, she's a regular person, or else she thinks she's going to Buffalo) in Miami on the 27th. I was thinking, hmmm, why not? Except then I see the kicker on the bottom of the invitation: $1,000 per person. Has bowling gotten that expensive? Those must be some pretty fancy bowling shoes. When I took my son and his family bowling last time, it "only" cost $50 or so for six of us. Gosh, it almost sounds like fund raising. There may be a Dr. in front of my name, but I'm the kind of doctor that makes no money. I work for a Republican-appointed Board of Trustees that didn't give us a pay raise this year and doesn't think we are worth what we are getting. I also live in one of the most expensive parts of the country. I know. I've been naive. I guess I wanted to convince myself that it isn't about the money. In the email, it says that "Senator Clinton intends to be President for all fifty states." What about all the people? What about the ones for whom $1,000 is a lot of money? I can hear many of my friends saying, "It's about time you woke up." Maybe I have. Maybe I'm not looking at this the right way. I'm not sure what that way is, I guess. Anyway.

Senator McCain, HM2 Patrick Ellingham, USN, is reporting for duty!

What are the media thinking?

Check out this video from the League of Conservation Voters. It shows how little the media care about the environment. Of all the questions presidential candidates have been asked so far in debates, only three have been about the environment.

As Focus the Nation day approaches, will the national media even cover it?

Happy Birthday, Elvis!

January 8th

Happy New Year!