Go Looking For The Good…

Sitting at lunch yesterday, slicing through filets of grilled kangaroo, and chilled Mediterranean salad - local tomatoes, briny black olives and tangy teeny capers topping our plates - I was blessed with the sensation of gratitude, once again. It is apparent to me, more than before, that every person DOES indeed bring something to the table. We don't always like what we hear, in the news or in our social circles or even from our inner opponent, (on a bad hair and absent happiness day). Yes, nobody is immune to feeling blah or upset sometimes. NONETHELESS, whether we enjoy the message presented or not, we are very blessed indeed, to be receiving it. Yesterday's meal was quite delicious and paired with incredible company. So it was easy therefore, to enjoy all the flavors and fun. But it made me pause and recognize that there is such beauty and uniqueness in each and every individual, and that perhaps, we may all benefit from really "focusing on the good."

The Democratic National Convention kicks off with great aplomb today out in Denver, and while my vote this season is with Mr. McCain, I can still share the patriotic pulse which this country is feeling throughout this bountiful new week; and my Mommy, (who was the youngest female delegate in the country to the DNC in 1988), assures me that the 'experience' on the convention floor, is like being ensconced in five poli sci courses, wrapped into one! And so here is to folk making history this week! May the Denver Democrats have a safe and sensational series of events, as our election gets down to its show time.

Joe Biden gave a great speech in support of "Barrack America," (as he coined the man), and whether one's for that duo or not, (not my personal pick), it was still, quite refreshing to witness such enthusiasm. Bravo for that public presentation, as lively speeches are a rarity and can be refreshing regardless of one's personal belief system. Equal praise is due for all the splashing and talent of Michael Phelps at this season's Olympics. Not only was it beautiful to watch him scoop up all those medals, but as a gourmand cocker spaniel and with a supersonic metabolism, I was riveted to learn just how much this man eats! Bon Appétit to the athlete - a celebratory meal, or eight of them, so well deserved!

Wedding bells rang for talk show host Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi - both donning white - and who would have thunk that such legal doings would be happening for same sex couples? How very beautiful to see. The entertainment news this week wasn't painful - alas alas! And even watching little boys sell big houses on that "Million Dollar Listing" show which Bravo runs weekly, was an astounding eye opener into so much, from real estate patterns to the social scene of the younglings in LA. It's worth a peek!

I know many of you cynics are now waiting, and with garlicky or baited breath perhaps, to read something negative, provocative, or anti-left, in today's new blog. But I just cannot do it in this one. For today, I've made a pact you see, and I'm following it to its finish. Yes today, I'm going hunting, and looking strictly, for the "good." I'll let you cutie pies know what I find.

Cheers Sweeties! And Go Look for Some Genuine "Good," in Each Scenario and Every Person You Encounter In This New and Glorious Week! And If You Don't Find Any At First, Look Again! You May Be Surprised At Just How Good It Really Is! - Caviar The Dog

James Dean Would Be Outraged
originally posted: August 17, 2008

Last night's nationally televised political forum from the Saddleback Church was sensational. Prior to that appearance of McCain and Obama, my heart soul and mind were so sadly "without candidate". I wasn't 'sold' on anyone up until yesterday, as Rudy G. was no longer around. (Note to the great Giuliani: If you run again my friend, I will go personally canvas this country, and draw as many of my cocker spaniel brethren into your posse as able).

But moved to tears my sweet folks and I were, by McCain's pledge to catch Osama Bin Laden, his allegiance to the American people, (with specific facts, figures and plans to stop taxes from climbing any higher, and his determination to help provide health care for all); coupled with his heartfelt more 'human' stories, about adopting a daughter and his views on our need to get right out of ourselves, and into the notion of gratitude regarding freedom and preserving that luxury for all in this beautiful country. The man's clear and poignant message to Russia right now, amid the most despicable mayhem that they've hammered over the heads and homes of Georgians; helped solidify my position indeed, and I may now proudly support John McCain.

The famed orator with all the Hollywood clout, didn't field his questions as lucidly nor did he deliver any confidence in his answers. And when it came to defining "evil" and articulating how we should deal with it, he found more darkness in our own country - in everyday life - the mention of Al Qaeda or any such terrorist connection, noticeably absent on his list of things to tackle as President. Perhaps Barrack should stick to dancing on Ellen (he was wholeheartedly phenomenal when he did that, and deserves a great deal of credit), or to reading some fiery blurbs about CHANGE off of teleprompters before a crowd, as the masses need smelling salts to stay on their feet accordingly, and believe that dance too, is done well by Barrack. I was saddened however, that his so called passion and charisma didn't shine, and more over saw a man quiet non-worldly, who may be a very nice person on some fronts, but I could not, after last night, ever vote for the man as our President. (The phony liberal set can just cuss me out now and my authentic liberal acquaintances can kindly agree to disagree, but I'm thrilled to finally have witnessed something succinct in this year's election).

Not all words were that polished this week however; and Vermont's short man with a big scream, Howard Dean, remarked, "If you look at folks of color, even women, they're more successful in the Democratic Party than they are in the white, uh excuse me, in the Republican Party." Talk about race baiting, it is so clearly and always about 'who owns the issue' in this great and glorious world; but perhaps Howdy Doo Doo, should be reminded that the term "folks of color," went out when a lovely woman who my Mommy had the honor of meeting (Rosa Parks), refused to give up her bus seat on December 1, 1955 and subsequently got arrested and changed history as we know it. Bravo, again and again, in memory of Ms. Parks and her bravery; but would somebody PLEASE come up with a cure for "short man's disease?"

Granted, little Dean is from The People's Republic of Vermont; (which gives new meaning to living in a sheltered cave), and I understand that he struggles with the need to say 'something,' in order to feel knowledgeable while elbow rubbing with politicians taller in every way then he, AND his limited thought capacity forces him to make a race issue out of everything, every time, even if the issue at hand is about something so removed from such topics. Poor Ho Ho. Nonetheless, if he's going to attempt to make Republicans look like a pack of white supremacists, perhaps he'd do better when getting a grip on current phraseology regarding races. Oy yoy yoy.

On lighter albeit equally agitating notes, we watched (as a family), another Dean, express his disdain with much in his lot. That would be Dean McDermott, (lover to actress Tori Spelling), on the Tori & Dean reality show, which is, for the record, an uplifting program in that it should make every single couple in the world, and every couple of single people in the world, feel very GRATEFUL for their own lives. Not only am I struggling to believe that Tori Spelling and Michael Jackson are not the same person (something in the face and/or the monkey themes they covet, and Tori's phantasmagorical birthday party for her baby - complete with a hot air moon jump, photo booth, live chimp running around, and the trappings of the Neverland Ranch in frightening strides), but I have never witnessed a couple bickering and crying more, about minutia, while they have cameras follow them around in what appears to be a level of luxurious living, which much of our country would count every blessing about. What is wrong with the Deans in this nation??? I'd take a Rebel Without a Cause and blaze off East of Eden or anywhere for that matter, before sitting tableside with these men - Dean and Dean - who managed in the same week, to inadvertently remind me of just how wonderful my Daddy is and how beautiful his relationship with my Mommy is too! And so thank you, (to Dean), and for something, indeed. But hey, we gave the show a try - yes? And what's up with calling your child "monkey?" If that isn't planting a seed for years and tears worth of therapy, I hasten to think what is coming next on that program.

Mommy's cousins were here yesterday too, and we gobbled up luscious kangaroo - grilled, medium rare. Yum, yum, yum. Today I shall see my tall uncle - a Dartmouth prof - and ask him, what he makes of the sociological hues of human behavior or "reality" as seen on every channel.

Meanwhile, here's wishing you cutie pies a sensational week!

Cheers and Good Tidings! - Caviar The Dog

I Kissed a Bear and I liked It…
originally posted: August 10, 2008

That King Edward gave up the crown in 1936 to play out his true beating heart; seems like fairy tale script which we hardly see now. There are very few King Edwards in this world - those willing to courageously face the music and dance, to the authentic sensual experiences which they so connect with and become 'whole' because of. What others will think, is too daunting for most. Ergo: the masses will settle - again and again and again. They without cahones and honesty within; will sit, miserably, in the uncomfortable beds which they made for themselves, long ago, on one day, when they were lonely, or couldn't know better. The Spanish say it well, in that "He who has never seen Heaven doesn't know he's in hell." (And if you've only eaten Velveeta cheese, then you don't even think about what a goat brie or a buffalo mozzarella or a nice sheep's milk blue cheese will even taste like. But one day, if you're lucky, the latter 'gift' then hits your palate and you are confronted, alas, with an authentic choice).

Our nation has forgotten much about the chutzpah it took, for King Edward to pass up royalty and embrace his true love - Wallis Simpson, the twice divorced woman, whom the regal entourage was aghast by and judgmental toward. Once the love story of the century, Edward's bravery has now gone the way of the obsolete wooly mammoths; in that we rarely see such action amid our scandalous affairs in this nation today. While the masterful and lovely former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, did make a wife of his mistress (bravo to him), there are scores of voters (many in the south) who refuse to lend their votes to that man, for any office nonetheless, as divorce, to that flock, is not understood. And so people go have affairs. And we gawk and we talk and we choose whichever side is most fashionable with those we know. It is easy to judge, particularly if the party cheated on was sick, struggling or seemingly - in the public eye - an incredibly kind person.

This week John Edwards' extramarital romantic doings made headlines, as did the affectionate pet name of "Love Lips," which his chickie pie apparently referred to him by, and our country went vehemently nuts. "That poor, poor woman," so many exclaimed about Elizabeth Edwards who had battled breast cancer and thus garnered our country's deepest empathy. On the cancer front, I wholeheartedly agree. Nobody should move through that painful and horrifying plague from Hades, (disease), and my deepest sympathy for her health battles and anyone else's who has suffered from illness, is extended. It always will be. But I do not ever judge an affair regardless of what elements the 'victim' has crawled through, for two simple reasons. Only the players involved are truly in it. We are not. Secondly, we therefore have zero idea, whether the woman who was cheated on, was a contemptible, wretched, embittered, judgmental, acerbic and sour, cantankerous witch to deal with on the home front or on any front, for that matter. We know not. Yet we suddenly have selective blinders on, and see only "THE TUMOR."

To look at these things strictly in a vacuum is so weak and judgmental, as it takes two to tango, and if an affair is involved, there is something very wrong and unhappy with the marriage. Period. That a scorned woman suffered illness, is an aside that's disturbing in the aspects of health and one's welfare, but if things are happening outside of the home, there's a bigger issue to own up to - for both parties - not just someone who 'cheated on the ill.' The real question of manhood in my opinion, is whether or not the unhappy and promiscuous gentleman will "man up" to his true heart and go attach himself (publicly and privately) to his true love. The same display of courage or lack thereof applies to women in unhappy marriages as well. If one hates where they are, and enough to have relations with someone other than their spouse, they should leave. To stay, is a grossly worse travesty and of epic proportion. And as for whether she called him "Love Lips," or "Baby Cakes," or "Super Cock" for that matter; it is to be expected that those who dance horizontally shall share some epithets or steamy handles for one another and I chastise the sensationalistic press for honing in on that this morning, as if THAT is the real news, and for which we all should put down our Starbucks, to fully absorb. Bullocks!

Now Obama's children would like a little puppy dog, and an allergy safe doggie at that. My folks purchased me for that very same health reason (I don't shed), and I was socialized quite well with children, right from my infant first days, up to the sale. Note to Barrack: If you want a lovable cocker spaniel, I recommend you contact Jenn Chadwick in Ohio. Jennipherc2002@yahoo.com . Amen.

The conventions are coming and Americans must summon all the pride in their souls, to embrace a patriotic enthusiasm and at a time of Olympic atrocity. The recent Beijing attack of an American tourist and his wife, lights an eerie torch or tone, as we embark on what should be a rigorous and fantastic set of competitive festivities, for all to watch, and to vicariously participate in. AND one American Winter Olympics gold medalist was denied entrance into China, due to his activism with awareness about the Darfur war conflicts in the Sudan. If you ask me, these Chinese need a good dim sum breakfast and a calming afternoon of dried medicinal roots, with hot tea. For to ban an Olympic athlete due to political differences; is almost as bad as Pamela Lee Anderson's new reality show running on Sunday night television. She's a glamorous woman on some fronts, (at least Borat thinks so anyway), but the show is mildly painful. Next!

I discovered capers wrapped in anchovies this week - better than sex - (ok, well, almost as good). And today I don a Kimono, in the name of a swanky sushi birthday party for Daddy's youngest daughter. What a dog will do indeed - yes? But then again my Mommy has a PINK Sony Vaio computer, which she even totes around in a Victoria's Secret PINK laptop bag, and so this Liberace looking Kimono business seems pretty tame. Pass the unagi please, and leave that sauce on the side! Arigato gozaimashtah.

Yes tons of fun has filled our week, in tandem with us hearing some black bears making noise, and in our very backyard. A bear's shoulder roast sits silently in our freezer as I type, so if his brothers feel the need to venture porch front, we may be feasting and on quite a lot of food. (You'll all be invited, so wear sweats, as much grease and gluttonous bear fat is involved).

Now Katy Perry's hit song "I Kissed a Girl and I Liked It," is the best dance song to hit the charts in a while, (my nutty folks have even found a way to make their moves to this song while in the car), and Paris Hilton's response to John McCain's commercial which showcased her celebrity status, has got to be the best attempt to make Ms. Hilton appear as if she is literate. My praise is extended indeed to Ms. Hilton, for what must have been the most strenuous activity yet - memorizing all those big words. And who said "they were handing out brains and she thought they said trains, and she jumped on the next one which emptied at Prada?" This girl can memorize AND sport a spray tan! Now that's multitasking. Paris deserves a great deal of credit but I do not understand much about her, such as her post prison attempt to visit Rwanda. Hadn't those people suffered enough? Ahh well. This ad may have alerted her to the fact that an election is going on and so I think it is a win win situation for everybody involved.

This week super model Janice Dickenson spewed her venom more than ever, on her modeling agency Oxygen Channel show, which is not for the weak OR the strong. Folk call her "meaner than mean," and a living breathing example of someone who makes American Idol's curt Simon Cowell, seem like Pollyanna. You see not everyone understands dear Janice, but I think I've figured it out. She is a Rottweiler in a dress. And I love rotties! I find them to be a quite powerful breed.

The beautiful Brangelinas have sold officially, their twin baby pictures, and for merely millions of dollars. (All to be donated to charity). They are truly soulmate sweeties! And just think, if they have a kid or two more, they could attach them all to a sled and run the Iditarod in Alaska! Instead of husky dogs, it would be "Maddox! Pax! Zahara! Shilo! Vivienne! Knox!" (Plus Nevat and Sehzchax who would join this world and them, when they saw how much fun this thing could be). And then "mush, mush, mush!" They could surely win this race, and then put their jackpot winnings into opening a little shelter for any schizophrenic and misaligned sled dogs. I would adopt a pup. Wholeheartedly.

But the cycle of life is a beautiful thing, and I send out sincere condolences to the family of Bernie Mac (the 50 year-old actor dying yesterday and leaving some righteously entertaining performances on our big screen). Hollywood and its viewers will hold him in their hearts, and maybe the press this week will look through more balanced lenses, at the issue of "heart to heart" relationships and the fights and the flights which take place around them. And maybe Mr. Edwards will do some authentic soul searching and decide to put his luggage where his lust is. Then again, maybe he and his wife will just 'settle' and turn their heads at what went on. That's the commonplace path anyway. But guts and authenticity are worlds more attractive when love is involved. For when you dance with a heart that's been broken, you risk missing a beat. But when you risk that beat on a heart which has never been broken, you risk missing the dance. Some sit that choice out altogether. And others? They Tango. With everything they've got.

Cheers Cookie Pies! And make this week quite fabulous! - Caviar The Dog.

Caviar is bright, warm, charming, kind to others, and stylish! His first dinner consisted of ostrich burgers, brown rice and peas & carrots; after which he delivered a lovely food review, and politely requested Elk, for his next meal. His wine palate (though he doesn't actually taste any) is quite astute for his young age. (He can already differentiate between a Premiere Cru Bordeaux and an Argentinean Malbec -a strong nose has he)! Caviar's public speaking lessons are off to a sensational start! (He delivers all his speeches extemporaneously already, without using any notes or flash cards whatsoever)!This dog too, is quite philosophical.His ubiquitous banter encompasses a wide gamut of ideology, from the Socratic DOGMA mystique, to Jung's synchronicity theories and how they apply to him 'coincidentally' deserving attention. His writing skills are highly evolved, and he has begun scribing the next great American novel, titled 'A Sturgeon Odyssey,' under the pen name, 'I. P. Freely.'