This tends to be one of the busiest times of the year for plumbing service. The reason is quite simple, over usage in homes. With house guests arriving, whether for a big meal or the weekend, the plumbing gets more use than it’s used to. And, if there are already signs of potential concerns or problems, the over usage can trigger problems at the most inopportune time, the holidays.
Take a closer look to notice for potential problems now before the holidays quickly approach. If your drains are draining slower than usual, that is a sign that they are prone to clogs. Try a plunger and avoid household chemicals to unclog. If you notice the slow drain is in more than one location or throughout the house, then that is a sign that the clog is a larger potential problem.
With over usage of the garbage disposal for Thanksgiving or the shower and washing machine for houseguests, the partially clogged drains will become very apparent during their stay. Here are a few helpful tips to help avoid holiday clogs:
Wait 15 minutes between showers to give the drains a fair chance to drain and the water heater to be ready to perform.
Only flush toilet paper. Never flush tissues, cotton balls, feminine products, hair or facial products.
Run garbage disposal while disposing of food, rather than waiting until it is full.
Dispose of fats and cooking oils in trash rather than garbage disposal.
Dispose of stringy waste, such as poultry skins, celery, potato peels, etc. in trash rather than garbage disposal.
Preventative maintenance can be the key difference for the holidays.
Hi-Tech Plumbing is considered the expert in preventative plumbing maintenance. They are a licensed and insured plumbing service that has been serving residential and commercial customers throughout Palm Beach County since 2000. They understand the needs of their customers and because of that, offer same day service, 24/7 emergency service with up front pricing and they guarantee your satisfaction.
Hi-Tech Plumbing works hard to earn your business and goes the extra mile to keep it. They can be reached by phone at (561) 285-8744 or on the web at www.hitechplumbingservices.com.
Happy holidays to you all! Scroogies are awards I inaugurated in 2006, as an homage to my idol and favorite role model, Ebeneezer Scrooge. This happens to be my favorite column to write all year, because I don’t feel constrained to be funny — merely nasty.
I award Scroogies only to those who have proved themselves worthy through acts of inconsiderateness, boorishness, stupidity, arrogance, or any other trait that just plain rankles me and deserves my curmudgeonly wrath.
And each year, I confront the same major problem: hundreds of worthy candidates, limited space to include them all. Following are this year’s very deserving winners:
1 – The Tea Party.
Ordinarily, as a favor to my editors, I avoid writing anything political. However, this collection of obstructive blackmailers is such a runaway, I could not exclude them. We should all be grateful to The Tea Party for providing us with living object lessons of the kind of politicians we should vote for only if they run for Dog Catcher.
Special mention goes to Senator Ted Cruz, who, on returning to his home town of Houston, said, “It’s nice to be back in America.” Oh, shut up.
2 – Spirit Airlines. An open letter.
Dear Spirit: I bought into your “inexpensive” con game. I even signed up for your hoop-de-doo credit card that automatically gave me 15,000 free miles. Fifteen thousand free miles! Wow! That’s three round-trip flights to Chicago!
Then I developed severe migraines trying to navigate through your website, which was clearly designed by the same wizards who created the National Health Care software.
Then I discovered I could only fly free when you permitted it, which eliminated the entire summer and every national holiday. Then I took my first free flight, which cost me $146 by the time I got through paying for my overhead bag, my seat reservations and a few other incidental items.
And just today, as I was reading the paper, you managed to augment my frustration. The headline, “Spirit’s profits soar in quarter.” This infuriating article quoted CEO Ben Baldanza as saying, “It is becoming clear that Spirit’s customers understand that our ultra-low fares plus optional services offer them a total price that’s tough to beat.”
Oh, really? I just took out my calculator and determined I will not be able to afford my next free flight.
3 – Sportscasters.
I watch a lot of ball games, and realized long ago that it is too much to expect professional athletes to be able to conjugate verbs, even though many of them have college degrees.
But somehow I thought professional sportscasters knew something about our language. Heard this year during broadcasts of baseball, football and basketball games, college and professional:
“Without that tackle, he might have ran for a touchdown.”
“He shouldn’t have did that.”
“If he had tooken that pitch, he would have walked.”
Tooken! He actually used the word, “tooken.”
I have deliberately omitted the names of the guilty broadcasters, lest I give my editors heartburn.
4 – Novelist Iris Johansen.
Fine writer. I’ve read several of her thrillers. Last week, I picked up her most recent effort, “Taking Eve.” Eve gets kidnapped by a psychopath, and after 341 pages is escaping his clutches. But he is closing in on her as she races down a mountain. Suddenly, the book ends. It ends with no conclusion! And on the page adjoining the last page is an announcement: “Coming November 13, 2013, ‘Finding Eve.’”
Many of you know that last year I named Lisa Jackson the first inductee in my Scroogie Hall of Fame for her book entitled, “Left to Die” ,,, which ends with the author telling the reader if he/she wants to know what happens, buy her next book.
And now Ms. Johansen has perpetrated the same evil trick. Is this some new marketing ploy by publishing companies? Or has Lisa Jackson contaminated the entire literary world?
5 – Elderly drivers.
Yeah, yeah, I know all about the fact that I’m elderly and I’m a driver. However, unlike many of my compatriots, I actually know how to drive. Meanwhile, there are a gazillion older drivers down here who never exceed twelves miles an hour, and I’ve driven behind every one of them.
6 – Commercial Vacuums, Inc. and Ase Communications.
I wrestled with myself for many weeks over these two nominees. Initially, I was in awe of their incredible accomplishment: they had figured out a heretofore unheard-of way to make money by charging people for using air!
But eventually, my anger over having to pay 75 cents to fill my tires won out. They are definitely worthy of Scroogies.
7 – Borbick.
For those of you unfamiliar with this tyrant, he is the miniaturized terrorist who lives inside my computer. This last month, he outdid himself, frying my hard drive on a year-old computer and necessitating purchase of a new computer.
Brad, my computer expert, explained that my computer failed because of all the “flickers” that occur in our neighborhood. All power goes off for perhaps two or three seconds. Everything shuts down. “Worst thing in the world for electronic components,” he said. “You should file a claim with FPL.”
I have done so and am waiting to hear. Meanwhile, Brad is completely unaware that the real culprit is Borbick.
8 – People Magazine.
Once again, I was not named one of the 100 most beautiful people in the world. Nor was I even mentioned in the list of “World’s Sexiest Men.”
In retaliation, I have arranged to send Borbick and an elite group of his terrorists to infect all of your computers.
Genius, Aptitude or Sweat? Text Art by LH Baumel. Definitions: Google.com.
Last night I went to the symphony. I was very moved by the passion and brilliance of a concerto and solo performed by the twenty-five year old Armenian cellist, Narek Hakhnazaryan. Upon leaving the Kravis Center, I said to myself, “What a brilliant young man.” Genius, I thought. He must have spent his entire life dedicated to his craft.
Poor fellow, during the performance, he was sweating profusely, which is very common amongst great performers; like the violinist Joshua Bell or the dancer Savion Glover, both of whom I have seen drench the floor. The late Luciano Pavarotti simply held a towel or large handkerchief at every solo performance I was fortunate to witness. Most likely, these recitalists get a rush of adrenaline, which causes the heart to beat faster. Performing under hot lights with speed and accuracy requires extreme concentration. Under those circumstances it’s not usual to break a sweat.
When I returned home from the concert, I delved deep into thought. I wondered what type of childhood the cellist had. How many hours of practice a day did it take to accomplish so much at such an early age? Did he have time to go out and play? He must have demonstrated great potential early on. Apparently, Mr. Hakhnazaryan comes from an extremely musical family. Perhaps the cultivation of his talent was a product of his environment. Of course, he would not have come this far if he didn’t have the aptitude to learn. Aptitude, combined with an almost painful passion for the sonorous notes he played gave him the drive to become what he is today.
Let’s get back to the genius part of this discussion. What does it take to be considered a genius? I’ve taught many students in my musical career. When I teach piano to a really bright child, one with the capability to master just about anything he or she sets their mind to, I don’t say “You’ll be a great pianist some day.” I say, “You’ll be a really well-rounded person when you grow up. If you have the drive and are willing to work hard (i.e. sweat), you can become a great pianist who happens to be Secretary of State one day!”
Perhaps you’ve read this before, but studies have shown musicianship and high math abilities often correlate. You may have heard of the violinist, Albert Einstein, who discovered the theory of relativity? One of my youngest students has said to me, “I would like to be a teacher when I grow up.” I respond, “You CAN be a teacher one day,” (although I know she’ll more likely be a professor of astrophysics).
Grampa on Recliner Next to Organ. Artist: LH Baumel, Age 7.
When I was in the first grade, our class did an experiment on how electricity is conducted. Attached to a small board was a large 12-volt battery with a red wire and a black wire attached to it. The teacher took the wires and wrapped each one around a tiny screw. Also attached to the board was a small flashlight bulb. When the wires made contact, the bulb would illuminate.
My grandparents had an old electric keyboard (which we referred to as “the organ”) positioned right next to Grandpa’s black recliner chair. The organ was perfect for me to take my small fingers and demonstrate what I had learned in my piano studies that week. One day, the organ stopped working! Apparently, the instrument was not getting any electrical power. Battery power was not a common electronic keyboard option back then. My grandmother unplugged the organ and said she’d have to call someone to come fix it. The plug was a vintage one, with only cardboard covering its prongs. See photo below:
The plug was similar to the one on the very right of this photo.
Grandma walked away. I looked at the plug on the floor. I removed the cardboard cover. I saw two screws and two loose wires. I noticed the wire was not twirled around the screws. Imitating my teacher in school, I proceeded to wrap a wire around each screw. I then replaced the cardboard cover (kids, don’t try this at home). Voilà! I plugged the cord back into the outlet and it worked. I proceeded to sit down and play. My grandparents rushed into the living room rather surprised. Genius, they said!
At that point, should I have been destined for a career in electrical engineering? I certainly had the aptitude. Perhaps? But in the late 1960’s, girls would never be encouraged to do that. “You’ll be a music teacher, or have a music school,” they said. My destiny was signed, sealed and approved. Children love approval. The first phase of my road in life was paved. I continued my musical journey. I had blinders on to any other possibilities and immersed myself in everything having to do with music. I wrote it, taught it, performed it, directed it, recorded it and mentored others to do the same. Admittedly, I sweat through many a performance. My career was not very lucrative, but it was satisfying. I’ve taken many a bow.
Those who have high aptitude are good observers. Over the years, I took notice of my best teachers. In my book, there were either really good teachers or there were the ones who just did it for the paycheck. I singled out the most notable ones, analyzed their methods and took notes. The best educators were the ones that recognized a student’s strengths and would guide them. They had a keen ability to measure a pupil’s aptitude and nurtured their interests at the appropriate pace.
I’ve put these notes to good use and have incorporated them into everything I do. Marriage and children were the second phase of my life. When raising my children, I sat with them and used creative methods to make their homework more interesting. When I quizzed them prior to tests, it thrilled me. I was exposed to subjects that, in my youth, I would never have thought as pertinent. I memorized the subjects along with them. As a result, AP history, creative writing, literature, politics and a multitude of subjects – other than music – fascinated me. I learned about the world and developed an insatiable desire to travel. In my own way, I was able to attend high school all over again.
Most importantly, now that my children are starting their own careers, I’ve begun to mentor myself, pursue everything that interests me – from writing this cultural column to exhibiting my photography in a juried show. To this day, I am still passionate about technology, electronics and design. Fortunately, my husband shares the same interest. He and I could spend hours in a Radio Shack and we’re frequent flyers at the Apple Store. I have begun a third phase in my life and I’m reveling in it.
In my heart, I am and always will be a musician. I had the aptitude. The right people took me under their wing at the right time and, in turn, I try to pay it forward. As to what’s next, who knows? Hmm, maybe astrophysics…
No sweat!
Live… Go… Do!
Top Five List For December 2013:
1) Read (or write) some poetry:
Gone are the days of adherence to iambic pentameter. As I witnessed at the Miami Book Fair International 2013, contemporary poetry is very much alive today. In preparation for my interviews with notable poets, Richard Blanco and Julie Marie Wade, I immersed myself in their poetry. I learned that the words don’t have to rhyme – they just have to flow. I actually found myself starting to think like a poet… even tried my hand at some prose in email correspondences with my eldest son. He wrote back poetically in return.
2) Plan ahead:
TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THE MULTIPLE TONY AWARD®-WINNING SHOW
WAR HORSE
At the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
“The National Theatre of Great Britain’s epic WAR HORSE, winner of five 2011 Tony® Awards including Best Play, will make its premiere at the Kravis Center beginning Wednesday, February 12 through Sunday, February 16. Hailed by The New York Times as “theatrical magic,” WAR HORSE is the powerful story of young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I. In a tale the New York Daily News calls “spellbinding, by turns epic and intimate,” Joey is caught in enemy crossfire and ends up serving both sides of the war before landing in no man’s land. Albert, not old enough to enlist, embarks on a treacherous mission to find his horse and bring him home. What follows is a remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship, filled with stirring music and songs and told with the some of the most innovative stagecraft of our time.” – Kravis Center Press Release
Grab a beer and hear Fire In The Kitchen on Friday and Saturday nights!
We had a BLAST over at Bull McCabes! I urge you all to try their outstanding craft beer and authentic Celtic rock cooked dishes. The best treat of all is their live music, performed by Fire In The Kitchen on Friday and Saturday nights. Fire In The Kitchen is an outstanding trio of performers specializing in Celtic music. I look forward to hearing their CD – coming out in January. Here’s a little bit about their background:
Bobby O’Donovan hails from Cork City, Ireland, and is a wonderful singer and multi-instrumentalist, playing mandolin, fiddle, bodhran, whistle, bones, spoons – you name it, he probably plays it! He has a long career playing with numerous groups, including, The Irish Rovers and The Sons of Erin. He has played all over the world, and has just returned from New Zealand, where he played with Scottish singer/songwriter Isla Grant. He has played as a session musician on many, many recordings, including a Jimmy Buffett album, “Banana Wind”. He is also very funny!
Bob Noble, a native Brit,accompanies them on keyboards and sings backup vocals and has performed Irish music for about 15 years. Bob has also played all over the world with many different artists. Including Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Aha, Joan Armatrading, Cliff Richard, Bob Geldof, Judie Tzuke and Tanita Tikaram. He has also arranged and produced several albums since coming to South Florida.
Vincent Griffin is a native of Montreal, Canada, and traces his family roots to County Kerry, Ireland. He has a beautiful tenor voice and also plays acoustic and electric guitars. Vincent has a large repertoire from standards to popular classics. He has also been a member of several bands that have toured Canada and the USA, including four trips to South Korea and two tours of New Zealand and Australia with Will Millar, the founder of the Irish Rovers. We are fortunate that he has joined Fire In The Kitchen this season at Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub.
Bob O’Donovan, Bob Noble and Vincent Griffin of “Fire in the Kitchen” at the Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub in Wellington. Photo: LHB.
For more information go to: thebullmccabe.com. Also see this month’s “Florida Foodie” review (for more about The Bull McCabe’s Irish Pub).
Check out our AW YouTube video of Fire In The Kitchen at:
“The Norton Museum of Art announces the opening of a pair of exhibitions exposing visitors to dynamic pictures, moving and still. New Works / New Directions: Recent Acquisitions of Photographyhighlights photographs recently added to the Norton Collection, but not yet exhibited. L.A. Stories: Videos from the West Coast showcases“Left Coast” creativity. The exhibitions are on view through Sunday, January 12, 2014.” – Norton Press Release
Double Blind (Anna Moore), 2007 by Julie Orser A six-minute video-and-sound work. Photo: Courtesy of the Norton Museum.
5) Finally, it’s winter break! Travel to a place that’s fun for all ages.
I highly recommend you take the drive up to relax and enjoy the gorgeous blue water and beaches of Sarasota, on the Gulf Coast. While you’re there, visit this extraordinary gem of a museum, planetarium and aquarium all under one roof! The exhibits below, in particular, demonstrate the true meaning of mentoring a student who had the aptitude, talent and drive to succeed. Read on…
“Two exhibitions, running until December 29, 2013, are currently showcased on the second floor of the Museum’s galleries: Fine Art Botanicals by O.M. Braida and Aspects of Art by Julia Rega. Ms. Braida is the founder and an instructor at the Academy of Botanical Art in Sarasota, as well as a member of the American Society of Botanical Artists and the Copley Society of Art.
One of the Academy’s talented graduates, Julia Rega, 25, displays how her skill developed over the course of her journey with Academy studies in the exhibition. Her accomplishment at such a young age was the foundation for a unified personal focus. The abilities and sensitivities she gained paved the way for her career as a graphic designer. The work provides a case study of the training required to become a certified botanical artist. Julia received her certification from the Academy of Botanical Art before going on to become a professional illustrator and designer for such corporations as Victoria’s Secret in Manhattan.” – South Florida Museum Website
Botanical Artist: Julie Rega. Photo by LH Baumel.
Julia Rega’s Pathway to Botanical Artistry Photo: LH Baumel
See this exhibit and more at:
The South Florida Museum, 201 10th Street West, Bradenton FL 34205
Phone: (941) 746-4131 or visit: www.southfloridamuseum.org
To see more of Julie Rega’s work visit: www.julierega.com
***
Lori Hope Baumel and her husband Eric live in Wellington and have three children.
Their eldest, Sam, 27, is a media producer and conceptual artist who currently resides in (extremely hipster) Brooklyn, NY. Her younger children, Evan and Rachel, wrote the Around Wellington “Teen Talk” column in previous years. Rachel, 24, is an arts administrator for the Masterworks Chorale in Boston, MA and Evan, 21, is a senior at American University in Washington DC. Eric has practiced radiology in Wellington since 1991. His many talents include artist, cook, photographer and, recently, medical app developer. You can learn more about Lori at www.loribaumel.com or read her blog: www.grownupcamp.tumblr.com
As I picked up the stray piece of shredded cheddar cheese from the kitchen floor, my eye glimpsed something dark and menacing at the base of the refrigerator. Easy does it, I whispered under my breath, edging cautiously closer for a better look. Suddenly, chillingly, the repulsive ugliness of the situation hit me, sending me clattering back against the kitchen cabinets.
“Galloping Greyhounds!” I bellowed, for that was my superhero rallying cry when duty called. The dust and crud that had accumulated on the refrigerator vent plate wasn’t going anywhere without a fight. There would be violence and horror and the kind of grunting sounds professional tennis players make when they’re trying to pound the ball. This was no task for an average civilian armed with a common household cleaner. No, my friends, this was a job for . . . ta-da-da-dut-da-da . . . Task Man!
Now, while some superheroes might regale you with the gory details of the battle that ensued, that’s not how Task Man operates. Suffice it to say that the evil coating of crud that had invaded the refrigerator vent plate was vanquished and all signs of the epic struggle erased. Problem solved. Harmony restored. Best of all, the homeowner, a Mrs. A. Williamson, was left blissfully unaware of the narrowly averted disaster. THAT’S the Task Man way. Quick. Clean. No big scene.
But wait. What’s that you say? It really is the gory details you want? Okay sicko, you asked for it. I give you this recent episode from the Task Man case files to satisfy your vile craving.
For weeks, a man I will refer to only as “Al Willy” had trouble shaving with his Norelco Reflex Plus electric shaver. The appliance, which normally emitted a robust buzzing sound, was making faint humming noises, not unlike those associated with an aging Paul Simon. A routine grooming task that once took Al Willy only two minutes had now become a five to seven minute skirmish that would often draw blood and leave him visibly shaken and scruffy.
Enter TaskMan. One night while Al Willy slept, this chore-crushing crusader crept into the bathroom and sprang the Norelco Reflex Plus from an unguarded medicine cabinet. Prying the triple-headed rotary blade unit from the motor housing, I gasped and staggered back at the putrid proliferation of filth that poured forth. “Galloping Greyhounds!” I roared, though I kept it to a dull roar given that it was the middle of the night and people were sleeping nearby.
Each rotary blade was incased in an immovable band of solid filth and shaving stubble, unable to rotate, unable to shave. I wondered: What kind of depraved madman would neglect to clean out his razor for months on end? I thought of taking the shaver into Al Willy’s bedroom and shaking its crude contents down his open mouth while he snored. But Task Man was not there to judge. My job was purely pragmatic. Fill what was empty. Empty what was full. Fix what was broken. With daylight about to signal the dawning of a new day, I finished painstakingly hand cleaning each rotary disc, reassembled the shaver, and went to slip out a side door at the far end of the house.
But what’s this? The once steadfast door leading out to the garage was squeaking mournfully, pitifully. Probably hadn’t had its hinges oiled in years. Pulling a small canister of silicone spray from a hidden compartment in my boxer briefs, I took dead aim and doused the shrieking hinges, flicking the door back and forth until it settled into a genial silence. Another job well done. All in a day’s work for the amazing TaskMan.
Meanwhile, back in the bathroom, a groggy Al Willy plugs his Norelco Reflex Plus into the wall, splashes some pre-shave lube on his face, and begins to work the shaving head across his stubbled cheek. “Galloping Greyhounds!” he exclaims. “It’s a miracle! I’m getting the closest, smoothest shave I’ve had in months!”
Feeling a strange bulge in his underwear, he reaches down to find a small, half-empty canister of silicone spray.
“Well that’s weird,” he mutters. “How did that get there?”
It was a mystery, to be sure, but one that would have to be explored some other time. For the day was new and there were places to go, people to see and tasks to be tackled.
Many pet owners have been following, with great interest, media broadcasts and internet blogs about the mysterious illnesses and deaths of our beloved pets. It seems that dogs are most susceptible, as cats have been gravely sickened, but few have died.
I’m going to share an article from the online “Huffington Post,” which explains well the concerns of both vets and government agencies:
“Nearly 600 dogs and cats have died, and 3600 more have been sickened in the last six years as a result of eating poisonous jerky treats,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a statement Tuesday. (Oct 2, 2013.) The agency used the opportunity to put out a call to pet owners to assist in gathering information about the cause of the scourge.”
“The number of illnesses and death, the vast majority of which have affected dogs, has risen since January, when the FDA reported more than 3200 dogs and cats had been sick, and over 500 died, apparently from eating chicken, duck, sweet potato, and fruit-flavored jerky treats, many of which are imported from China. While the federal agency continues to investigate, it has not yet determined exactly why so many pets are getting sick.”
“This is one of the most elusive and mysterious outbreaks we’ve encountered,” FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Director Bernadette Dunham said.
But some say that reports of pets sickened from jerky treats have declined since a number of these pet products were taken off the shelves of many stores this past January, 2013, after trace amounts of six antibiotics, five of which are banned in the US, were found in analysis of the treats.
Off the shelves? Really decided to do a little research in our local area. After all the publicity, do local stores still carry pet treats manufactured outside our US borders? Yes, And here are a few.
Costco. It stands by the safety of these products. I was surprised, to say the least. According to the following article, Costco is still selling chicken jerky treats made in China. See this article. The following link also explains that Costco is still selling these jerky treats, and also gives a good list of USA-manufactured pet treats – see this USA Love List article.
Petsmart. Really? This corporate purveyor of a myriad of pet products can’t find those that are produced in the United States? Milk Bone dog biscuits have always been manufactured in the USA. Though not as exotic as “duck jerky,” the ingredients are listed on the package, and all Milk Bone varieties are manufactured in a Buffalo, NY plant. I confess to knowing to one of the Milk Bone production crew. I buy the smallest ones for Gracie, and use them as treats. She can have several, at intervals, instead of one large one. Dogs don’t register the size of their rewards.
Big Lots. I also found products that they carry the familiar “Sergeants” brand name, side by side, on the shelf of the Big Lots store in Lake Worth. One was made in the USA, the other in Vietnam.
CVS stores carry Duck Tenders from China, and Dingo Bones from Cambodia. They also carry a few items with the “Made in USA” label. Be diligent, examine every item.
Walgreens. Stopping at Walgreens, I headed to the pet department to check their shelves, and I was shocked! Walgreens features its own brand of treats, “Pet Shoppe.” There are lots of attractively packaged products, and if I hadn’t been curious about where each had originated, purchasing the stuff for my dog would surely be tempting, but the treat selection manufacturers are from all over the globe.
Chicken and duck jerky, from Thailand, on the shelf next to Oven Baked Pretzels, USA.
One package of treats noted that “Many veterinarians are concerned about the potential health risks of consuming rawhide.” And the treats in this bag were manufactured in China.
The two Hartz products I found had “Distributed by…,” an American company. That’s no proof of where the items were actually made. If the country of manufacture isn’t mentioned, I’d put it back on the hook.
Although the FDA currently has no authority to establish and regulate the safety of ingredients and manufacturing processes of pet food and other consumables, I believe that the words “Made in the USA” on packaging are an additional protection for our beloved pets. And I believe that here is a growing push to encourage our lawmakers to establish safety standards. LET’S ASK THE VETS!
Surely veterinarians have information about these mysterious illness, have they seen any indication of the sudden sickening and death of pets here in Florida?
There are several vets at Palms West Veterinary Hospital, a busy practice on Folsom Rd in the Western Communities. It’s a 24/7 emergency/critical care facility, and I was fortunate to interview a vet that specializes in homeopathic treatment, Dr, Michael Dym, and a Chinese veterinarian, trained in the US, Dr Sarah Beg.
“I’ve heard about this problem, and we’re an emergency treatment clinic,” says Dr Dym, “so we see some pretty sick animals. But no owners have indicated that their animals had eaten Chinese treats prior to becoming ill.” And he believes that there hasn’t been any catastrophic sickness that ended in death where the cause couldn’t be diagnosed.
“That said, although the US has no standards for the ingredients in animal consumable products, I would check every treat or food package for the country of origin. No off shore products at all. And I have reservations about many of the mass-produced foods offered in pet stores and supermarkets. Mass marketed products suffer from quality control, and most are grain based.”
“If given a choice, I would be feeding holistic animal food produced in small facilities, such as Pet Guard products, manufactured in Jacksonville, FL, but sold nationwide, including at Whole Foods.” says Dr Dym.
Dr. Dym has been a veterinarian since 1991, with a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University, and a VMD from the U of Pennsylvania, two of the most prestigious veterinary training institutions in the world, He admits, “In veterinarian training, we are told what’s good to feed an animal. but we don’t get much training in nutrition itself. I always tell my clients to check the ingredients of their pet’s food, They’re listed in the order of prominent ingredient content. ‘Meat’ or ‘meat meal’ should be first and second, not meat parts, or grain. Grain based foods are less desirable. Try to avoid gluten, corn or other grains.”
Dr. Sarah Beg is very aware of the jerky treat problem. “I know that many stores have pulled any foods or treats that were manufactured in China,” she says, “but I’m really disappointed that PetSmart continues to carry these products, along with Walgreens and other outlets. “Well meaning pet owners buy dog food that boast of containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc. But way too often, the manufacturing process destroys the efficacy of these additives, and purchasers are paying extra for ingredients that exist in trace amounts, or not at all.” And the boasts that products are “natural” mean absolutely nothing. Dr Beg adds that some pet foods offer the information that their contents are “human grade,” which is desirable.
She offers some suggestions: “If you can’t afford the best foods, you can supplement your dog’s diet with inexpensive ingredients such as organic brown rice, quinoa, and barley, found in any supermarket. To push it further, we believe that some foods are better in different situations; eg – if a dog is hot, and panting, we switch his diet from chicken to fish, which aids body cooling.”
The FDA said it continues to test jerky products for chemical contaminants, and continues to meet with Chinese regulators and U.S. pet food companies to share information. The agency recommends that owners who feed their pets jerky treats should be on the lookout for signs of decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption and increased urination in their pets.
If you believe that your pet may have been sickened by eating jerky products, report your findings to the FDA by calling 1-888-INFO-FDA,
One more note: many products that I examined did not list the country of manufacture. There were notations that it had been “distributed by” Kraft, Del Monte, etc, or some other familiar name, in an American location. Don’t be fooled – check. The country of manufacture will usually not be near the listing of the distributing agent.
Below is a link to a list of treats you’ll probably wish to avoid, published October 24, 2013.
I plan to contact Walgreens corporate offices, as the majority of this company’s pet treats are manufactured elsewhere, and request that in the interest of pets everywhere that the products made offshore be removed from their shelves. You might want to do the same. Here’s the link:
So… what’s going to be in your pet’s stocking this year? Hoping it has a label that says “Made in America.” And Happy Holidays, to you, your family, and pets, no matter how you choose to celebrate!
“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home, and every home would have a dog.”
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Over a lifetime, Barbara Phillippi has had mostly “normal” dogs – a few German Shepherds and a bunch of wonderful “mutts,” each with its own wonderful, quirky, qualities. For many years, she taught 4-H dog obedience courses, under the authorization of Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension Services. That terrific program teaches the basics of dog behavior, of every breed, to young dog owners. Today she lives in Wellington with three Jack Russell Terriers – Woody, Gracie, and Buck. “These guys showed me a learning curve that I never knew existed!”
What am I thankful for? There’s a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. I’ll start with my family. I’m grateful for my kids. They continue to amaze me – with their good questions, their excellence at school and their creativity. Tonight they made cupcakes with their cousin Amy. My daughter had an idea for making “turkey cupcakes,” which involved dipping strawberries in chocolate. They came out so well. It’s good to be able to envision things – a new recipe, a new video, a new way of making a bracelet. She can do these things. And my son – he’s always building. Today he built an airplane that could carry several of his Skylanders. Always building and designing. They are “low maintenance” kids. I’m happy to say that they never have said, “I am bored.” They have good ideas and keep busy.
Turkey cupcakes, made by my kids and their cousin Amy.
I’m grateful for my husband. I’ve been through a rough time recently, including losing my brother and including being hospitalized. He has been supportive and stable, during a difficult sea of changes. He is always figuring out how to make things better for our family. He’s also an amazing Dad. When it’s bed time, the kids both ask for him. Yes, he has infinite patience, it seems. He certainly has more patience than I do (at least by the end of the day). He’s also the expert at scratching their backs.
I’m also happy to do what I do and grateful for my work. I’m happy to interview really interesting people, edit articles that I enjoy reading and post photos from great events AroundWellington. I enjoy learning more about our advertisers and hearing from our monthly columnists. Oh, and one of my favorite things – is calling the winner of our contests, just to say, “You’re the winner!” The phone call that makes someone’s day … makes my day too. So now, just about 8 years after its beginning, AroundWellington.com continues to thrive. Many thanks to people like you!
I enjoy learning from people who are excellent at what they do. Through the eyes of my sister-in-law, I can see how to be a great life coach. Through the eyes of a friend, I can see how to present a successful fundraiser for a good cause. Through the eyes of another friend I can see how to sell a business and “begin again.” And thanks to many of the local Moms that I know, I can see how to juggle – a career, a family, hobbies – and do it without dropping any balls.
As I’m writing this on the eve of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the feast that we will have with our family tomorrow. I’m thankful for each member of the family who will be at the table. I’m thankful to be able to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child, thanks to my children. I’m thankful for a prosperous and happy year ahead. THANKS to you! Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Hanukkah! Yes, speaking of a “juggling act,” Hanukkah came very early for our Jewish friends this year, making it Thanksgivikkuh (quite a lot to do if you were preparing a big meal and gifts at the same time). Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
Each year the holiday season is ushered in with television ads showing snow covered streets, horse drawn sleighs with the sounds of jingle bells and folks wrapped up in warm clothing. As a child I always looked forward to televisions specials like Charlie Brown’s Christmas and Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. I just didn’t realize that Rudolph and the gang really existed – until I went to Norway this past winter.
My destination was Røros where I was to attend a most unusual winter’s fair – Rørosmartnan. It’s been 150 years since the King of Norway entered a proclamation declaring, “From 1854 onwards a yearly market shall be held in Røros, commencing the second last Tuesday in the month of February, lasting until the following Friday.”
The town of Røros in Norway
When the King speaks, Norwegians listen. In February 1854, Rørosmartnan was born. Traders from all over Norway and even parts of Sweden harnessed their horses to sleighs and traveled across frozen lakes and rivers through snow blanketed forests to Røros. They brought with them products indigenous to their regions to trade with their countrymen.
Rørosmartnan continues today and except for the extension of the festival through Saturday and the addition of electricity and cell phones, not much has changed. For many Norwegians, the journey to Rørosmartnan is still made by horse and sleigh with some traveling up to 11 days sleeping in farms along the way. The tradition isn’t just for the old-timers. Ages of the travelers at this year’s festival ranged from 1 to 87!
Folk dancing
I arrived in time for opening day at Rørosmartnan…an experience everyone should have at least once. The horse and sleigh groups glide into town wearing traditional Norwegian dress over the three or four necessary layers of undergarments – February in Norway tends to be a bit cold! Folk rock bands entertain and the steps to the Pols folk dance seem to be known by everyone.
How to “layer” your clothing on a winter’s day in Norway
Strolling amid charming wooden houses from the 17th and 18th century – many of which still retain their dark pitch-log facades – while listening to the clanging of the bells from the parade of horses and sleighs carrying traders bundled up in reindeer furs you will start to believe you’ve been transported straight to the North Pole.
The town of Røros is an attraction in itself especially in winter when the streets are covered in snow and the sun reflects off icy tree branches. This former copper mining town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with modern day inhabitants living and working in the protected wooden buildings. During Rørosmartnan the town’s usual 5,000 residents share their narrow streets with 75,000 visitors as Røros is transformed into a lively marketplace with a festive street life.
Most of the fair takes place in the two main streets of Røros where about 250 exhibitors have stalls in the street and at the indoor trade fair. There are about 80 wooden houses centered around courtyards – or backyards. Those backyards are the place to go to discover the true essence of Rørosmartnan.
Traditionally, people would gather in the backyards to trade, play music, dance and tell stories. During Rørosmartnan, this tradition lives on as the backyards become traditional country inns with stables for visiting horses. Wander into any backyard and you will find fiddlers and other musicians, coffee brewing over an open fire, traditional crafts and story-telling. Everyone is welcome and the traders are happy to teach you the traditional folk dances and offer you samples of their homemade sausages – which could be anything from reindeer to last year’s horse. You might want to get confirmation before sampling! In the stables, you will find some of the current year’s horses resting up and hoping not to be next year’s sausage.
There are plenty of live animal encounters available during
The lost art of reindeer driving.
Rørosmartnan. You can mush with a team of Alaskan Huskies or take an easy ride in one of the horse drawn sleighs under the warmth of your own reindeer blanket. And then there’s reindeer driving on a frozen lake.
In a scene straight from the North Pole excited children of all ages ride in wooden sleds pulled by real reindeer. The reindeer are owned by an indigenous South Sami family whose daily life revolves around reindeer herding. Their work with the reindeer is based on traditions that go back many generations in the Røros area. The family’s main home is in town but they spend much of their time in the mountains with the reindeer where they stay in cabins built for herders. During the festival they bring the reindeer to town where you can drive them around the frozen lake – basically having your very own Santa moment.
When I heard reindeer were real and I could actually drive a reindeer sled, there was no stopping me. On my last afternoon, my host walked with me to a frozen lake just outside the town center. It was in this bucolic winter wonderland scene that I saw my first reindeer. There were several walking a path around the frozen lake as excited children of all ages rode in wooden sleds pulled by Santa’s team.
It was late afternoon and the reindeer really just wanted to take a nap – they tend to be a bit lazy. But I had been promised the chance to drive a reindeer sled so I was welcomed – at least by the people.
My host grew up in Norway and was right at home with the animals. She hopped onto the back section of the little wooden sled and waited for me to sit at the front of the sled to drive. I stepped in between the wooden bars that attached the sled to the animal.
Blitzen was over the whole “let them drive me” scene and he wasn’t waiting any longer for me to get seated. When I stepped in front of the sled he bolted and I went flying backwards off the sled and into a blanket of snow. The poor woman in charge was horrified as she tried to calm the beast down. My host tried desperately to stop laughing so that she could check on my condition.
I scrambled back to my feet and brushed the snow off my jeans – that’s when I heard the noise behind me. It seems Donner had been watching the incident with Blitzen and was completely amused. His mouth was open in a big reindeer smile – he was laughing at me. Seriously.
I guess I shouldn’t have been that surprised, after all they did laugh at poor Rudolph with his red nose. I’m sure Grandma flying through the air and landing with a thud in the snow was much more amusing than a red-nosed reindeer.
In the town of Røros, almost everyone has a backyard stable for visiting horses.
Once Blitzen was subdued, I climbed back on the sled to drive the beast. Reindeer is a popular dish in Norway and I reminded Blitzen of this while I drove him around the lake. He straightened up and let me enjoy my ride.
I have always despised that song “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” but now I understand it.
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. Also, check out her blog atwww.trippingwithterri.com. You can contact Terri at terri.marshall60@gmail.com.
‘SPLASH OF ART’ SILENT AUCTION BENEFITS CULTURAL COUNCIL’S
EXHIBITIONS AND EDUCATION
LAKE WORTH: The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County compliments its aquatic-themed art exhibition,”The Deep and the Shallow: Photographers Exploring a Watery World” with a “Splash of Art” on Thursday, December 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. at its Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. headquarters at 601 Lake Avenue in Lake Worth.
The silent auction features 33 masterful works of art in various media by 29 Palm Beach County-based artists.
“This is an opportunity to acquire locally-created art as holiday gifts while enjoying a wine tasting,” said Nichole Hickey, manager of artist services for the Council. All proceeds from silent auction sales will go toward future exhibitions, education and other programming created by the Council for local artists and arts organizations.
A trunk show featuring the sea glass jewelry of Denise Savela and jewelry and nautical-themed pottery by Marie Wingate will also be on offer.
“We feel fortunate to have such a wealth of artistic talent in our community,” said Cultural Council President and CEO Rena Blades. “It is an honor to showcase these artists who have chosen to highlight the truly remarkable environment we have here in South Florida.”
Admission to the “Splash of Art” event is $40 for members/$50 for non-members. The event is sponsored by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder with additional support from PRP Wine International, Johnson’s Custom Cakes and More, Divers Direct, Boynton Beach Flower Market and Tanks A Lot Aquarium, Inc.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Interviews with the featured artists, as well as photo opportunities may be arranged in advance of the December 12th event. High resolution images of art works and artists are available upon request.
About the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County: The Cultural Council is the official arts and culture support agency for Palm Beach County serving non-profit organizations, individual artists and arts districts. The Council markets the county’s cultural experiences to visitors and residents, administers grants, expands arts and cultural education, advocates for funding and arts-friendly policies and serves the arts community through capacity building training and exposure to funders and audiences.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Join the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Societyon Friday November 29th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for the first annual “Thanks for Giving” event. The Zoo is teaming up with local food pantries in effort to restock their shelves following the Thanksgiving holiday.
The event will include up-close animal encounters, children’s entertainment in the fountain plaza, story time in the Florida Pioneer House, complimentary rides for all children on the Wildlife Carousel and much more.
There will also be extra Keeper Talks during the event, including the following: Tiger Talk at 6:30 p.m., Panther Talk at 7:00 p.m. and Jaguar Talk at 7:30 p.m.
Member tickets for the evening are $9.00 for adults/seniors, children 3-12 are $5.00, and children under 3 get in for free. Non-member tickets are $15.95 for adults/seniors, children 3-12 are $9.95, and children under 3 get in for free. All Zoo guests who bring a minimum of 2 non-perishable food items per person will receive $2.00 off of admission price.
About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. Our commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others.
The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visitwww.palmbeachzoo.org.
