Michele

Nope. Tickling is fun, good, and elicits laugher and joy. Let me ask you this - would poking the child with a pin to make them cry be a problem? Why/Why not? See, for me, if it were naturally occuring - as I said, during a shoot or something - then I would have no real issue with the tears. It's the provocation of it that bothers me, regardless of how it's done. The deliberate infliction of emotional distress - and on a three year old, no less - is what bothers me. I agree. I just don't think I'm capable of tormenting a child deliberately to express my own opinion of political or theological topics. Am I capable of tickling a child to find a smile or a laugh? you betcha - 'cause to me, that's not tormenting or abusive. But again, that is the topic, yes? Art or abuse... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Jill Greenberg is a phenomenal photographic artist. She knows what she's doing. In fact, her website is called "manipulator". She just finished a show here in Los Angeles, of children's pain and upset. Normally, I can see a thing and not be too upset by it; I've attended autopsies, seen lots of pain and anguish in friends, family members, and so on. I understand the journalistic aspect of capturing the human condition, it's joys and sorrows, via photography. What I can't understand is this. The press release states the following (in part): "End Times" combines beautiful, poignant imagery, impeccably executed, with both political and personal relevance. Greenberg’s subject is taboo: children in pain. She utilizes this uncomfortable image as a way to break through to the pop mainstream and begin a national dialogue. Jill Greenberg's images are sharp and saturated, stunning and quirky; her work is soaked with realism and imagination." Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with this, if it were natural and in the child's normal course of his day. However. And it's a big however. In this series, this photographer took children - about 3 years old - and stripped them naked (no, it's not porno). The she sat them under hot lights (not a really big deal, either). Gave them a sucker or lolly...and then took it away from them. Using this method, she got the child to react the way she wanted it to - crying, upset, angry. To me, I believe that this is abuse. The intentional disruption of a child's peace of mind for the sake of a shutter click. That she will sell for thousands of dollars, I might add. Sure, a child has temper tantrums. They will yell, scream, fight, argue, cry...that's part of a normal child's repertory of communication skills. In this series, though, it seems to me to be abusive. This is not a naturally occuring instance - it was manipulated and created for the sake of a photo. Nothing more or less...just a photo. To express the 'artist's vision', she tormented a child into a tantrum, a tearfilled moment so that she could take a picture. Had it been a normally occuring shot - i.e. the child is upset for reasons not manipulated nor set up - then I could see the value. In this series, I cannot. Perhaps it's the deliberate "angry-fying" of the child; the intentional disruption of it's world. Perhaps it's just that I don't like to see a child used like this. Who knows. But I do know that I consider it less than art by a long shot - and I have a pretty broad view of what "art" is. This is, to me, abuse. Further, add to that the titling of the shot. "Grand Old Party". "Misinformation". "Revelations". And so forth. To me, that's manipulating children into tears for her personal political and religious beliefs. To then sell these images, as a political and/or theological statement is horrific. Let me be perfectly clear: had a photo shoot been going on and this outburst occurred naturally, with no provocation by the "artist", I would not be nearly as upset and angry as I am. Yes, children get lollies taken from them on a regular basis. Yes, they get angry regularly, too. But here, it's more akin to abuse when you consider the intent, the manipulation, and the deliberate provocation which occurred. And in a society wherein amber alerts are regular features, children's deaths are often violent, and Michael Jackson gets found innocent...I suppose I shouldn't be quite so perturbed when I see something an artist use children's anguish as a political or theological statement...but I am. Your opinion? I'd be interested. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Lisa, I am incredibly jealous of you - and very proud. Well done - and glad you had the experience of a lifetime. You rock. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Here's the pet I want. But can't have. But really, really want. Or one of his relatives. He's about 13 months old, and just as inquisitive and full of beans as a young male ever is! Enjoy! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For you, though, the challenge is getting OFF the plane. Safely. LOL! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting. I think, in addition to your comments, that there is also the fact that in Iraq, Sadam had violated many of the "cease-fire" conditions, was shooting at our planes, and was in violation of quite a few of the UN sanctions...and that made it easier to go into Iraq. We don't have quite that footing in regards to NK, at least not at this time. And that is a pretty big footing to not have. My newest concern is if the UN sanctions NK (but two of the 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council won't agree) in any way which restricts their ability to procure cash, the idea of selling some of the nukes to other..."less desireable" groups/countries might just occur to Il. And he's nutty enough to do that, too. It's an interesting, difficult and dangerous problem the world faces - I hope we find the way through this before the shit hits the fan...but I don't hold out too much hope - the Korean culture can be very dogmatic and righteous, and Kim Jong Il doesn't seem to have a firm grasp on reality. Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I don't think I agree - with the right lighting and angles, it can be very attractive. 'Course, I don't find a poorly done shot attractive, no matter what the subject is... As for the topic, though - none taken, so no worries there ('course, no-one would want nekkie pix of me, either, so it's a wash however you look at it...). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks! I thik they're all gorgeous, but I'm biased. LOL! Abby's been hopping in and out of a box all day - she thinks that's the height of hilarity, apparently. Hasn't sat still long enough for a decent shot, but there's always later. And next week - they're getting a visitor...a puppy is coming to visit. Should be very fun to see the interaction...or not quite so, if the blood and fur go flying. LOL! It might make for some interesting shots, though... I like this thread as well... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You want her to stop clawing the carpet, but you bought something which has carpet on it for her to claw?? She's confused... Sisel rope - hopefully the kind you have - is a great thing for cats to claw on. I've got several cat trees with that on it, and they are always being scratched. I'm also thinking that rope-wrapped cardboard may not be stable enough for her to trust, so she may not want to put any weight on it, and won't use it for that. A rope-wrapped piece of wood is much sturdier, and she will likely be able to attack it rather heartily without fear that it will topple. However, my herd best likes the cardboard scratchers that are about $3 at Petsmart/Petco. They always use that, no matter how beat up it gets. Easy clean up too - just sweep away the shredded stuff. Give that a try - lay it over her favorite carpet spot, and let her claw that, instead. Once she's gotten used to it, move it out of the way to a different spot and she will likely follow it there to do her clawing. She sounds a bit young, too - how old? If she's still climbing screens, give her something which is hers to climb...a cat tree, several "stories" high. Cats like the visibility they get on top of those things, and also love the fact that no-one can approach them (read: no danger) without them knowing about it. Also, be aware that 3 out of 10 cats don't react to catnip. 5 of 10 don't react to the spray, but only the leaves. There's a gene which is present in those who like it, and that gene for whatever reason isn't always triggered by the spray. Also, catnip won't elicit a response from a cat even if they have the gene until they reach sexual maturity - about 9 months to one year (not at their first heat; lots of people think that's when they're sexually mature...). So if she's young enough, she's not even going to respond to the scent. So unless she is well over a year, I wouldn't expect her to react, and she may be of the 30% who doesn't have the gene. Good luck, and let me know how it turns out. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The 30 seconds or so of cold (erm, 50 degrees or less) that both you in TX and we in SoCA get... If you blink, you miss it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

From the photo, it looks like that area is prone to "blackspot", a fungus which leaves black spots on the leaves and the canes, and can survive over the winter in the soil. It thrives in wet, loamy ground (as is shown by your photo), and can be splashed up onto the rose when watering. Some steps to take in handling blackspot: don't water overhead. Drip irrigate, or bubble irrigate. If you must water from overhead, do it in the morning when the sun will be able to dry the leaves (except you're in TX, and the humidity will exacerbate the problem; really avoid watering from the top). Get rid of all leaves which have it - go through the ground and make sure it is clean from dead leaves. Use a preventative fungicide, that you can find at your local gardening store. And plant more blackspot resistant bushes if this one needs to be replaced. There are many different, more resistant bushes with most of the same features that you can replace it with...but make sure you treat the ground before you replant... A good article on Blackspot Hope that helps- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Alarming... New information indicates that the TaePo Dong 2 was aimed at or near Hawaii. Reuters/India/World From the link: "But data from U.S. and Japanese Aegis radar-equipped destroyers and surveillance aircraft on the missile's angle of take-off and altitude indicated that it was heading for waters near Hawaii, the Sankei Shimbun reported, citing multiple sources in the United States and Japan." So. Had it become airborne, what would have happened? Would it have hit the US? Or would we have shot it down? Would this be considered an act of war, whether or not it actually was successful, or because it was unsuccessful, does it "not count"? And considering they now have additional rockets fueled and ready to go, what do we do about it? What does Japan do about it? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

They are - and they all know it. LOL! Thanks. But they're such willing subjects (excepting Penguin...) that it makes taking shots of them easy. Simon loves the camera, and Abby gets into the light tent whenever it's up. LOLOL! Hams, those two. Just hams. Your trio is really cute, too. I am loving 'Nilla...she just seems so fun. Heavenly Tiger, it's funny how cats' colors will change with time. Dunno why, either. And I completely know what you mean about intelligence continuum...I've got them spaced all along the line - from Pie, my sweet, psychotic dumb (or alternative reality; not too sure which) calico to Simon, my Einstein. I figure Pengy's pretty bright, too...and stubbornly strong to come back from where she was. Animals - how fun they are. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Wow, yes indeed. The only difference is the color of the whiskers. Cool! Charlotte is a very, very quiet cat. Very little vocalization - likely because she lived outside on her own for (an unknown) long time. Sounds in the wild will bring unwanted attention. She will ask for treats, and say hello to me if she feels like it, but often she just rubs her head against my leg or hand instead. Simon, though - well, he's my talker. He says "bless you" when I sneeze, discusses things with me, answers the television, and will call for me when I'm not immediately visible - including me being just on the other side of the blanket bundle in bed. LOL! Siamese tend to be very, very vocal...and Simon sure does live up to that trait. Gmittar, glad to have helped. It's good that she's independent, and also know that she's still a young one. Over time, she will become more cuddly and "trusting" ... but she seems like she's loving hanging out on your lap a lot, so it's all good. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Icon and Gmittar, thanks for the compliments. I love shooting my herd...they're all so different and fun. The one of Esse is the newest favorite of mine - a little on the short Depth of Field, but shows what I see when I wake in the morning...she's always there, watching me and waiting for me to wake up. The shots you see are not my best, but do show their personalities so much I decided to put them up. My herd's happy and cute, and I'm indeed a lucky lady. Gmittar, Bella has turned into a lovely Bengal. She is gorgeously marked, her rosettes are so clear and bright. Well done - I know how hard it was, and you've done a bang-up job with her. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Our loss is Heaven's gain. But man, it's just not fair. I owed him one of my hugs - he made me see bright when it was dark, and when he was standing by his mother's side, guiding her through to Heaven, I was able to (virtually) return the favor. His faith stood him well, and he always knew he'd see her again. Just maybe not so soon. Conway: your love was big-big. Your smile bigger. Your laugh was the most contagious, even through PMs. Your life was well and truly lived, and your death - far too early, too quick and shocking. I miss you. And I know that you miss us. But now, you're playing in the heart of God, and you're dancing a jig with the angels. Your arms are wrapped around your Mom, and your love smiles on each one of us... For those who knew him well, my prayers are with you now. And to his father - rest easy, knowing your son reached thousands of people, touched their lives with his life. Rest easy, knowing he and his Mom will wait for you, and greet you when you cross the barrier. Know that there are few things outside the boundary of time; love, the love of a son for his father, and a father for his son, is outside those boundaries. His laugh can be heard - close your eyes and listen to the wind. His love can be felt - reach up towards the warming sun, and know it's him again. His joy can be felt again; touch your heart to his. ANd know, know for sure and certain, that Conway was dearly loved, admired, respected, and thoroughly enjoyed. My prayers to all affected, and all who will face challenging lonliness in the coming days. Remember you're not alone...he lives in your heart. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Continuing.. Pie, my psychotic calico. I got her when she was about 4 months old - the rescue place was very glad to see her go; they had named her Devil. She wouldn't let anyone come near her, touch her, or even put their hand in the cage. Imagine my surprise when I picked her up, and she snuggled right into the curve of my neck, purring and sleepy. She came home...but she is nuts. She has this thing about lamps - will put her head under any one that is on; I am beginning to think she has vision issues, but there's really no way to test for myopia in cats, you know? And lastly, Queen Charlotte. Nothing really needs to be said about the Queen. She rules the roost. An all black, long haired older cat (we think about 9ish), she walked in the back door one night about 4 1/2 years ago, and hasn't left. She is incredibly aloof to strangers, but cuddles me often. Again, all are rescues...and all are dear. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

All of my herd are rescues. Abby is the latest addition, and still having some adjustment issues. She was left behind by my Mom's former tenants - they had a pit bull, and Abby was raised with her, so Abby's response to almost everything is fight. Understandable, and it's lessened greatly since the beginning. Her eyes turned out really orange in this shot; a trick of the lighting I assume, as they aren't quite so orange (but still very brilliant) in real life. Simon was the two week old kitty I rescued from being put down (no one had time for him). Fed every two hours, 24/7. He's a snowshoe siamese, and the only male of the herd. He is spoiled rotten, and gets away with pretty much everything. He's a good sized, gorgeously colored chocolate point, and just a dear one. Esse is the "Mama" cat. She herds the others around, lets the others climb on her, and is generally pretty docile. She is Penguin's adopted mom, and has done wonders with Pengy getting her tamed down. Pengy is the feral I caught about 2 years ago, the one who lived under my bed. Between Esse and Simon, Pengy started to come out regularly about 9 months ago, and sleeps on my bed and has the run of the house. She is significantly handicapped, permanently disabled from abuse (run a search for Penguin; I wrote up her story and posted here a while ago). SHe is a dear one, and as you can see from the photo, doing really, really well despite being crippled; she gets into the window and watches the world go by - and how great that is. Someday she'll let me touch her, and has on occasion let me pet her with my foot...but someday, she'll let me cuddle her. Until then, it's at her pace and in her time. To be continued... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, he is. Sniff. YAY Viking!! Well done. Those of us old folks have a tear in our eye when we remember your...escapades and adventures into the world of adult hood. Just remember to drink lots of water....mkay? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Latest reports coming now are that NK has readied other missiles for tests...although, they (the reports) indicate that it is not the long range Taepo Dong. Apparently, these new ones are medium and short range. While these tests pose no danger to the US, it certainly poses great danger to the Japanese, who rightly are rather concerned. The UN Security Council met today, and while no action was decided, there will be continuing talks to determine the proper response. From Euronews "US Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton, said : "By the tenure of the statements of all the Council members, I think there is support for sending a clear signal to Pyongyang and we will proceed to see if we can get that done in the next few days." " And this: http://voanews.com/english/2006-07-05-voa81.cfm Permanent Security Council members France, Britain and the United States back the Japanese resolution. Washington's U.N. Ambassador John Bolton says he sees strong support for sending a clear signal to Pyongyang. "This is obviously a very serious matter, because of the North Korean provocation, but this is precisely what the Security Council is designed to handle and we hope the council will rise to the occasion," he said. But two other veto-wielding Council members, Russia and China, oppose any resolution on North Korea, much less one that includes penalties. " Talks at the UN will continue over the next few days, and it should be very interesting what comes out of it. We seem to be at an impasse, at the moment... So. What happens, do you all think, if one of those missiles conveniently "misses" and hits Japan? Would that be an act of war, or would that be an accident? How would we know, and what steps would be taken to determine that, does anyone know? I hope they don't test the ones they're apparently ready to test...it's already going to be tough on the population of NK, what with the embargos (unofficial or official), and they are already a strife-ridden community. They don't even know (as far as I can tell) that their government tested missiles yesterday... Man. This is getting to be a very interesting (in the most clinical sense of the word) time. I do hope that the populace of NK can withstand whatever happens... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well done with the little Nikki. Looked bad and such a tiny wee one. I've done it, and I know how hard it is. She's grown up wonderfully; healthy, happy and shiny...a big Well Done and Thank YOU! to you. (I'll try to downsize a few shots of my herd later, and post them up...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am so thankful they are all going to be all right in the end. Man, some people!! I can completely understand your fury - I'd be the same if it were my family. As for the nightmares, time will help with those. After I was hit by a car (when I was 6, no permanent injuries, consussed and badly bruised though), I didn't let anyone I knew cross the street if there was a car anywhere near (like, within vision). Made taking a walk very tough for a while, but I eventually got over it (and yes, I had nightmares for a time, too...). When hit, I was crossing with the light in a crosswalk - dude jumped a red at about 20 mph and took me out. But time, and lots of goodies, will help. You're a good auntie, and are rightfully proud of those little men - gorgeous and sweet looking. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Apparently, Limbaugh did not break any law, and will not be charged. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Current reports are that 6 were launched - 5 scud type and the long range (which failed at 35 seconds into things). I realize it failed...and that it is somewhat embarrassing to Kim Jong Il. However, embarrassment will not make him stand down; rather, it will infuriate him, and make him even more determined to create a missile that will do what he wants. And that bodes no good for anyone. Yes, it is a "look at me" foreign relations ploy - but it's a dangerous ploy...and in the coming days, we will see what the fall out will be...and that will be telling, don't you think? And not sure about the veracity of the reports, but some say that there already exists a nuclear weapon. And all they're trying to do is figure out how to load it onto an already existing missile, and they will be blackmailing the world. As I said in another post, NK is a dying country; and they will not go peacefully into that dark night... Worrisome all the way around. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Breaking news: at least four missiles were test fired in the Sea of Japan; short range "scud" types, and possibly a fifth test missile (the long range Tapo Dong) was attempted, but failed. More as it comes. Links are scarce atm, but here: One CNN AP/Reuters, Fox, CNN all confirm, but have different numbers of missiles reported. Latest numbers are 4 short range, one long range failure. NORAD is confirming the fires, that they were not ICBMs. No confirmation on the failure of the long range, or attempt to fire. Still very early - less than an hour ago, as far as I can find. ~~~~~ Edit: No confirmation of 5 total tests. Rather, it's looking a lot more like 3 short range "scud" type missiles, landing in the Sea of Japan, and a 4th (apparently and reported to be the TaepoDong 2 long range ICBM) failed moments after launch. ~~~~~ Edit: As the dust settles, it seems that it was only 2 "scuds" and the failed firing (35 seconds into launch) of the TaepoDong2. I've corrected the title to reflect the confirmed news (NORAD, CNN, White House reporters). Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~