Susie Duncan Sexton's Blog, page 19
March 11, 2014
ironic.
ironic...while so many of us work to respect all living beings for no personal gain other than on behalf of kindness and love for other beings, others figure out how to get elected to positions of possibly sinister power by referring to us as "activists" and "tree-huggers" and "bleeding hearts"
isn't the root word of "conservative" similar to the root word of "conservationists"...and shouldn't that really mean "conserve" as in save life...save lives...discourage killing????
save the planet...yes, let us save the planet...the worthiest of goals!
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
isn't the root word of "conservative" similar to the root word of "conservationists"...and shouldn't that really mean "conserve" as in save life...save lives...discourage killing????
save the planet...yes, let us save the planet...the worthiest of goals!
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
March 5, 2014
and we need to face facts
one shot at life...when we believe otherwise we do not try to make it better on earth in real time...other worlds, reincarnation, heaven, rainbow bridges were devised by humans out of fear...the fear is that we do not do our best with the precious time we have to revere life of all who exist among us NOW.
that includes not just the human animal but all animals and all sentient beings. how are we missing that truth? why are we looking away from that truth? pardon me, but I am reviewing some beautiful young "domesticated" potential "pets" who got killed today -- and we need to face facts.
the number of living beings who can feel pain and fear who are slain every second must be acknowledged. must be.
this terror and this disregard for the lives of others among us must be addressed.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
that includes not just the human animal but all animals and all sentient beings. how are we missing that truth? why are we looking away from that truth? pardon me, but I am reviewing some beautiful young "domesticated" potential "pets" who got killed today -- and we need to face facts.
the number of living beings who can feel pain and fear who are slain every second must be acknowledged. must be.
this terror and this disregard for the lives of others among us must be addressed.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
February 27, 2014
Homeward Angle: ONE FROM THE HEART--TO "CAROL & CORKIE" WHEREVER THEY MAY BE...
Time passes too quickly. More than 60 years ago, I rushed home from another tedious yet edgy school day, quite impatient with our West Ward School's patrol boys (crossing "guards") always impeding my progress. So impatient to rip off their plastic yellow banner-straps strung across their little, puffed up chests!
Your 15 minute show, "Carol & Corkie" sponsored by Ft. Wayne's Perfection Biscuit Company, broadcast over our black and white television in the most consequential corner of the living room, would commence momentarily. I hastily tossed aside my winter "wrap" and pried off my boots, hurling all those spirit-defying garments into a heap at the front door, day after day -- and plopped down inches away from the screen. Beautiful you, and your personally crafted, elfin, hand puppet Corkie nodding his head to every word uttered, appeared after a pregnant pause as the Zenith warmed up sufficiently and morphed into rather blurry images of my two favorite people. Corkie's mitten-like hands flailed about while his pointy cap nestled atop his teensy, bobbing papier-mâché noggin! You beamed that signature "Miss Indiana/First Runner-up to Miss America" smile and spoke softly to your diminutive friend who effortlessly, all by his imaginary self, appeared to be holding up your mammoth, blank, artist's tablet of page upon page. You lovingly gazed directly into the eyes of all the weary school-kids, just like myself, whose tiny noses we all had squished practically flat onto the convex monitor/"boob tube" smack-dab in front of our eager faces.
One magic, unforgettable afternoon, my scrawled eager letter to you got read aloud. My submitted initials magically transformed from "S. D." into an oversized, hilarious circus clown as you quickly guided a squeaky, over-sized implement much like a Magic Marker up, down, and across an ephemeral sheet of paper. In real time, I learned from our next door neighbor Mrs. Mary Hill, who taught English and Speech at our local high school, that you and she were Indiana University classmates and that you had studied Art. Once, my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Olive Sheehan, shared with me your photograph as she opened one of her 1950 college textbooks to the frontispiece. There you stood, clasping several notebooks while on your way to a college class -- dark hair (like mine), not blonde like all of the movie and television starlets! Mesmerized was I! Not only did I adore your televised image, effervescent personality and clever illustrations accomplished in a heartbeat, but I also fraternized with folks who actually knew you when!
Years later, I encountered you in the furniture department at the downtown Ft. Wayne, Indiana, L. S. Ayres Store, and I gushed out my admiration for you as if we'd returned to that glorious 1953-56 time period! I, continually star-struck throughout the ensuing years, introduced you, the famous TV starlet, to my young husband Don and our little boy named Roy who loved to draw and to write stories. I surmised that you, still gorgeous and kind and ebullient, may have been employed there as an interior designer. We continue to reminisce about that moment at our house. Our friendship with "Chuck" Chapman is our only connection to the glory days of early local telecasts emanating from Ft. Wayne. His dad Reid managed the WANE (Channel 15) television station, and we inquired about you over dinner recently. Chuck promised to ask another Allen County TV personality Dick Florea to help solve the mystery of the whereabouts of WKJG's "Carol & Corkie" soon, when both gentlemen would be attending downtown's Wayne Street historic (1831) First Presbyterian Church some Sunday morning. I sincerely hope that you are well and happy because your influence on so many of us children rates as profound.
Recently, my son encouraged me, a quintessential senior citizen, to record my thoughts and memories of growing up in my hometown of Columbia City here in Indiana and to recount adventures of traipsing all about beloved buildings (most of which have been razed), to revisit past town events, to recall wonderful folks who impacted my life, and to share stories highlighting my very special parents (his grandparents). Like a good girl I gladly have done so, voluntarily contributing over 90 essays/columns to my local newspaper -- which I have enjoyed almost since its inception via John and Hester Adams -- as well as to a terrific online news service blog entitled "Talk of the Town" (established by Jennifer Zartman Romano - www.talkofthetownwc.com) which features positive news daily. Now that these tales have found their way into two books, "Secrets of an Old Type Writer -- Stories from a Sweet and Sassy Small-town Girl" and "More Secrets of an Old Type Writer: Misunderstood Gargoyles & Overrated Angels", I feel some satisfaction and relief that the narrative is completed, and I look forward to the release of our son's volume of film critiques, "Reel Roy Reviews" (www.reelroyreviews.com), on February 28th, 20014. A TRILOGY! To be continued…courtesy of Roy's enthusiastic dispersal of encyclopedic knowledge… [Check out this wonderful coverage from wonderful Colin McCallister and the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel!]
After "one season following another" clicking plastic keys of a now wheezing computer to revel in nostalgia on a page or two , I need to return numerous, scattered, precious, shared, vintage photographs (which I have archaeoLOGICally excavated from tattered scrapbooks, musty trunks and bureau drawers) to their original locations; to extend appreciation to sweet supporters who have taken the time to suggest "keep 'em coming"; to file away immense towers of generated paperwork; and to live life in the present because the world moves on, and "Big wheels are turnin' ". (A prescient line of dialogue spoken by actor Tom Hanks in the Academy Award nominated film "Captain Phillips".)
My best wishes to both "Carol and Corkie" who inhabit my heart to this very moment. Please accept overdue gratitude for your inspirational alchemy, igniting a miraculous mix of creativity, compassion, and fun within the flourishing souls of Northern Indiana girls and boys in those Fabulous Fifties! Hopefully we "boomers" passed that infectious spirit onto others along our various paths…
Your fan,
Susie, both then… and now
www.susieduncansexton.com
Notes about the image at the beginning of piece…
The original picture is absolutely huge...Mark Espich reduced this for me...and I am thrilled as this artwork had deteriorated along the various folds. Here is some information that I found in a book Roy had sent to me just recently...the only info I could locate about Carol Popp, the performer/artist/television personality ...
"A...fondly remembered WKJG team hosted 'Carol and Corkie'. Carol Popp, a former Miss Indiana, was the human half of this duo; Corkie was a hand puppet with a head modified from a doll representing Bob Clampett's famous Beany (of '... and Cecil' fame.) Carol and her snub-nosed sidekick actually made their TV debut in Indianapolis during her college days, but brought their gentle rapport to Fort Wayne and WKJG (note: Channel 33 first Ft. Wayne station established in November of 1953) from 1953 to 1956, sponsored by Sunbeam Bread and the Perfection Biscuit Company."
- from "Hi There, Boys and Girls! America's Local Children's TV Programs" by Tim Hollis
thanks for these comments!
Barb Nicholson: Ah-ha! "This got my memory going. My show was 'Milky the Clown' sponsored by Twin Pines Dairy Co. and it came on every Saturday afternoon. The magic words to all of his tricks were 'Twin Pines' and I remember saying it out loud so the trick would work. Of course, I also remember the older brothers teasing and laughing at me for being so gullible. What memories! Thanks to your mom for jarring them out of my cobwebs!!"
barb made me smile…how neat is this? she is an angel…just think we were rewarding ourselves, for attending public schools all day long…at the same time! with the boob tube blaring and the cookie jar raided! and these folks are angels too...
Alice Rivera: "Susie has such a pure soul. She is a living angel, and Roy is her little angel."
Mary Shaull: "Enjoyed another Angle column, Susie! I live your life through your memories, - so like mine. Roy, the book I ordered from Amazon arrived yesterday. I have only had time to read a few reviews, but have so loved them!!! I find myself SMILING through each one! I don't ussually do that when I read reviews. I plan to read some to David, so we can both enjoy your amazing talents and Oh-So-Clever word usages. It's like talking with you - listening to you. YOU are there! I know another book must be in the works, so write on!"
Helen Cochrane: "Roy, your writing reminds me of the influence of Edna, and, Susie, I love reading what you write!"
Mary Maday: "Wonderful, Susie. Thank you for sharing."
Kathy Bostwick: "Thank you for sharing this!"
Valerie Parent: "Precious childhood memories! ♥ I look forward to reading these."
Beth Kennedy: "wonderful post, susie. you are a lively bunch!"
Scottie Belt: "Wonderful ....Love you, Susie Sexton!!"
Pat Evanatz-Mossburg: "All of you are simply fabulous!!"
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
Your 15 minute show, "Carol & Corkie" sponsored by Ft. Wayne's Perfection Biscuit Company, broadcast over our black and white television in the most consequential corner of the living room, would commence momentarily. I hastily tossed aside my winter "wrap" and pried off my boots, hurling all those spirit-defying garments into a heap at the front door, day after day -- and plopped down inches away from the screen. Beautiful you, and your personally crafted, elfin, hand puppet Corkie nodding his head to every word uttered, appeared after a pregnant pause as the Zenith warmed up sufficiently and morphed into rather blurry images of my two favorite people. Corkie's mitten-like hands flailed about while his pointy cap nestled atop his teensy, bobbing papier-mâché noggin! You beamed that signature "Miss Indiana/First Runner-up to Miss America" smile and spoke softly to your diminutive friend who effortlessly, all by his imaginary self, appeared to be holding up your mammoth, blank, artist's tablet of page upon page. You lovingly gazed directly into the eyes of all the weary school-kids, just like myself, whose tiny noses we all had squished practically flat onto the convex monitor/"boob tube" smack-dab in front of our eager faces.
One magic, unforgettable afternoon, my scrawled eager letter to you got read aloud. My submitted initials magically transformed from "S. D." into an oversized, hilarious circus clown as you quickly guided a squeaky, over-sized implement much like a Magic Marker up, down, and across an ephemeral sheet of paper. In real time, I learned from our next door neighbor Mrs. Mary Hill, who taught English and Speech at our local high school, that you and she were Indiana University classmates and that you had studied Art. Once, my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Olive Sheehan, shared with me your photograph as she opened one of her 1950 college textbooks to the frontispiece. There you stood, clasping several notebooks while on your way to a college class -- dark hair (like mine), not blonde like all of the movie and television starlets! Mesmerized was I! Not only did I adore your televised image, effervescent personality and clever illustrations accomplished in a heartbeat, but I also fraternized with folks who actually knew you when!
Years later, I encountered you in the furniture department at the downtown Ft. Wayne, Indiana, L. S. Ayres Store, and I gushed out my admiration for you as if we'd returned to that glorious 1953-56 time period! I, continually star-struck throughout the ensuing years, introduced you, the famous TV starlet, to my young husband Don and our little boy named Roy who loved to draw and to write stories. I surmised that you, still gorgeous and kind and ebullient, may have been employed there as an interior designer. We continue to reminisce about that moment at our house. Our friendship with "Chuck" Chapman is our only connection to the glory days of early local telecasts emanating from Ft. Wayne. His dad Reid managed the WANE (Channel 15) television station, and we inquired about you over dinner recently. Chuck promised to ask another Allen County TV personality Dick Florea to help solve the mystery of the whereabouts of WKJG's "Carol & Corkie" soon, when both gentlemen would be attending downtown's Wayne Street historic (1831) First Presbyterian Church some Sunday morning. I sincerely hope that you are well and happy because your influence on so many of us children rates as profound.
Recently, my son encouraged me, a quintessential senior citizen, to record my thoughts and memories of growing up in my hometown of Columbia City here in Indiana and to recount adventures of traipsing all about beloved buildings (most of which have been razed), to revisit past town events, to recall wonderful folks who impacted my life, and to share stories highlighting my very special parents (his grandparents). Like a good girl I gladly have done so, voluntarily contributing over 90 essays/columns to my local newspaper -- which I have enjoyed almost since its inception via John and Hester Adams -- as well as to a terrific online news service blog entitled "Talk of the Town" (established by Jennifer Zartman Romano - www.talkofthetownwc.com) which features positive news daily. Now that these tales have found their way into two books, "Secrets of an Old Type Writer -- Stories from a Sweet and Sassy Small-town Girl" and "More Secrets of an Old Type Writer: Misunderstood Gargoyles & Overrated Angels", I feel some satisfaction and relief that the narrative is completed, and I look forward to the release of our son's volume of film critiques, "Reel Roy Reviews" (www.reelroyreviews.com), on February 28th, 20014. A TRILOGY! To be continued…courtesy of Roy's enthusiastic dispersal of encyclopedic knowledge… [Check out this wonderful coverage from wonderful Colin McCallister and the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel!]
After "one season following another" clicking plastic keys of a now wheezing computer to revel in nostalgia on a page or two , I need to return numerous, scattered, precious, shared, vintage photographs (which I have archaeoLOGICally excavated from tattered scrapbooks, musty trunks and bureau drawers) to their original locations; to extend appreciation to sweet supporters who have taken the time to suggest "keep 'em coming"; to file away immense towers of generated paperwork; and to live life in the present because the world moves on, and "Big wheels are turnin' ". (A prescient line of dialogue spoken by actor Tom Hanks in the Academy Award nominated film "Captain Phillips".)
My best wishes to both "Carol and Corkie" who inhabit my heart to this very moment. Please accept overdue gratitude for your inspirational alchemy, igniting a miraculous mix of creativity, compassion, and fun within the flourishing souls of Northern Indiana girls and boys in those Fabulous Fifties! Hopefully we "boomers" passed that infectious spirit onto others along our various paths…
Your fan,
Susie, both then… and now
www.susieduncansexton.com
Notes about the image at the beginning of piece…
The original picture is absolutely huge...Mark Espich reduced this for me...and I am thrilled as this artwork had deteriorated along the various folds. Here is some information that I found in a book Roy had sent to me just recently...the only info I could locate about Carol Popp, the performer/artist/television personality ...
"A...fondly remembered WKJG team hosted 'Carol and Corkie'. Carol Popp, a former Miss Indiana, was the human half of this duo; Corkie was a hand puppet with a head modified from a doll representing Bob Clampett's famous Beany (of '... and Cecil' fame.) Carol and her snub-nosed sidekick actually made their TV debut in Indianapolis during her college days, but brought their gentle rapport to Fort Wayne and WKJG (note: Channel 33 first Ft. Wayne station established in November of 1953) from 1953 to 1956, sponsored by Sunbeam Bread and the Perfection Biscuit Company."
- from "Hi There, Boys and Girls! America's Local Children's TV Programs" by Tim Hollis
thanks for these comments!
Barb Nicholson: Ah-ha! "This got my memory going. My show was 'Milky the Clown' sponsored by Twin Pines Dairy Co. and it came on every Saturday afternoon. The magic words to all of his tricks were 'Twin Pines' and I remember saying it out loud so the trick would work. Of course, I also remember the older brothers teasing and laughing at me for being so gullible. What memories! Thanks to your mom for jarring them out of my cobwebs!!"
barb made me smile…how neat is this? she is an angel…just think we were rewarding ourselves, for attending public schools all day long…at the same time! with the boob tube blaring and the cookie jar raided! and these folks are angels too...
Alice Rivera: "Susie has such a pure soul. She is a living angel, and Roy is her little angel."
Mary Shaull: "Enjoyed another Angle column, Susie! I live your life through your memories, - so like mine. Roy, the book I ordered from Amazon arrived yesterday. I have only had time to read a few reviews, but have so loved them!!! I find myself SMILING through each one! I don't ussually do that when I read reviews. I plan to read some to David, so we can both enjoy your amazing talents and Oh-So-Clever word usages. It's like talking with you - listening to you. YOU are there! I know another book must be in the works, so write on!"
Helen Cochrane: "Roy, your writing reminds me of the influence of Edna, and, Susie, I love reading what you write!"
Mary Maday: "Wonderful, Susie. Thank you for sharing."
Kathy Bostwick: "Thank you for sharing this!"
Valerie Parent: "Precious childhood memories! ♥ I look forward to reading these."
Beth Kennedy: "wonderful post, susie. you are a lively bunch!"
Scottie Belt: "Wonderful ....Love you, Susie Sexton!!"
Pat Evanatz-Mossburg: "All of you are simply fabulous!!"
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
February 17, 2014
little orphan skylar
the "orphan" skylar I saw (and shared) on facebook was 12...my cat is 16...they could have been twins. and I am so thrilled for every additional day he is by my side.
he and this pretty girl skylar? clones of each other...wishing skylar was by someone's side, too!
unfortunately, she was killed in the Brooklyn Center shelter where she was left. oh, here come the tears running down my face.
this slaughter has got to stop...I am crushed...again...over and over.
I tend to call these murders exactly what they are, no matter what spin is put on the deeds...and spins there are...rationalizations for forced death never penetrate my thoughts which are my own. how does anyone have the nerve to explain away this universal horror story? cannot be done.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
he and this pretty girl skylar? clones of each other...wishing skylar was by someone's side, too!
unfortunately, she was killed in the Brooklyn Center shelter where she was left. oh, here come the tears running down my face.
this slaughter has got to stop...I am crushed...again...over and over.
I tend to call these murders exactly what they are, no matter what spin is put on the deeds...and spins there are...rationalizations for forced death never penetrate my thoughts which are my own. how does anyone have the nerve to explain away this universal horror story? cannot be done.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
February 14, 2014
who we are as we sit and gaze at the screen.
I got my copy of my son Roy Sexton's
Reel Roy Reviews
today and I not only LOVE IT...I ABSOLUTELY KNOW THIS IS MY FAVORITE BOOK OF ALL TIME...and I am not biased...I am candid as can be. Ask anybody!
Why do I love and enthusiastically recommend this exquisite, easily digested book of clever and meaningful words and phrases? Because Roy (www.reelroyreviews.com) covers the waterfront of moviedom … equal opportunity tastes satisfied without a doubt. A breezy yet informative trip!
Films are adored, fairly critiqued, and as a bonus this author's tributes include the human condition--who we are as we sit and gaze at the screen. Films remind us and advance us and chronicle US! Thanks for this collection of true stories of the human race's 150% love affair with cinema whether we admit that fact or not. Each essay equals a mini-movie…even the concert, CD, and book reviews! Gene Siskel is back! At last!
My husband Don writes about the book, "This is timeless writing that will not only enlighten you concerning movies and theater - it will also give you food for thought concerning our ability to take ourselves too seriously - our ability to get hung up on the trivial - and the overall silliness of life in the 21st century. Grab this book and enjoy - as Mr. Sexton writes - 'I approach everything and everyone honestly and with a positive intent and offer candid feedback with an open heart and as much kindness as possible.' This book is highly recommended."
So there!
________________
On another note entirely ...
we have been watching tarheels battle the snow and ice as we have been doing in hoosierville...and we are sympathetic yet not featured on all the network news....on tv...and we keep remembering that the beautiful state gasses domestic animals all week long every week and our minds sorta wandered to that habitual, "way of life" torture of living beings...
stacked on top of one another while suffering for prolonged periods of time--once the last howl or scream is seemingly final the door is opened again and live puppies and kittens are placed on top and the gassing lever is pulled again...then the bulldozer kicks in and they are pushed and lifted up and dropped and voila...fertilizer and pet food gets manufactured really soon for profit...empathy would be great in god's country...empathy. empathy.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
Why do I love and enthusiastically recommend this exquisite, easily digested book of clever and meaningful words and phrases? Because Roy (www.reelroyreviews.com) covers the waterfront of moviedom … equal opportunity tastes satisfied without a doubt. A breezy yet informative trip!
Films are adored, fairly critiqued, and as a bonus this author's tributes include the human condition--who we are as we sit and gaze at the screen. Films remind us and advance us and chronicle US! Thanks for this collection of true stories of the human race's 150% love affair with cinema whether we admit that fact or not. Each essay equals a mini-movie…even the concert, CD, and book reviews! Gene Siskel is back! At last!
My husband Don writes about the book, "This is timeless writing that will not only enlighten you concerning movies and theater - it will also give you food for thought concerning our ability to take ourselves too seriously - our ability to get hung up on the trivial - and the overall silliness of life in the 21st century. Grab this book and enjoy - as Mr. Sexton writes - 'I approach everything and everyone honestly and with a positive intent and offer candid feedback with an open heart and as much kindness as possible.' This book is highly recommended."
So there!
________________
On another note entirely ...
we have been watching tarheels battle the snow and ice as we have been doing in hoosierville...and we are sympathetic yet not featured on all the network news....on tv...and we keep remembering that the beautiful state gasses domestic animals all week long every week and our minds sorta wandered to that habitual, "way of life" torture of living beings...
stacked on top of one another while suffering for prolonged periods of time--once the last howl or scream is seemingly final the door is opened again and live puppies and kittens are placed on top and the gassing lever is pulled again...then the bulldozer kicks in and they are pushed and lifted up and dropped and voila...fertilizer and pet food gets manufactured really soon for profit...empathy would be great in god's country...empathy. empathy.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
February 7, 2014
good-bye our sweet Jack...
my heart is bleeding because my Jack is now gone. Zelda preceded him - you can read my tribute to her and their companionship here …so I am trying to make me feel better by helping people appreciate animals on my digital etch a sketch. god this hurts….
Jack died today...we saved him from euthanasia a dozen years ago -- by five minutes ...wrote about him and his girlfriend Zelda in my 2nd book...he missed her so much. She died a year and a half ago. Heart broken.
I am feeling very defeated by the sadness of all of the shelter beings who are killed each second. Our life with Jack and Zelda held great meaning. We won through our caring...through our saving of their lives. I heartily recommend taking a chance on saving lives. All living beings matter.
my husband Don observed, "Learning from our friends with paws is always amazing – I don’t know if Jack was in pain or just very tired – but he never acted upset/bothered/ugly/ or any way other than I am slowly going away. He was a 'dingo' at heart."
oh, please watch this video of a dog who lived (literally) in a garbage pile and whose life was transformed with a bit of love.
how many of us care about animals here in America...more of us each second are doing our best and encouraging others to speak up and step up for all living beings in OUR country. bless these humans in this video and bless Miley and Frankie. we must set an example... Hey, Russia, follow our lead.
as an aside, we have always been so scared of and critical of ole mother Russia and the "commies" and yet we are participating in the Olympics anyway? looking the other way while Putin in his vulgar vanity orders the mass slaughter of stray animals that might get televised during the "festivities" and could block the camera shots???? and we slaughter cattle, pigs, buffalo, deer, sheep, lambs, calves, piglets and domesticated "pets" and strays a bajillion a second...and usually for PROFIT or convenience or just sheer crassness! sick of it all...totally depressing.
(Russia and Putin and the Olympics can go take a flying leap...)
good-bye our sweet Jack...
________________________
thank you, all, for these comments...
Malou Björnslätt: "I really feel their pain from losing a dear friend/companion, having lost several non-human soulmates through the years. And at the same time the joy from knowing that they had a good life with caring humans. All animals deserve the best! Fortunately it seems like more and more people care, but there's still a lot of work to be done, spreading information all over the world, making people aware of how their choices affect other living beings. I truly hope that the whole world will end up being vegan some day."
Cruzlin Picabo Schubert: "My deepest, most heartfelt condolences ~"
Kim Elizabeth Johnson: "So sorry to hear you have suffered the loss of your dear companion Susie! I have a Jack too who is nearly 16. It's the hardest part about opening hearts and homes but we both know we wouldn't have it any other way! ♥"
Stephanie Smith: "i am so sorry for your loss. i do know how you feel. i just lost my milo in december from old age and now i am losing my ozzy because i cant afford to get him to the vet. my heart breaks for you; so sorry ...i would take all the unwanted if i could but for now i just try to share pages, find homes, and feed any animal that i come across"
Mary Beth Purdy Artz: "oh my heart breaks for you Susie. How hard it is. How lucky for Jack to have had such a wonderful soul to take care of him....and vice versa. <3"
Kathy Bostwick: "Ohhhh Susie - I am so sorry to hear this - there are no words to relieve the pain you are feeling but please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time - RIP Jack <3
Mary Maday: "So sad, Susie. I do know how you feel. Have had many of my babies go to the Rainbow Bridge. I know he had a good life with you. He was beautiful. I feel your pain - know that for sure."
Dianne Hughes: "ONE day we will ALL meet up with our ANGELS."
Beth Kennedy: "so sorry for your loss, Susie"
Leslie Sennett: "Aww, my deepest heartfelt condolences; it's tough losing a pet. I know and feel your pain ♥"
Carol Baker: “Such a handsome boy. I'm really sorry to hear of his passing, Susie. It's been a rough year for my elderly pets here in Hooterville too. But... I'm steeling myself for a trip to the shelter to find someone to save me again. And you know what I always say... they don't 'replace' the one who passed. They find a place in our heart we never knew we had... they make our hearts bigger.”
Jessica Lange Arnold: “So sorry for your loss, Susie. You saved their lives and your heart has been blessed by loving them. Happy memories to cherish during this difficult time.”
Wooftastic Books: "So sad. it's always hard when your furry friend passes away."
Linda Gentry Guest: “I'm so sorry. Been in your shoes too many times.”
Joan Sample: "I am sorry for your lost, I know how much we as pet owners love our pets! I have two myself. My Chihuahua Cheech has severe heart disease, and has to take two different medications twice a day. Again, I'm sorry for your lost!"
Valerie Parent: "Sorry for your pain today! What a beautiful dog he was. I feel the same way about rescuing animals and I cried to see the video you posted about Miley. I look forward to your blogs, but this one is special because of Jack. ♥"
Rita Tortonesi Dieter: "It is true heartache to loose your pet. Our dogs have been rescues. It seems they know they were rescued and are so faithful."
Kathy Bostwick: "Awww Susie - I am so very sorry for your loss but your words......they are amazing.....and I hope your words will enlighten the rest of the world on the LOVE OF A FUR KID....I so wanted to say 'dog' but being the crazy cat lady that I am..... ;) But seriously - a fur kid - no matter what size, species or habits - is FAMILY & it hurts when they leave us Please take comfort in knowing you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers <3"
Joseph L. Ceniccola: "so sorry for your loss"
Rochelle Epstein: "Susie, I am so sorry to read about Jack, you are in our thoughts, with love and licks, Layla and Me xxxx"
Nancy Hartman: "So sorry for your loss, it's so sad when your loving family pet member passes away from you. My deepest heartfelt condolences!!"
Mary Maday: "A beautiful tribute. Jack and Zelda would be so proud."
Shannon Basner: "So sorry for your loss of Jack. He was loved by you so dearly and though we have never met I know that you have him the most wonderful life. Run free sweet Jack, make many new friends and until you meet again, smile with your heart."
Alice Rivera: "Your dogs made you happy, but you made them happy too. You will meet in heaven. Your friend, Alice."
Suze Blackman: "Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog Jack."
postscript...
the reason for our jack's name...lemmon had just died when we saved jack and our jack was the color of a bright yellow lemon...therefore...jack lemmon became his name-o!
I really appreciate the heart-warming comments...it's just a way of life for so many of us to care not only about humans but all sentient beings as well...all LIFE matters...and I can attest to the FACT that people who care about all life (animals included because there is room in our hearts for all!) are the kindest souls on the planet! I know because I just read the responses above here of not only friends of animals but loyal friends of this human animal, ME! You are all lifting the spirits of this forlorn person named Susie today! I seriously love you people! <3 You are giving my crying eyes a rest and helping me to smile!
I am going to remember these responses when I need to be "original" and reply to someone who is minimizing how important sentient beings are...animals rate very high indeed...room for plenty of loves in one heart! caring is caring is caring!!! my parents taught me there's plenty of room for another and another.
the amount we concerned animal-appreciating humans pay for vet bills can be immense. I have been there...and I have also found that we can be pretty darned good docs ourselves...just the love and attention and common sense we bestow upon our adopted orphans goes a really long way. I totally feel for you...I have kept all of our vet bills for over 40 years and watched the costs climb...and we and you do our best to heal our orphans with honest love and caring attitudes. I truly know what it is like to be quoted an incredible sum and to feel helpless. I totally wish that wasn't true for so many loving pet owners.
honestly, people who give other people a heads up, a hug across the miles, and a kind comment are the best humans in the world. I so appreciate these words from all of you.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
Jack died today...we saved him from euthanasia a dozen years ago -- by five minutes ...wrote about him and his girlfriend Zelda in my 2nd book...he missed her so much. She died a year and a half ago. Heart broken.
I am feeling very defeated by the sadness of all of the shelter beings who are killed each second. Our life with Jack and Zelda held great meaning. We won through our caring...through our saving of their lives. I heartily recommend taking a chance on saving lives. All living beings matter.
my husband Don observed, "Learning from our friends with paws is always amazing – I don’t know if Jack was in pain or just very tired – but he never acted upset/bothered/ugly/ or any way other than I am slowly going away. He was a 'dingo' at heart."
oh, please watch this video of a dog who lived (literally) in a garbage pile and whose life was transformed with a bit of love.
how many of us care about animals here in America...more of us each second are doing our best and encouraging others to speak up and step up for all living beings in OUR country. bless these humans in this video and bless Miley and Frankie. we must set an example... Hey, Russia, follow our lead.
as an aside, we have always been so scared of and critical of ole mother Russia and the "commies" and yet we are participating in the Olympics anyway? looking the other way while Putin in his vulgar vanity orders the mass slaughter of stray animals that might get televised during the "festivities" and could block the camera shots???? and we slaughter cattle, pigs, buffalo, deer, sheep, lambs, calves, piglets and domesticated "pets" and strays a bajillion a second...and usually for PROFIT or convenience or just sheer crassness! sick of it all...totally depressing.
(Russia and Putin and the Olympics can go take a flying leap...)
good-bye our sweet Jack...
________________________
thank you, all, for these comments...
Malou Björnslätt: "I really feel their pain from losing a dear friend/companion, having lost several non-human soulmates through the years. And at the same time the joy from knowing that they had a good life with caring humans. All animals deserve the best! Fortunately it seems like more and more people care, but there's still a lot of work to be done, spreading information all over the world, making people aware of how their choices affect other living beings. I truly hope that the whole world will end up being vegan some day."
Cruzlin Picabo Schubert: "My deepest, most heartfelt condolences ~"
Kim Elizabeth Johnson: "So sorry to hear you have suffered the loss of your dear companion Susie! I have a Jack too who is nearly 16. It's the hardest part about opening hearts and homes but we both know we wouldn't have it any other way! ♥"
Stephanie Smith: "i am so sorry for your loss. i do know how you feel. i just lost my milo in december from old age and now i am losing my ozzy because i cant afford to get him to the vet. my heart breaks for you; so sorry ...i would take all the unwanted if i could but for now i just try to share pages, find homes, and feed any animal that i come across"
Mary Beth Purdy Artz: "oh my heart breaks for you Susie. How hard it is. How lucky for Jack to have had such a wonderful soul to take care of him....and vice versa. <3"
Kathy Bostwick: "Ohhhh Susie - I am so sorry to hear this - there are no words to relieve the pain you are feeling but please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time - RIP Jack <3
Mary Maday: "So sad, Susie. I do know how you feel. Have had many of my babies go to the Rainbow Bridge. I know he had a good life with you. He was beautiful. I feel your pain - know that for sure."
Dianne Hughes: "ONE day we will ALL meet up with our ANGELS."
Beth Kennedy: "so sorry for your loss, Susie"
Leslie Sennett: "Aww, my deepest heartfelt condolences; it's tough losing a pet. I know and feel your pain ♥"
Carol Baker: “Such a handsome boy. I'm really sorry to hear of his passing, Susie. It's been a rough year for my elderly pets here in Hooterville too. But... I'm steeling myself for a trip to the shelter to find someone to save me again. And you know what I always say... they don't 'replace' the one who passed. They find a place in our heart we never knew we had... they make our hearts bigger.”
Jessica Lange Arnold: “So sorry for your loss, Susie. You saved their lives and your heart has been blessed by loving them. Happy memories to cherish during this difficult time.”
Wooftastic Books: "So sad. it's always hard when your furry friend passes away."
Linda Gentry Guest: “I'm so sorry. Been in your shoes too many times.”
Joan Sample: "I am sorry for your lost, I know how much we as pet owners love our pets! I have two myself. My Chihuahua Cheech has severe heart disease, and has to take two different medications twice a day. Again, I'm sorry for your lost!"
Valerie Parent: "Sorry for your pain today! What a beautiful dog he was. I feel the same way about rescuing animals and I cried to see the video you posted about Miley. I look forward to your blogs, but this one is special because of Jack. ♥"
Rita Tortonesi Dieter: "It is true heartache to loose your pet. Our dogs have been rescues. It seems they know they were rescued and are so faithful."
Kathy Bostwick: "Awww Susie - I am so very sorry for your loss but your words......they are amazing.....and I hope your words will enlighten the rest of the world on the LOVE OF A FUR KID....I so wanted to say 'dog' but being the crazy cat lady that I am..... ;) But seriously - a fur kid - no matter what size, species or habits - is FAMILY & it hurts when they leave us Please take comfort in knowing you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers <3"
Joseph L. Ceniccola: "so sorry for your loss"
Rochelle Epstein: "Susie, I am so sorry to read about Jack, you are in our thoughts, with love and licks, Layla and Me xxxx"
Nancy Hartman: "So sorry for your loss, it's so sad when your loving family pet member passes away from you. My deepest heartfelt condolences!!"
Mary Maday: "A beautiful tribute. Jack and Zelda would be so proud."
Shannon Basner: "So sorry for your loss of Jack. He was loved by you so dearly and though we have never met I know that you have him the most wonderful life. Run free sweet Jack, make many new friends and until you meet again, smile with your heart."
Alice Rivera: "Your dogs made you happy, but you made them happy too. You will meet in heaven. Your friend, Alice."
Suze Blackman: "Sorry to hear about the loss of your dog Jack."
postscript...
the reason for our jack's name...lemmon had just died when we saved jack and our jack was the color of a bright yellow lemon...therefore...jack lemmon became his name-o!
I really appreciate the heart-warming comments...it's just a way of life for so many of us to care not only about humans but all sentient beings as well...all LIFE matters...and I can attest to the FACT that people who care about all life (animals included because there is room in our hearts for all!) are the kindest souls on the planet! I know because I just read the responses above here of not only friends of animals but loyal friends of this human animal, ME! You are all lifting the spirits of this forlorn person named Susie today! I seriously love you people! <3 You are giving my crying eyes a rest and helping me to smile!
I am going to remember these responses when I need to be "original" and reply to someone who is minimizing how important sentient beings are...animals rate very high indeed...room for plenty of loves in one heart! caring is caring is caring!!! my parents taught me there's plenty of room for another and another.
the amount we concerned animal-appreciating humans pay for vet bills can be immense. I have been there...and I have also found that we can be pretty darned good docs ourselves...just the love and attention and common sense we bestow upon our adopted orphans goes a really long way. I totally feel for you...I have kept all of our vet bills for over 40 years and watched the costs climb...and we and you do our best to heal our orphans with honest love and caring attitudes. I truly know what it is like to be quoted an incredible sum and to feel helpless. I totally wish that wasn't true for so many loving pet owners.
honestly, people who give other people a heads up, a hug across the miles, and a kind comment are the best humans in the world. I so appreciate these words from all of you.
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
January 30, 2014
Homeward Angle: COMPETITIONS, CONTESTS, PIPSQUEAKS & POPPYCOCK
My latest Homeward Angle column - this one is entitled COMPETITIONS, CONTESTS, PIPSQUEAKS & POPPYCOCK and is a friendly critique of the absurdity of polls, surveys, contests, and prize fights ... by way of a poetic salute to my comedy hero Stephen Colbert. Enjoy!
(Also, click here for a link to a recent article on BroadwayWorld.com about my Roy-Boy and his new book - love this!)
________________________
Homeward Angle: COMPETITIONS, CONTESTS, PIPSQUEAKS & POPPYCOCK
"Great poem, let's publish it! Sue…Imagine your poem featured on a page by itself within a beautiful coffee-table edition! You are a semi-finalist for a major prize!"
Prices for leather-bound editions ranged from $49.95 to $194.00 depending upon how many enhancements such as photographs, bios, and vanity-illustrations might be added? "Society of World Poetry" or some such beast! "You COULD be a winner!" Sure thing, pirates…the check's in the mail!
I felt like Jacqueline Bisset clutching her Golden Globe award on January 12th, 2014, as she nervously growled -- punctuated by several weary sighs -- that it's been a long spell (populated with a plethora of jack-asses) between her previous trophy as "Most Promising Newcomer" and this present accolade at the advanced age of 69! Her acceptance speech soared to viral status due to questionable reasoning that she seemed either inebriated or crazy. What she was…was honest! Both Lou Grant and I admire SPUNK!
Contests and popularity polls are lame, dumb, manipulative, desperate, needy, rigged gimmickry. Just ask Oscar-nominated Bruce Dern starring as boozy, dotty, old codger Woody Grant in a best film contender entitled Nebraska -- we first meet this lost soul hell-bent on hoofing it from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim some million dollar sweepstakes booty that he's convinced will be his (rather than a lifetime committed to magazine subscriptions!)
I had gotten involved in this aforementioned poetryfest-scam through innocent composition of a suitably reverential poem in 2011 (me and zillions of other verse crafters) which required focusing upon Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert! To garner one of ten prizes, I needed to pay a little something up front? I did not bite…and consequently, I must have gotten wadded up and tossed into the nearest wastebasket. However, I kept a copy all tidily folded up and tucked into the hilarious comedian's dog-eared best seller entitled And Nothing but the Truthiness -- The Rise (and further rise) of Stephen Colbert. Proudly, I am willing to share…my tribute to Stephen Colbert!
After much quality time spent studying to become a Language Arts instructor, tediously grading oodles of themes and research papers, composing publicity releases and letters to assorted editors in addition to several years' worth of columns and now two books, not to mention advocating -- via Facebook -- for animal rights and welfare ranging all the way to protecting puffins from starvation (due to climate change!) on islands along the coast of Maine, I am both annoyed and exhausted by bullying challenges from hustlers, nay-sayers and pooh-poohers. Braving the brisk winter Polar Vortex wind while scattering some stale soup-crackers -- which landed atop the constantly accumulating snow -- among a flock of gorgeous, shivering cardinals simply to reward them for being alive -- for surviving, I thought on these things. And decided I could one day die totally satisfied with having exerted my best efforts even though I probably never would be featured in a "come-on" table-top leather-bound volume of claptrap. I refuse to pay … for the right to play! I am happily NOT the Koch Brothers! www.susieduncansexton.com
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
(Also, click here for a link to a recent article on BroadwayWorld.com about my Roy-Boy and his new book - love this!)
________________________
Homeward Angle: COMPETITIONS, CONTESTS, PIPSQUEAKS & POPPYCOCK
"Great poem, let's publish it! Sue…Imagine your poem featured on a page by itself within a beautiful coffee-table edition! You are a semi-finalist for a major prize!"
Prices for leather-bound editions ranged from $49.95 to $194.00 depending upon how many enhancements such as photographs, bios, and vanity-illustrations might be added? "Society of World Poetry" or some such beast! "You COULD be a winner!" Sure thing, pirates…the check's in the mail!
I felt like Jacqueline Bisset clutching her Golden Globe award on January 12th, 2014, as she nervously growled -- punctuated by several weary sighs -- that it's been a long spell (populated with a plethora of jack-asses) between her previous trophy as "Most Promising Newcomer" and this present accolade at the advanced age of 69! Her acceptance speech soared to viral status due to questionable reasoning that she seemed either inebriated or crazy. What she was…was honest! Both Lou Grant and I admire SPUNK!
Contests and popularity polls are lame, dumb, manipulative, desperate, needy, rigged gimmickry. Just ask Oscar-nominated Bruce Dern starring as boozy, dotty, old codger Woody Grant in a best film contender entitled Nebraska -- we first meet this lost soul hell-bent on hoofing it from Billings, Montana to Lincoln, Nebraska to claim some million dollar sweepstakes booty that he's convinced will be his (rather than a lifetime committed to magazine subscriptions!)
I had gotten involved in this aforementioned poetryfest-scam through innocent composition of a suitably reverential poem in 2011 (me and zillions of other verse crafters) which required focusing upon Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert! To garner one of ten prizes, I needed to pay a little something up front? I did not bite…and consequently, I must have gotten wadded up and tossed into the nearest wastebasket. However, I kept a copy all tidily folded up and tucked into the hilarious comedian's dog-eared best seller entitled And Nothing but the Truthiness -- The Rise (and further rise) of Stephen Colbert. Proudly, I am willing to share…my tribute to Stephen Colbert!
EACH EVE WITH STEVE: An Ode to Stephen Colbert
How do I love him?
Let me count the ways:
Sparkling eyes—not dim,
Piercing as they gaze.
Strong chin, classic nose,
Svelte frame, graceful stride!
I admire the pose
Which can barely hide
Jabs at nasty foes—
Political hacks
Marching us to Hell
Who deserve bold whacks
Or a “punny” yell!
Brave super-hero
Battling grizzly bears!
Never some Nero
Fiddling! Stephen cares!
We all laugh, yet learn—
From a master clown—
We ain’t gonna burn
When the chips are down!
Colbert’s nightly gift
Of mirth and word-play
Provides such a lift
To our… "U.S.A.”!!!!!!!!
If I had my way...
(Taurus to Taurus ;D) --
On my knees, I'd pray
(With fans in chorus):
"Dear Jesus, hear me:
THIS genius deserves
His own damned Emmy
For pitching grand curves!!!!"
After much quality time spent studying to become a Language Arts instructor, tediously grading oodles of themes and research papers, composing publicity releases and letters to assorted editors in addition to several years' worth of columns and now two books, not to mention advocating -- via Facebook -- for animal rights and welfare ranging all the way to protecting puffins from starvation (due to climate change!) on islands along the coast of Maine, I am both annoyed and exhausted by bullying challenges from hustlers, nay-sayers and pooh-poohers. Braving the brisk winter Polar Vortex wind while scattering some stale soup-crackers -- which landed atop the constantly accumulating snow -- among a flock of gorgeous, shivering cardinals simply to reward them for being alive -- for surviving, I thought on these things. And decided I could one day die totally satisfied with having exerted my best efforts even though I probably never would be featured in a "come-on" table-top leather-bound volume of claptrap. I refuse to pay … for the right to play! I am happily NOT the Koch Brothers! www.susieduncansexton.com
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
January 28, 2014
blood-letting is blood-letting. all sentient beings matter.
so, too many republican hoosier state legislators insist they want voters to decide issues? really? why would that be when those very legislators are interested in lining their own pockets and dream up legislation that would please specifically the "big money" interests?
![[Image source: cdn.buzznet.com]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1390944116i/8302852.jpg)
over and over and over again...let's start with canned hunting for instance...not to mention their made-up divisive amendments to the state constitution ... and not to mention ag-gag efforts.
a farm "industrialist" claims that "activists" who watch graphic videos of animals being slaughtered and abused fail to understand that farm animals are treated like pets? except he used the words "livesSTOCK" for living beings and "pork" for pigs and "beef" for cattle and spoke of these "pets'" lovely lives before mass "SLAUGHTER"? can't these money-making moguls hear the irony in the false words they spout to win over what they pray will be the MEAT-EATING public?
![[Image source: gawkerassets.com]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1390944116i/8302853._SX540_.jpg)
hoosier legislators, I implore you: get down to the business of the citizens that you are supposed to represent and let us decide for whom we will vote after all on one very big issue--whether or not you "special interest" politicos will get re-elected or sent back home to play golf and to look elsewhere for an easy income. let the voters decide THAT! you are not worth the money we are paying you. signed: one of the voters, just another disgusted citizen
the only way these legislators might even care is if they think they might lose some votes if they vote along party lines as always and do not care a whit about animal welfare just to be popular with the "gang"! we waited for one to pretend to see us last year at lobby day for almost 4 hours...standing in the hallway we were...he never looked up and never stopped tweeting.
then, as he "acted" surprised we were still in the hallway, he spoke of animal rights and welfare being a grey area? wow? and he shoots quail. ugh.
some of them think they are on the fast track with ultra-conservative play-acting. hoping they are not assured political careers! we need intelligent, fair-minded individuals to oppose them and win those seats.
so proud of Bob Ashley and hoping many other folks will follow his lead. this marriage equality thing has simply become an ugly political diversion in our state...homelessness, unemployment, crucial education issues, animal welfare all need attention...and these politicos are wasting precious time thinking they are simply generating personal votes for themselves from fundamentalists and neo-cons, appeasing the mighty faux religious right.
(just now read in our local paper that a mother who obviously engaged in "one man/one woman" sex tried to sell her child 8 times and provided sex also - again one woman, several men - for extra cash...how about legislating loose "heterosexual" sex we seem to have overlooked for god knows how many epochs. sex is sex is sex.)
![[Image source: thewiseguise.com]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1382458673i/5900603.jpg)
the vote on every issue sadly falls along party lines but some intelligent folks are starting to vote their consciences...hopefully this issue which has been drummed up by the right wing to cause a ruckus will be resolved in favor of love and compassion for all who live. shame on those who are playing with people's rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
so ashamed of this state ... so disappointed in specific legislators who are on the make...heart-breaking to misuse intelligence.
so disappointed in another couple or more of these fellows...not to be believed! their self-interest is glaring...blinding...I am horrified! they THINK they know what side their "BREAD" is buttered on...they care not one second for the "voters"...double-talk is their specialty.
![[Image source: comicvine.com]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1390944116i/8302855._SX540_.jpg)
our state was always far better than this. I know...I have been a hoosier all of my life. I am appalled at the cruelty of this immature groupthink and shocked at some of its participants whom I once thought held much promise. I sincerely hope they are replaced by fair-minded individuals very soon.
so dismayed with the catering of legislators to big money...those who hunt or farm or control purse strings like the Koch brothers or Monsanto...and lawmakers who kill animals just to be part of the money crowd.
![[Image source: tumblr.com]](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1390944931i/8303010._SX540_.jpg)
no votes from me when I learn of such actions. despicable behavior...human/animal welfare and rights? not a "grey" area...crucial for any "politician" to start realizing that blood-letting is blood-letting. all sentient beings matter. when can we see that any of you realize that?
thanks for these comments!
Judy Kramer: "There is nothing worse then canned hunting. I have no use for people who do this and I have told family and friends to keep people they know who do this out of my sight. People who invite me to functions or functions I go to are advised to not set me at a table with 'them' and trust me have been in that situation! This is the worst thing in the world"
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
over and over and over again...let's start with canned hunting for instance...not to mention their made-up divisive amendments to the state constitution ... and not to mention ag-gag efforts.
a farm "industrialist" claims that "activists" who watch graphic videos of animals being slaughtered and abused fail to understand that farm animals are treated like pets? except he used the words "livesSTOCK" for living beings and "pork" for pigs and "beef" for cattle and spoke of these "pets'" lovely lives before mass "SLAUGHTER"? can't these money-making moguls hear the irony in the false words they spout to win over what they pray will be the MEAT-EATING public?
hoosier legislators, I implore you: get down to the business of the citizens that you are supposed to represent and let us decide for whom we will vote after all on one very big issue--whether or not you "special interest" politicos will get re-elected or sent back home to play golf and to look elsewhere for an easy income. let the voters decide THAT! you are not worth the money we are paying you. signed: one of the voters, just another disgusted citizen
the only way these legislators might even care is if they think they might lose some votes if they vote along party lines as always and do not care a whit about animal welfare just to be popular with the "gang"! we waited for one to pretend to see us last year at lobby day for almost 4 hours...standing in the hallway we were...he never looked up and never stopped tweeting.
then, as he "acted" surprised we were still in the hallway, he spoke of animal rights and welfare being a grey area? wow? and he shoots quail. ugh.
some of them think they are on the fast track with ultra-conservative play-acting. hoping they are not assured political careers! we need intelligent, fair-minded individuals to oppose them and win those seats.
so proud of Bob Ashley and hoping many other folks will follow his lead. this marriage equality thing has simply become an ugly political diversion in our state...homelessness, unemployment, crucial education issues, animal welfare all need attention...and these politicos are wasting precious time thinking they are simply generating personal votes for themselves from fundamentalists and neo-cons, appeasing the mighty faux religious right.
(just now read in our local paper that a mother who obviously engaged in "one man/one woman" sex tried to sell her child 8 times and provided sex also - again one woman, several men - for extra cash...how about legislating loose "heterosexual" sex we seem to have overlooked for god knows how many epochs. sex is sex is sex.)
the vote on every issue sadly falls along party lines but some intelligent folks are starting to vote their consciences...hopefully this issue which has been drummed up by the right wing to cause a ruckus will be resolved in favor of love and compassion for all who live. shame on those who are playing with people's rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
so ashamed of this state ... so disappointed in specific legislators who are on the make...heart-breaking to misuse intelligence.
so disappointed in another couple or more of these fellows...not to be believed! their self-interest is glaring...blinding...I am horrified! they THINK they know what side their "BREAD" is buttered on...they care not one second for the "voters"...double-talk is their specialty.
our state was always far better than this. I know...I have been a hoosier all of my life. I am appalled at the cruelty of this immature groupthink and shocked at some of its participants whom I once thought held much promise. I sincerely hope they are replaced by fair-minded individuals very soon.
so dismayed with the catering of legislators to big money...those who hunt or farm or control purse strings like the Koch brothers or Monsanto...and lawmakers who kill animals just to be part of the money crowd.
no votes from me when I learn of such actions. despicable behavior...human/animal welfare and rights? not a "grey" area...crucial for any "politician" to start realizing that blood-letting is blood-letting. all sentient beings matter. when can we see that any of you realize that?
thanks for these comments!
Judy Kramer: "There is nothing worse then canned hunting. I have no use for people who do this and I have told family and friends to keep people they know who do this out of my sight. People who invite me to functions or functions I go to are advised to not set me at a table with 'them' and trust me have been in that situation! This is the worst thing in the world"
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
January 22, 2014
Sneak preview! Reel Roy Reviews soon to be a book!
From Roy Boy...
"Coming to a theatre ... er ... bookstore near you: Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 1: Keepin' It Real! Just wanted to let you know the exciting news that my ongoing blog of movie reviews is going to be a book released on February 28." You can find out more at this link: http://www.open-bks.com/library/moder...
BroadwayWorld/BooksWorld coverage here!
About the book...
Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 1: Keepin' It Real is a compilation of essays composed in tribute to (and sometimes frustration with) the art-form known as "cinema" —with a few theatre, music, and concert analyses thrown in for good measure. As a populist at heart, Sexton's sensibility is grounded in a desire to see good stories, well told.
For Sexton, film is an encapsulated medium. Whether 90 minutes or three hours, a movie tells one story—beginning, middle, and end—introducing you to new friends, enemies, and locales in an efficiently designed delivery mechanism. With a good film, Sexton feels you get the experience of reading a novel (whether or not the film is in fact based on any work of literature) in a highly compressed fashion.
In the best movie-going experience, your brain leaves your body for a bit, you take a mini-vacation to places you might not otherwise ever see, and you return to your regularly scheduled life a bit changed, perhaps enlightened, and hopefully re-energized.
Sexton notes, "I try to respect that (for the most part) these are show business professionals putting (ideally) their best feet forward and that they are human beings with hearts and souls and feelings. I hope I never seem cruel. I don’t mean to be. These writings are off-the-cuff and journal-style and come from as positive a place as I can muster....Approach everything and everyone honestly and with positive intent and offer candid feedback with an open heart and as much kindness as possible.”
About the author
Roy Sexton is a small town boy who never quite fit in but learned how to survive playground games with a sense of humor, a bit of style, and a love of movies. He has been blogging at www.reelroyreviews.com for a couple of years now to an audience of … tens of people. He writes, “I tend to go see whatever film has been most obnoxiously hyped, marketed, and oversold in any given week…art films? Bah! Won’t find too many of those discussed here. And every once in a while, I may review a TV show, theatrical production, record album, concert, or book (yeah, probably not too many of those either).”
Sexton aims to make his friends and family suffer through at least one community theatre production with him in it annually; he is a marketer and strategic planner by trade; but he mostly just wants to enjoy life and pop culture, to help our animal friends, and to live and let live.
Sexton, a graduate of Wabash College who also holds an MA in theatre from Ohio State and an MBA from the University of Michigan, resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a cinematically adventurous auto engineer and two amiably neurotic rescue dogs. He is also the son of Susie Duncan Sexton (www.susieduncansexton.com), whose two essay collections Secrets of an Old Typewriter and More Secrets of an Old Typewriter, are published by Open Books (www.open-bks.com).
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
"Coming to a theatre ... er ... bookstore near you: Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 1: Keepin' It Real! Just wanted to let you know the exciting news that my ongoing blog of movie reviews is going to be a book released on February 28." You can find out more at this link: http://www.open-bks.com/library/moder...
BroadwayWorld/BooksWorld coverage here!
About the book...
Reel Roy Reviews, Vol. 1: Keepin' It Real is a compilation of essays composed in tribute to (and sometimes frustration with) the art-form known as "cinema" —with a few theatre, music, and concert analyses thrown in for good measure. As a populist at heart, Sexton's sensibility is grounded in a desire to see good stories, well told.
For Sexton, film is an encapsulated medium. Whether 90 minutes or three hours, a movie tells one story—beginning, middle, and end—introducing you to new friends, enemies, and locales in an efficiently designed delivery mechanism. With a good film, Sexton feels you get the experience of reading a novel (whether or not the film is in fact based on any work of literature) in a highly compressed fashion.
In the best movie-going experience, your brain leaves your body for a bit, you take a mini-vacation to places you might not otherwise ever see, and you return to your regularly scheduled life a bit changed, perhaps enlightened, and hopefully re-energized.
Sexton notes, "I try to respect that (for the most part) these are show business professionals putting (ideally) their best feet forward and that they are human beings with hearts and souls and feelings. I hope I never seem cruel. I don’t mean to be. These writings are off-the-cuff and journal-style and come from as positive a place as I can muster....Approach everything and everyone honestly and with positive intent and offer candid feedback with an open heart and as much kindness as possible.”
About the author
Roy Sexton is a small town boy who never quite fit in but learned how to survive playground games with a sense of humor, a bit of style, and a love of movies. He has been blogging at www.reelroyreviews.com for a couple of years now to an audience of … tens of people. He writes, “I tend to go see whatever film has been most obnoxiously hyped, marketed, and oversold in any given week…art films? Bah! Won’t find too many of those discussed here. And every once in a while, I may review a TV show, theatrical production, record album, concert, or book (yeah, probably not too many of those either).”
Sexton aims to make his friends and family suffer through at least one community theatre production with him in it annually; he is a marketer and strategic planner by trade; but he mostly just wants to enjoy life and pop culture, to help our animal friends, and to live and let live.
Sexton, a graduate of Wabash College who also holds an MA in theatre from Ohio State and an MBA from the University of Michigan, resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with a cinematically adventurous auto engineer and two amiably neurotic rescue dogs. He is also the son of Susie Duncan Sexton (www.susieduncansexton.com), whose two essay collections Secrets of an Old Typewriter and More Secrets of an Old Typewriter, are published by Open Books (www.open-bks.com).
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
January 17, 2014
brains washed and dried and starched and ironed: Indiana ag gag
lots of us in Indiana are concerned about these sweet beings and sick and tired of their victimization for insane profits in this state -- generated by collusion with CHINA!
the ag-gag bill has been revisited and the republican legislators are not happy with those who oppose it and who are testifying presently...the senators are behaving quite rudely and crassly to the HSUS representative. and to concerned citizens who are advocating for animal welfare and animal rights.
Indiana needs to realize we are becoming a national laughing stock! ashamed of my own state.
here in the armpit of 4-H-ville where we wrestle pigs for entertainment and invite rodeos to accidentally kill calves right in front of startled children...we introduce elementary school children to their "pork" and "beef" that we "harvest"...and let them pet the animals that will provide all of their nutrition after they are carted off to slaughterhouses...
the "pork" and "beef" that is, not the children...the children only have their brains washed and dried and starched and ironed. this pig industry is located just up the road and does a super job of making huge profits via CHINA while rationalizing mass murder.
now, a hoosier amendment to put fishing and hunting in concrete...shouldn't you faux-conservative legislators stop messin' where you shouldn't be a'messin'? fuhget about it! hoping...nah, praying, that all of you get replaced. c'mon, God, send these preening, posturing opportunists back home to really work for a living! a-men...and I am tired of paying for franking privileges for these doofuses BTW! and why fill out a form to return to any of them, when their minds are made up and they are courting big money? arghhhhhh. double arghhhhhhhhhhhh!
yay for those of us who care about exposing these little DICK-taters and the harm they can do when they are pleasing other little DICK-taters for personal rewards -- victimization of innocent sentient beings is despicable and hellish.
postscript
speaking of protesting circuses, how about the circus at the indianapolis statehouse...visit sometime...you'll see...the only reasonable and sedate folks behind the glass window are DEMOCRATS who unfortunately are in the minority...we need to fix that, so that this state stops abusing both humanity and animals! disgusting show/parade of grandstanding preening posing embarrassing self-serving play-acting incompetents! and we are paying them? and we are financing their "franking" privileges????????
don and I returned from the state house last spring in total shock...like a midway...all that was missing was sticky cotton candy and calliope music...a bunch of the younger dudes sported scarves and constantly twiddled on their iPhones pretending to ignore any form of humanity milling about (we ACTUALLY WERE VICTIMS OF RUDENESS) ... concerned that these fools are in over their empty heads.
some of the ancient good ole boys just glowered at us...like "why are you here?" many of them looked like they were only anxious to get to some bar for a drink or to enjoy an I. U. basketball game or some perk...so much for "conservatives"...a real misnomer.
and, hey, pope francis, how about the "climbers" who are trampling on the environment and animal welfare for profits at all costs and kissing the hems of the rich? go do your thing there, ok?
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
the ag-gag bill has been revisited and the republican legislators are not happy with those who oppose it and who are testifying presently...the senators are behaving quite rudely and crassly to the HSUS representative. and to concerned citizens who are advocating for animal welfare and animal rights.
Indiana needs to realize we are becoming a national laughing stock! ashamed of my own state.
here in the armpit of 4-H-ville where we wrestle pigs for entertainment and invite rodeos to accidentally kill calves right in front of startled children...we introduce elementary school children to their "pork" and "beef" that we "harvest"...and let them pet the animals that will provide all of their nutrition after they are carted off to slaughterhouses...
the "pork" and "beef" that is, not the children...the children only have their brains washed and dried and starched and ironed. this pig industry is located just up the road and does a super job of making huge profits via CHINA while rationalizing mass murder.
now, a hoosier amendment to put fishing and hunting in concrete...shouldn't you faux-conservative legislators stop messin' where you shouldn't be a'messin'? fuhget about it! hoping...nah, praying, that all of you get replaced. c'mon, God, send these preening, posturing opportunists back home to really work for a living! a-men...and I am tired of paying for franking privileges for these doofuses BTW! and why fill out a form to return to any of them, when their minds are made up and they are courting big money? arghhhhhh. double arghhhhhhhhhhhh!
yay for those of us who care about exposing these little DICK-taters and the harm they can do when they are pleasing other little DICK-taters for personal rewards -- victimization of innocent sentient beings is despicable and hellish.
postscript
speaking of protesting circuses, how about the circus at the indianapolis statehouse...visit sometime...you'll see...the only reasonable and sedate folks behind the glass window are DEMOCRATS who unfortunately are in the minority...we need to fix that, so that this state stops abusing both humanity and animals! disgusting show/parade of grandstanding preening posing embarrassing self-serving play-acting incompetents! and we are paying them? and we are financing their "franking" privileges????????
don and I returned from the state house last spring in total shock...like a midway...all that was missing was sticky cotton candy and calliope music...a bunch of the younger dudes sported scarves and constantly twiddled on their iPhones pretending to ignore any form of humanity milling about (we ACTUALLY WERE VICTIMS OF RUDENESS) ... concerned that these fools are in over their empty heads.
some of the ancient good ole boys just glowered at us...like "why are you here?" many of them looked like they were only anxious to get to some bar for a drink or to enjoy an I. U. basketball game or some perk...so much for "conservatives"...a real misnomer.
and, hey, pope francis, how about the "climbers" who are trampling on the environment and animal welfare for profits at all costs and kissing the hems of the rich? go do your thing there, ok?
________________________
Read about movies and nostalgia, animal issues and sociopolitical concerns all discussed in my book Secrets of an Old Typewriter and its new follow-up Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels - print and ebook versions of both are available (click the title to order from publisher Open Books' website). Also available in both formats at Amazon.com, or download from iTunes
Meet other like-minded souls at my facebook fan page
Visit my author website at www.susieduncansexton.com
Join a great group of animal advocates Squawk Back: Helping animals when others can't ... Or Won't
