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I have been concerned about animal suffering ever since
I received my first puppy Peaches in 1975. She made me take a good look at the animal kingdom and I was shocked to see how badly we treat so many animals. At 77, I've been a vegan for the past 30 years and I thank God every day that I am. I am most disturbed at how little the Catholic Church and Christian churches generally give to concern re animal suffering in their ministry. I wrote to 350 bishops in 2001 and only 10-13 responded. I feel that the very least they can do is to instruct that the priests give one sermon a year on compassion to animals. I am still waiting for that sermon. I also belong to Catholic Concern for Animals - founded in England in 1929. (They are on the internet) I recently sent a sample copy of their bi-monthly publication called the ARK to the 8 Catholic bishops of Ohio. Only ONE kindly responded. Somehow we have to reach the Christian teaching magisterium. There is next to nothing re animal concerns and compassion for them. They basically believe that animals are the lesser of God's creation and that gives us the right to do anything we want to them. Way wrong. We need to change their mindsets. The animals are God's first and He expects us to treat them compassionately.
Sunday, February 12, 2012 Visiting European Capitals on the Danube.
It's not too early to plan your summer vacation. You may even want to visit Eastern Europe and stop at the 3 Imperial Cities on the Danube. One tour manager was wowed by them in 2011. You may be too.
Thursday, September 15, 2011 Bull Spearing in Spain (5 comments)
With great sadness I read about yet another place in Spain extolling its "cultural heritage" by causing pain, suffering, and death to some of its bulls. I can not understand how a people can call being cruel to a bull or any other animal for that matter as "culture."
Tuesday, July 26, 2011 The Need for Common Sense
Should we be giving any thought to the high incidence of diabetes in our country? Well, acording to Mark Bittman we should because its breaking our medical "bank."
Thursday, June 30, 2011 A Journal of Gratitude (4 comments)
Maybe some of you have been keeping a gratitude journal as Oprah recommended
Saturday, April 23, 2011 CAFO Calf Cruelty
I truly hope that the videotape showing a worker brutally clubbing two defensless downed calves will shake you as it did me and others. I also find it hard to believe that some lawmakers want to make it a crime to videotape animal cruelty. The crime is the torture of innocent living beings- not the videotaping of it.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Abused Mustangs at a BLM Utah Holding Pen
I hope anyone who appreciates animal life -in this case the lives of the beautiful wild Mustangs of the West will read about this cruelty afflicting a group of them rounded up in a terrible BLM facility in Utah. I hope you will also write letters to people who can help stop this cruelty. Is it too late to save them? I don't know.
Sunday, April 3, 2011 The Paradoxes of Our Times
The Dalai Lama first wrote about the paradox of our time and then Dr. Bob Morehead elaborated on this compelling thought piece. If you haven't read either presentation, I think you will enjoy either or both of them.
Friday, February 11, 2011 February Woes
I think most of us noted that January weather this year has been the pits. However, it doesn't seem that February is much better -I think you will agree.
Saturday, October 16, 2010 Who to Vote For?
Because I care about animal issues, I am deeply indebted to the HSUS' Michael Markarian who heads the Legislative Fund. He and his helpers keep us appraised re the issues and how the legislators voted on them. Not surprisingly to me, the Democrats-as a group are generally more compassionate than the Republicans.
Sunday, July 25, 2010 Are We Any Wiser Today? (1 comments)
I'm not sure that today in 2010 we are any wiser since I wrote a letter to the Editor of the Cleveland PD in 1991. You'll have to read it to decide for yourself.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010 Lead in Lipstick? (2 comments)
It is sad to find out that we are exposed to harmful metals in our daily life. One alternative medicine doctor has made it a crusade to write in length about this. So, finding lead in lipstick will come as no surprise to her.
Thursday, March 18, 2010 The Slovak Robin Hood
I bet every country has its own Robin Hood as did England. Spain had Zorro and I'm glad that Slovaks have Juraj Janosik who lived in the 17th century under often harsh Hungarian rule.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 Science Tech Trends (2 comments)
I may be one of the lucky ones. I am not hooked on the latest science tech trends. Of course, the makers of this gadgetry will hope I'm in the minority.
Thursday, January 28, 2010 Rethinking Aquinas (1 comments)
It seems that St. Thomas Aquinas kept intruding in my thoughts. Sadly,they were not positive ones.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010 What Question Would You Ask God? (4 comments)
For me an intriguing topic is - given the opportunity to speak to God -what one question would you ask Him? Nine people kindly shared their question with me, and by doing so revealed something more about themselves. Yes, we are what we eat and now even a question to God can further define us as well.
Monday, January 25, 2010 Letter to First Lady Michele Obama
I'm no "Ellie Light" who has bombarded many newspapers with her support of President Obama in Letters to the Editor. Some claim she is an Obama staffer, but in today's Cleveland PD - she sends an e-mail giving her reasons for sending her letter to as many newspapers as would publish them.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010 Worth a Thousand Words
For me a picture indeed is worth a thousand words. This picture of a tiny elephant being prodded by Ringling Bros. handlers is certainly one that needs no despcription from me.
Monday, January 11, 2010 A Flower Grows in Communist Slovakia (8 comments)
I don't know if you are like me, but I derive a lot of joy and satisfaction from learning about the lives of good people. Here is one if interested.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 Thanx President Obama
I felt from the get go that President Obama was the right man for the job. I think his performance has proved this.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Freeways, Football, and Ferals
For me and I imagine most of us -every day is a new learning situation. So when I journal as I often do, I hope those who read my offerings will come away with some new knowledge.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 Genealogy - Anyone?
Lucky are the people who have decided that their family roots needed to be explored. Here is the story of how I found out about my father's genealogy. You may find a David Jay Webber in your life too.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Nothing Happens Without a Reason
Were it not for Finelle - a sweet little dog, I would never have met Sorin who has been a blessing to me on many levels.
Monday, November 2, 2009 Thoughts on a November Day
Today is All Souls Day for Catholics. It made me recall a day in 1948 where I attended my senior high school year away from home. I also thought about the birds today and the litte squashed squirel I picked up off the street. What was your day like?
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Jerry, the red-haired cat
If only animals could talk, I would ask Jerry the cat how it felt to be shuffled back and forth. And I would also ask him if he wants to come back into my house. At this point it doesn't seem so.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 An Ignored Little Black Cat (4 comments)
I always find it difficult to understand how indifferent we can be to animal creation. Here is the only account I can give of a very short life of a beautiful little black cat.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 A Modern Day "Canterbury" Pilgrimage (2 comments)
I enjoyed reading Sr.Joyce Rupp's account of walking the camino (the path) to Compostela, Spain. You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate this vignette of her pilgrimage. You just have had to have enjoyed reading the Canterbury Tales. At least I was reminded of them when I read this article in February's 08 Catholic Digest.
Sunday, August 9, 2009 Going Meatless One Day a Week (8 comments)
Some thughts on going meatless one day a week - starting hopefully with our President, our elected officials,
Saturday, August 8, 2009 Who Should be Allowed to Live? (2 comments)
Most liberal progressives will not agree on my first point, but I think many will on the second. When I had jury duty years ago, in the course of conversation I said that I was Right to Life and in Animal Rights. One Catholic juror was surprised. He said they are usually mutually exclusive. But should they be?
Sunday, August 2, 2009 It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog
Sadly, it did happen to a dog - a sweet Boxer named Otis, who because of BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) was cornered and tasered by
Monday, July 20, 2009 Ecological Footprints
I hope we are all concerned about our ecological footprints aka carbon footprints. Here are my musings on the subject.
Sunday, July 19, 2009 Anniversaries and Eating Tips (3 comments)
Recalling the Moon Walk, my mother's death, and some practical tips for healthy eating.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 Handling Animal "Intrusions" (3 comments)
I am always saddened by the stories of people who show litle compassion to the animal world when its members sometimes infringe on their personal space. I thought the world belongs to all of us.
Saturday, July 11, 2009 A Tiny Look at Gethsemani (1 comments)
I really enjoyed readng Elizabeth Fiocelli's account of her visit to Gethsemani in 2005. Some day I may get a change to visit the place where Thomas Merton walked, prayed, and wrote. Her word journey will have to do for now.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009 An Open Letter to President Obama
I would have liked sending this letter to Pres. Obama directly, but I'm told that he receives 10,000 pieces of mail daily and only 10 letters make his desk for perusal. So, I figured that it wouldn't hurt to try using this forum instead.
Saturday, June 20, 2009 Food, Inc. - a must- see film (6 comments)
If you REALLY want to know more about the food you place on your table at home or buy from a restaurant, you should make it a point to see Food, Inc. - a recently released documentary film on this subject.
Sunday, June 7, 2009 15 Horses Removed from a Deerfield Residence
I received permission from Annette Fisher to crosspost this article. I was so pleased to read how an Ohio community came together to help rescue these poor l5 neglected horses. I had no idea that the horses' hooves would grow out if not attended to. I found Annette's description of this wonderful rescue very inspiring. I think you will too.
Saturday, June 6, 2009 HPV and Throat Cancer (1 comments)
You may have read Stephen Reynold's riviting and candid account of his battle with throat cancer in the Reader's Digest. If not, you may want to read my small condensed version of it.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Where's Rady Ananda? (11 comments)
Last week I wrote this short post. Well, by week's end I found out that Rady was no longer a part of OEN. I really feel bad about this, and in my small way - I am expressing my gratitude to her for the help she offered me many times when I posted. Among the gifts I treasure most about myself is expressing gratitude for kindnesses tendered me. Thank you Rady. You will be missed. I wish you well and know that your gifts will be appreciated elsewhere.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 And a Child Shall Lead (2 comments)
We seemed to be put out by the Obama Family choosing a Rescue dog instead of a Shelter one. I am saving my ire instead for the people who are responsible for allowing their pets to breed irresponsibly-thereby causing an overflow of Shelter dogs and cats - millions of whom are euthanized each year for lack of adoption.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 The First Day of Holy Week (4 comments)
My first day of Holy Week made me reflect on my need for more penance,
Wednesday, April 1, 2009 Some April Thoughts (2 comments)
Just hoping the conficker virus is just a big hoax. Then some reflections on kicking the sugar habit and diet in general. And how about a delicious vegan "mousse" recipe from just two ingredients?
Friday, March 20, 2009 March Musings (2 comments)
Every month has its interesting happenings. For me its remembering St. Joseph and the coming of Spring. It is also the time that the Cleveland Diocese submitted the proposed closing of some churches and the merger of others by 2010.
Sunday, March 15, 2009 Dying on a Factory Farm (20 comments)
Should we care about what our farm animals are suffering in CAFOs? Not sure? Then watch HBO's Monday night documentary -"Death on a Factory Farm."
Tuesday, March 3, 2009 Is My Experience with Bronchitis Unique? (2 comments)
I learned a lot from my bout with Bronchitis in 2005. I was glad that this did not usually require a doctor's visit for me. For that I am grateful.
Saturday, February 28, 2009 I'm Irked (1 comments)
Today I'm irked from everything re our citicism of President Barak Obama- to the deprivation of religious freedom in Iraq -to the CEO of Bank America - to a crass comment on my post re rodeos.
Saturday, February 21, 2009 February '09 Musings - Popcorn, Pycnogenol and More (1 comments)
If you know someone who is suffering joint pain - Pycnogenol a new supplement may help reduce their pain. If you like popcorn - I hope you make the "perfect" pop corn which I found on the internet.
Friday, February 13, 2009 Help Free Tony the Tiger (28 comments)
I think most of us agree --no living being (including a tiger) belongs in a cage. Tony, a Louisiana caged tiger, should be released. After reading his story, I hope we will all be impelled to do something to help gain him his freedom.
Monday, February 9, 2009 Reflections on a Wintry February Day in 2009 (6 comments)
A journal reminescing of some things I consider interesting. Everything from feral cats, like-minded people, and the Wegman Egg Farm is in it.
Thursday, January 15, 2009 Montcalm County's Deal With the Devil (3 comments)
I thought we had progressed since the 80's when I first learned about Class B Dealers and pound seizure. Sadly, the word hasn't gotten out yet to the Commissioners of Montcalm County, Michigan. Animals in shelters are suppose to be safe. Will you help save them?
Monday, January 12, 2009 Dr. Rick Hodes - doctor extroardinaire
If you missed reading the inspirational story of Dr. Rick Hodes in the Dec.'08 Reader's Digest -- here's a tiny synopsis of a life well lived. We need more of his selfless ilk--in medicine and also in fields like banking, housing, and all the other venues which have plunged us into a recession because of our insatiable greed.
Thursday, October 2, 2008 A Special Guest on the Ellen Show
I don't watch the Ellen DeGeneres show every day. In fact-rarely ever. But this day I was clued in re her "special" guest and watched. I was glad I did.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008 Book Review: Every Creature a Word of God
I have always been disappointed in the dearth of information from Christian authors re the animal condition. I found two wounderful young Swedish authors who didn't disappoint.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Things Never Seem to Change
Change is not a word I usually embrace. But in Congress it is needed.
