OK, today's rant is:
OK, so, you got a Kindle or a Nook, an iPad, Smart Phone, laptop (whatever) for Christmas/
Yule/ Hanukkah....
PLEASE, I beg of you, spare your techno-savvy relatives, co-workers, the library people --- AND LEARN HOW TO WORK THE DAMN THING.
Unless you are going to pay them in some manner, way, shape or form....you are being lazy. If the nice library guy/gal says there is a tutorial online or written, please read it and just try before you bug the hell out of them. Read the damn destructions! A lot of libraries have FREE classes! The basics are NOT hard.
(I might buy the computer thing but a Kindle?? Come on....you turn the friggin' thing on.)
It's pretty self-explanatory. And I'l bet there are video tutorials for library lending. Nook and Kindle have good tutorials for using the devices online or ON the actual device.
Look, I'm basically an over-55 idiot and i'm lucky enough to have my own live-in, sleep-in geek. And I can work the damn things! I really hate asking my geek for stupid stuff. You should feel bad too. Ask technical or complicated questions, yes, but simple stuff? Like how to turn it on or how to read a book? Please. Get a grip.
Especially if we have explained this to you over and over....
and over...AGAIN!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Yule and have a fabulous New Year!
Here's the short version of what's up! We're both on Facebook so do friend us if you haven't already!
Marty rode 1100 miles this year on his bike.... with his 2 knee replacements! He did his first Century (100 miles) ride in Findlay, Ohio too. He plans on doing his first Fundo next year! Amazing! He rode Pedal to the Point's 2 day event in torrential rain and the Harmonie Hundred too. He's been doing contract work in IT, which he seems to like as it's not long term! Get your pickle orders in early, folks, for 2012!
On the entertainment front: Marty ran lights for 3 shows at Western Reserve Theater and I got to play 2 characters (finally I got to do my Lena La Mont impression) at WRT in "Be My Baby." I was the straight man for some LEAP puppet shows and have been doing a fair amount of singing with pianist Leo, specializing in 40s and 50s standards. I hope to be doing a ton more of that in 2012!
I fell and really hurt my hand in April (tons of PT) but finally was able to ride my bike in my first baby Tour in early September (33.5 miles) and walk a half marathon and 10 mile race in November. Hoping for a lot more events in 2012!
I visited with my niece Alexandra in Chicago in November and I did not embarrass myself by falling off any bar stools! We are so happy that my other niece Dani and her husband Bryan and great nephew, Bryan aka The Chop are now local to us all! So we get to see them a lot! We have our 2 grandkids in PA, Mason (1 year old) and Aidan (4 in January). We're hoping to se a lot more of them in 2012.
Megan will be completing her LPN schooling in April, 2012 -- So very proud of what she's doing and how she's turning her life into something splendid and useful. She has been acing her classes and rocking her clinicals....patients love her! She will be VERY good at this nursing thing! Adopted "daughter", Jamie, completed her Masters in Geology from U. of Michigan and just snagged her first teaching job!! Sweet!
Two of our dogs passed this year: our darling boy Winger, age almost 12 in Feb. and dear Jesse Ann, our pack leader for 10 years in August. We still have our cute Schoomby-do, Elke Louise! who is smart as a whip!! She picks up almost any object now and is learning to enjoy walking with her Pibble Dog Friends on weekend hikes through the woods.
Our cat Rufus, is less than amused with his cat cousins (Dink and Envy) being here but we're working on that. He is a most demanding critter, very vocal!
I have been doing a ton of volunteering for our local Humane Society of Greater Akron (which is how we got Rufus last year) doing a lot of tours, educational programs, dog bite prevention programs and Breed Advocacy. I recently testified to the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of HB14, a bill that will help all dogs, no matter what their breed or type, to get a fair shake. Remember: Breed Specific Legislation Hurts Everyone! Pretty terrifying, to say the least! I have my script if anyone wants to see it!
Another benefit is all the friends we've made as a result of my volunteer work. We had a much need "Vay-cay" (vacation) up in NY state and I think it's the first vacation EVER that we've taken that wasn't tied in with family stuff or an event. Thanks to Gayle, Ray and Oreo for that one! We needed it and we need to do it more often! So relaxing!
Who would have thought that in December a purebred Australian Cattledog puppy would come into our shelter, but he did and now he's ours! He is my seventh one (including fosters), Presenting....
He became officially ours yesterday, the 22nd. Marty named him the fist time he saw him. We love the TV show Warehouse 13! and Artie (Arthur) is a character on the show. Many thanks to Humane Officer Shannon who rescued him and Dog Trainer Extraordinary Jen for fostering him and enabling he and Elke to meet and like each other!
They play and cuddle and have spats but all in all it's great.
I think she really missed Winger and especially Jesse who was a great leader dog! We are all learning by leaps and bounds but a puppy is a ton of work, especially one that requires positive reinforcement.
He is 4 months old...so you can see I've been a little busy these last few weeks! Ironically, if you do the math, he was probably born right around the time that Jesse went to the Rainbow Bridge.....Coincidence? Or was he sent from the Doggie Angels who are waiting for us? Hmmm...makes you wonder....
Love to you all and we hope your New Year is Happy, Healthy, Peaceful and Abundant!!
From the Hess Household aka The Nut House
Marty and Mia Hess
Elke, Rufus and Artie
Step-cats Dink and Envy
Here's the short version of what's up! We're both on Facebook so do friend us if you haven't already!
Marty rode 1100 miles this year on his bike.... with his 2 knee replacements! He did his first Century (100 miles) ride in Findlay, Ohio too. He plans on doing his first Fundo next year! Amazing! He rode Pedal to the Point's 2 day event in torrential rain and the Harmonie Hundred too. He's been doing contract work in IT, which he seems to like as it's not long term! Get your pickle orders in early, folks, for 2012!
On the entertainment front: Marty ran lights for 3 shows at Western Reserve Theater and I got to play 2 characters (finally I got to do my Lena La Mont impression) at WRT in "Be My Baby." I was the straight man for some LEAP puppet shows and have been doing a fair amount of singing with pianist Leo, specializing in 40s and 50s standards. I hope to be doing a ton more of that in 2012!
I fell and really hurt my hand in April (tons of PT) but finally was able to ride my bike in my first baby Tour in early September (33.5 miles) and walk a half marathon and 10 mile race in November. Hoping for a lot more events in 2012!
I visited with my niece Alexandra in Chicago in November and I did not embarrass myself by falling off any bar stools! We are so happy that my other niece Dani and her husband Bryan and great nephew, Bryan aka The Chop are now local to us all! So we get to see them a lot! We have our 2 grandkids in PA, Mason (1 year old) and Aidan (4 in January). We're hoping to se a lot more of them in 2012.
Megan will be completing her LPN schooling in April, 2012 -- So very proud of what she's doing and how she's turning her life into something splendid and useful. She has been acing her classes and rocking her clinicals....patients love her! She will be VERY good at this nursing thing! Adopted "daughter", Jamie, completed her Masters in Geology from U. of Michigan and just snagged her first teaching job!! Sweet!
Two of our dogs passed this year: our darling boy Winger, age almost 12 in Feb. and dear Jesse Ann, our pack leader for 10 years in August. We still have our cute Schoomby-do, Elke Louise! who is smart as a whip!! She picks up almost any object now and is learning to enjoy walking with her Pibble Dog Friends on weekend hikes through the woods.
Our cat Rufus, is less than amused with his cat cousins (Dink and Envy) being here but we're working on that. He is a most demanding critter, very vocal!
I have been doing a ton of volunteering for our local Humane Society of Greater Akron (which is how we got Rufus last year) doing a lot of tours, educational programs, dog bite prevention programs and Breed Advocacy. I recently testified to the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee on behalf of HB14, a bill that will help all dogs, no matter what their breed or type, to get a fair shake. Remember: Breed Specific Legislation Hurts Everyone! Pretty terrifying, to say the least! I have my script if anyone wants to see it!
Another benefit is all the friends we've made as a result of my volunteer work. We had a much need "Vay-cay" (vacation) up in NY state and I think it's the first vacation EVER that we've taken that wasn't tied in with family stuff or an event. Thanks to Gayle, Ray and Oreo for that one! We needed it and we need to do it more often! So relaxing!
Who would have thought that in December a purebred Australian Cattledog puppy would come into our shelter, but he did and now he's ours! He is my seventh one (including fosters), Presenting....
They play and cuddle and have spats but all in all it's great.
I think she really missed Winger and especially Jesse who was a great leader dog! We are all learning by leaps and bounds but a puppy is a ton of work, especially one that requires positive reinforcement.
He is 4 months old...so you can see I've been a little busy these last few weeks! Ironically, if you do the math, he was probably born right around the time that Jesse went to the Rainbow Bridge.....Coincidence? Or was he sent from the Doggie Angels who are waiting for us? Hmmm...makes you wonder....
Love to you all and we hope your New Year is Happy, Healthy, Peaceful and Abundant!!
From the Hess Household aka The Nut House
Marty and Mia Hess
Elke, Rufus and Artie
Step-cats Dink and Envy
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Script For House Bill 14
"Mr. Chairman, Members of the Committee; Ladies and Gentlemen:
My name is Mia Knerly-Hess and I appear today in support of proposed amendments to House Bill 14
For almost two decades, I have been involved in rescue and public education for dog breeds from the Herding, Toy, Terrier and Working groups. As an exhibitor and Obedience competitor, I am a member in good standing of various local, national and international dog breed organizations and training clubs. As a professional photographer, I have chronicled animal cruelty cases and witnessed the animals’ recovery. For the past 18 years, I have also been a presenter of Dog Safety Awareness, Bite Prevention and Responsible Pet Ownership programs, most recently as an Educator for the Humane Society of Greater Akron.
Through my hands-on experience as an exhibitor, competitor, rescuer, foster, educator, trainer and companion, I have come to know dogs of all temperaments, ages, sizes and breeds. I have come to respect and admire the resilient, vibrant, affectionate and forgiving attributes of the type of dogs referred to as “Pit Bulls.”
I urge the Committee to pass House Bill 14 as amended. This Bill would put the onus where it should be: on responsible dog ownership. By extracting the breed specific wording as you have done, you will more closely align our great State with prudent and practical judgment."
My name is Mia Knerly-Hess and I appear today in support of proposed amendments to House Bill 14
For almost two decades, I have been involved in rescue and public education for dog breeds from the Herding, Toy, Terrier and Working groups. As an exhibitor and Obedience competitor, I am a member in good standing of various local, national and international dog breed organizations and training clubs. As a professional photographer, I have chronicled animal cruelty cases and witnessed the animals’ recovery. For the past 18 years, I have also been a presenter of Dog Safety Awareness, Bite Prevention and Responsible Pet Ownership programs, most recently as an Educator for the Humane Society of Greater Akron.
Through my hands-on experience as an exhibitor, competitor, rescuer, foster, educator, trainer and companion, I have come to know dogs of all temperaments, ages, sizes and breeds. I have come to respect and admire the resilient, vibrant, affectionate and forgiving attributes of the type of dogs referred to as “Pit Bulls.”
I urge the Committee to pass House Bill 14 as amended. This Bill would put the onus where it should be: on responsible dog ownership. By extracting the breed specific wording as you have done, you will more closely align our great State with prudent and practical judgment."
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
The Things You Hear
From the "I Just LOVE People...Not" files, #362.
Guy to me: "So, like, what EXACTLY happens when an animal gets anti-freeze poisoning? How long does it take?"
This is the same guy whose remedy for the neighbor's barking dog was to shoot it with a cross bow. Also the same guy who wanted to know what happens when a dog eats chocolate and how do they die, actually?
Me: (after the chocolate query), "Man, you are seriously into poisons. You must be a chemist!"
Please, tell me this guy was KIDDING??
=============
From the "Watch Me Pull a Rabbit Out of My Hat" department and the
"I sure as hell am glad I've watched all those dog shows and read all those breed articles, magazines and books and have talked to people at dog shows" department.
Guy with wife and small kid, private conversation:
"What can you tell me about Neapolitan Mastiffs?" (Wow, that came from left field....)
Bottom line: talk face to face with reputable breeders and rescuers and get the skinny on the big dog! Oh, and buy hand towels in bulk!
I can't believe I pulled those factoids out of the hard drive of my ass because most of the time I can barely remember who I am! LOL!
==============
And finally.....And from the "Good Answer!" department:
"I have 2 kids, ages blah-blah and a min-pin-German Shepherd-Rott-Doberman mix and she's about so tall. I was thinking about maybe getting another dog, a rescue, maybe a Doberman or a Shepherd, like adopting one. I want to come see the dogs at the HSGA. What do you think? What kind of dog should I get?"
Me: "The dog that gets along with YOUR dog and your family and best fits into your lifestyle."
Sometimes, I get it fairly right.
Snaps For Me! (Snap, snap!)
Guy to me: "So, like, what EXACTLY happens when an animal gets anti-freeze poisoning? How long does it take?"
This is the same guy whose remedy for the neighbor's barking dog was to shoot it with a cross bow. Also the same guy who wanted to know what happens when a dog eats chocolate and how do they die, actually?
Me: (after the chocolate query), "Man, you are seriously into poisons. You must be a chemist!"
Please, tell me this guy was KIDDING??
=============
From the "Watch Me Pull a Rabbit Out of My Hat" department and the
"I sure as hell am glad I've watched all those dog shows and read all those breed articles, magazines and books and have talked to people at dog shows" department.
Guy with wife and small kid, private conversation:
"What can you tell me about Neapolitan Mastiffs?" (Wow, that came from left field....)
Bottom line: talk face to face with reputable breeders and rescuers and get the skinny on the big dog! Oh, and buy hand towels in bulk!
I can't believe I pulled those factoids out of the hard drive of my ass because most of the time I can barely remember who I am! LOL!
==============
And finally.....And from the "Good Answer!" department:
"I have 2 kids, ages blah-blah and a min-pin-German Shepherd-Rott-Doberman mix and she's about so tall. I was thinking about maybe getting another dog, a rescue, maybe a Doberman or a Shepherd, like adopting one. I want to come see the dogs at the HSGA. What do you think? What kind of dog should I get?"
Me: "The dog that gets along with YOUR dog and your family and best fits into your lifestyle."
Sometimes, I get it fairly right.
Snaps For Me! (Snap, snap!)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Metro's Story
I've been helping call folks who adopted Pit Mixes from the HSGA, encouraging them to share photos and stories of their doggies for National Pit Bull Awareness Day (Oct. 22nd. I had a lovely conversation with the "mom" of a fan favorite, Miss Metro. I told her mom I'd write up her story to share at the event but I'd like to share it here as well.
=========================================================
METRO
“The Miracle Dog”
“Last night, I dreamed we got a three legged dog.” Ron C. told his wife. Kind of strange since their son had seen a story about Metro just the day before. Metro had lost her leg (and almost her life) when she was hit by a bus. In the past, all of the family dogs had just “shown up” at their doorstep.
“Mom, that dream of Dad’s…..it’s like she coming to our door!”
Her future family met quite a few dogs at the Humane Society of Greater Akron but according to Emily, there was something “special” in Metro’s eyes. Home she went and fit right in; never having a single accident from day one!
“You should see her run around the house and up and down the stairs, “ Emily laughs, “You’d never know she was missing a leg! And why would we change her name? She’s a miracle dog! She has her own bed; she pulls the covers down and lays her head on the pillow! My husband calls her Sweetie. We just love her!
One day this summer, Ron wasn’t feeling well. “I feel like my lung is collapsing!” At the hospital, they received the bad news: Ron had lung cancer. His kidneys began to fail, and the doctors feared the worst. He wanted to see his “Sweetie” one more time. A dear family friend arranged a hospital visit for Metro. Laying her head next to Ron so he could pet her, his kidneys began to slowly rally. Emily credits Metro with helping her husband heal.
But Ron’s fight isn’t over yet. Chemo has taken its toll, but Metro’s weekly hospital visits have helped give him strength and joy. She will lay on his bed for hours and hours, next to him, warm and loving. “She’s a true therapy dog!” Emily states. “I think she helps the staff too. The nurses just love her; she gets a free pass! When she is there, they’ll come into to see her and pet her. She loves everyone and everyone loves her! She’s a superstar!”
When the family visits Ron, he always wants to know “what cute thing Metro did today!” And when they come back to the house where so many of Ron’s projects are waiting for his return home, she is there to greet them with her happily wagging tail. “It’s so healing to come hone to her, “ Emily says.
As told to M. Hess by Emily C., Metro’s Mom
October 15, 2011
Sadly, Ron Czerski died on Oct. 24, 2011.
=========================================================
METRO
“The Miracle Dog”
“Last night, I dreamed we got a three legged dog.” Ron C. told his wife. Kind of strange since their son had seen a story about Metro just the day before. Metro had lost her leg (and almost her life) when she was hit by a bus. In the past, all of the family dogs had just “shown up” at their doorstep.
“Mom, that dream of Dad’s…..it’s like she coming to our door!”
Her future family met quite a few dogs at the Humane Society of Greater Akron but according to Emily, there was something “special” in Metro’s eyes. Home she went and fit right in; never having a single accident from day one!
“You should see her run around the house and up and down the stairs, “ Emily laughs, “You’d never know she was missing a leg! And why would we change her name? She’s a miracle dog! She has her own bed; she pulls the covers down and lays her head on the pillow! My husband calls her Sweetie. We just love her!
One day this summer, Ron wasn’t feeling well. “I feel like my lung is collapsing!” At the hospital, they received the bad news: Ron had lung cancer. His kidneys began to fail, and the doctors feared the worst. He wanted to see his “Sweetie” one more time. A dear family friend arranged a hospital visit for Metro. Laying her head next to Ron so he could pet her, his kidneys began to slowly rally. Emily credits Metro with helping her husband heal.
But Ron’s fight isn’t over yet. Chemo has taken its toll, but Metro’s weekly hospital visits have helped give him strength and joy. She will lay on his bed for hours and hours, next to him, warm and loving. “She’s a true therapy dog!” Emily states. “I think she helps the staff too. The nurses just love her; she gets a free pass! When she is there, they’ll come into to see her and pet her. She loves everyone and everyone loves her! She’s a superstar!”
When the family visits Ron, he always wants to know “what cute thing Metro did today!” And when they come back to the house where so many of Ron’s projects are waiting for his return home, she is there to greet them with her happily wagging tail. “It’s so healing to come hone to her, “ Emily says.
As told to M. Hess by Emily C., Metro’s Mom
October 15, 2011
Sadly, Ron Czerski died on Oct. 24, 2011.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Thank You, Alan Shore (Boston Legal)
"We've become such a dumb, fat, bubblegum nation. Schlocky and superficial. Music, books, television. One of the heads of NBC recently said that the plan was to get people to tune in and mentally tune out. This wasn't an admission by the way, but a boast. Is it any wonder we have a television show called ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A SECOND GRADER and a president who isn't? I miss a little dignity in America."
From BOSTON LEGAL, Season 4, episode "The Gods Must Be Crazy"; air date: 5/14/08
I miss a little dignity in the damn WORLD, thank you very much!
From BOSTON LEGAL, Season 4, episode "The Gods Must Be Crazy"; air date: 5/14/08
I miss a little dignity in the damn WORLD, thank you very much!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The 2012 German PInscher Calendar
I'm grateful it's done, slightly ahead of schedule!! It actually went pretty well. I had a few things that were busting my butt, but all in all, I'm pleased!
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