Monday, July 29, 2013

Slideshow: Dogs Rescued from Fighting Ring

Slideshow: Dogs Rescued from Fighting Ring

Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 12:00pm
Slideshow: Dogs Rescued from Fighting Ring
Earlier this year, the ASPCA assisted in a three-state dog fighting bust alongside the FBI, Missouri Highway Patrol and several other agencies.
When we found these dogs, many were doomed to live their whole lives tethered by heavy chains—and on the day of the raid, many were left outside to suffer through a blizzard.
Today, after months under the care of our behaviorists, veterinarians and tireless responders, dogs rescued from this raid are thriving. In fact, some have already headed to rescue for adoption! Still others remain in our care.
We wanted to show you some of these dogs’ happy faces and thank you for helping us make their rescue possible. We couldn’t have taken on this massive operation without your help!


Slideshow: Amazing Transformation of Dog Fighting Victims

Blackfish expands into cinemas across the world

Blackfish expands into cinemas across the world

Friday 26 July 2013
Blackfish arrives in the UK and Ireland!
Blackfish fever has well and truly hit today, as screenings begin in UK and Irish cinemas. With rave reviews in the national press, the film is this weekends must see hit! Find your local screening at www.BlackfishMovie.com and let us know what you think - make sure to tweet your reviews using @blackfishmovie this weekend from a UK screening for a chance to win one of our T-shirts!
Here are just a select few of today's newspaper reviews:
The Mirror ★★★★★ "Expertly crafted, A must-see."
The Guardian  ★★★★ "As gripping as a serial killer thriller"
The Daily Mail ★★★★ "Gripping and devastating"
The Times ★★★★ "The compulsion of a detective story"
The Daily Express ★★★★ "A harrowing and eye-opening documentary"
The Sun ★★★★ "Compelling"
The Evening Standard ★★★★ "Couldn’t be more convincing"
Blackfish also expands onto more screens in the US today - find screenings here
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Love, Team Dogwoof xx

Waifs of the Week - July 29, 2013 These pets are available for adoption today through Wayside Waifs.

Waifs of the Week - July 29, 2013
These pets are available for adoption today through Wayside Waifs.
Neutella is so sweet! Honey Bun is as sweet as her name! Sage is so handsome!
Nutella
10 years
Female
Walker Coonhound
Hi! I'm Nutella, sweet as can be and full of so much love and affection. I'm laidback and mellow. I've had a really hard life, full of hard times and neglect, so getting a second chance at a happy, carefree life here at Wayside means the world to me. If you're the type of person who wants to make a difference in the life of a gentle soul, I just might be the dog for you.
I am 53 pounds of pure love and am a purebred Walker Coonhound. I'm classified as a senior, so my adoption fee is half price, but please don't pass me by because of my age! I have so much living left to do!
I came to Wayside via the Grandview, MO animal control people. I was in such bad shape when I got here, I made some of the volunteers and staff so sad. But it's incredible what a little time, attention, and proper care can do! I've been recuperating for the last month or so and I feel good! I'm happy, bouncy, spring in my step, smile on my face kind of good!
I don't want to dwell on my past, but I do want you to know what I've been through, so that you can understand me better. When I got to Wayside, I was covered in ticks....thousands of them. I had severe infections in my ears and on my skin.
The ticks are all gone now, of course. I've been on antibiotics and steroids for my infections. But it was a painful process to get better, especially for my ears! I'm so thankful for the care I've received and I need a home that will provide me continuing care going forward.
Please keep my ears cleaned and keep me free of ticks. I'm currently taking supplements to help keep my hips free from pain, so I hope you will continue this inexpensive regimen for me when we get home! Since I'm an older gal and have had a rough life, I want to stay as healthy as I possibly can.
I was fortunate to be able to recuperate from all of my ailments in a loving foster home. My Foster Mom said I was a wonderful dog and she enjoyed her time with me so much!
Foster Mom says I was well behaved, easy going, mellow, and calm. She described me as a sweet girl who loves to cuddle and be by my people as much as possible. I sometimes cried when I was left alone, but never for very long.
I did well with the small dogs that I came across along the way, but not so much the bigger dogs. If you do have another, I'd love to meet them before we go home together, to make sure we're a good match. I'm not much into playing with other dogs though, just so you know.
There were no kids in my foster home, but Foster Mom said I did well with the neighbor kids we met during our walks and was always happy to let them pet me. I do think I'll be happiest in a home without kids under the age of 5, please, mostly because I'm looking for a low key, low energy type of home.
I'm looking for a home with people who will give me plenty of love and attention in a quiet and calm home. I've never had that before, and it's something I really need in my life. I hope you're around for me, committed, dedicated, and kind.
I'm grateful to you already for just reading about me and thinking of adopting me! Imagine the gratitude once we're finally home together! It's all I can think about.
Love, Nutella
P.S. Just so you know, I'm back at the shelter now, so feel free to come for me whenever you're ready! I've been spending my time going for walks with the volunteers, which I love and they do too, because I walk so perfectly on my leash. I can frequently be found curled up and napping in my kennel, but I'm ready to leave at a moments notice, so wake me up when you get there, ok? Thanks!
Adoption fee: $25
Honey Bun
9 years
Female  
Domestic Shorthair 
Hi, my name is Honey Bun, and according to all my new friends here at Wayside, I'm every bit as sweet as my name!
For eight years I had a great home, but my special person developed some health issues and could no longer care for me. So, now I'm here at Wayside, waiting for the second great love of my life to come walking through the door.
Living in a shelter is tough after enjoying the comforts of a home for so long, but everyone here at Wayside says I'm taking it in stride and adjusting well, which indicates what an easy-going cat I am. After all, my Felineality is Leader of the Band, which means I'm a confident cat who loves people. What else?
I love being talked to and I love being petted, especially on my back and behind my ears. I'll let you know how much I'm I'm enjoying your company with my great purr. I can't wait to meet you so come on out to Wayside Waifs and meet me today!
Love, Honey Bun
Adoption fee: $12.50
Sage
11 months
Male
Curly Coated Retriever
Hi there, my name is Sage and don't I have the cutest face ever? Did you notice the heart shape? I am a Curly Coated Retriever a little under a year old and I am so looking forward to leaving my kennel and moving in with my perfect forever family.
Just in case you are not familiar with the Curly Coated Retriever, here is a little about my breed. It is not sure exactly where my decedents originated, but I think it was somewhere in England. It is also believed that I was descended from the English Water Spaniel, the St. John's Newfoundland, the Retrieving Setter and the Poodle and considered one of the oldest of the Retriever Breeds.
I came here along with other puppies and young dogs from a shelter in Oklahoma that was becoming a little overcrowded. It is so awesome that I was lucky enough to get to come to Wayside Waifs where I know I am safe. So here I am waiting for my new family, a new home and a new life, could that be you? I am just as sweet as I can be, and walking on my leash, well you can guess, I am the perfect little guy.
Although Wayside has no record of aggression, I would really like to meet any canines in the home as well as all family members. I may not be best suited for families with children under the age of 5 years.
I am super laid back and love to be petted and I really do enjoy my walks. I love being around people and I am well-mannered. My handlers think I am an awesome guy, sweet and easy to manage. I have heard some of the girls talk about what a handsome guy I am, wink, wink. Can you imagine how good that makes me feel?
My handlers at Wayside Waifs love me because I am such an easy going dog. I am sweet and loyal and follow instructions well. I know one of my handlers has said this before but I know she really means it this time, she thinks I am one of the most beautiful dogs at Wayside Waifs. Look at my photo is there any doubt?
I hope you consider me as your companion and come to visit me at Wayside Waifs so I can show you what an awesome guy I am. Just stop by the Adoption Desk and ask for Sage, I will be waiting for you.
Hugs and Kisses, Sage
Adoption fee: $130

Safe Haven" Law Changes in Missouri July 23, 2013 by Patricia-Anne Tom 11 0

"Safe Haven" Law Changes in Missouri


It can be difficult to imagine what circumstances would push a woman to willingly give up a baby, but Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed a law extending the period of time after birth in which parents can give up their babies without facing legal consequences, KSPR-TV reports.
Every state has a "Safe Haven" law, allowing parents to legally surrender their infants to a police station, fire station, EMS personnel, or hospital after birth for a certain period of time, typically ranging from 5 to 30 days. By extending the period to 45 days, Gov. Nixon hopes to give parents more time to consider their options and protect the wellbeing of their babies.
Some women may not want to have an abortion, but they may not feel like they are equipped to raise a child, explains Terry Malesky of the Pregnancy Care Center. Thus, she and other workers in the childcare field are excited that the law now gives parents more time to ensure newborns are safe and loved.
"It's got to be hard for someone to say I'm at this point where I've just got to take this baby somewhere," Malesky says.
http://act.credoaction.com/sign/repeal_shootfirst_2013/?sp_ref=5879330.4.306.o.1.2&referring_akid=8498.5646739.Xg8vlg&source=clickcopy_sp

Don't Build a Factory Close to a Bird Sanctuary!

Don't Build a Factory Close to a Bird Sanctuary!

Don't Build a Factory Close to a Bird Sanctuary!
  • signatures: 50,025

  • signature goal: 51,000
  • Target: Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Board of India
  • Sponsored by: Chris Wolverton
A polluting viscose staple fiber plant is slated to be built 1.5 kilometers, or slightly less than one mile, from the Karnala Bird Sanctuary in Mumbai's Raigad district. The sanctuary is home to over 147 species of resident birds, plus 37 species of migratory and endangered birds.
The factory's expulsion of sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide would have devastating effects on the birds' health as well as causing acid rain, which would harm the birds' environment and food supply.
Environmental norms state that any plant or factory that would produce harmful gases and comes within a 10 km radius of a wildlife habitat requires specific permissions. The factory can be located elsewhere to minimize harm to wildlife. Please sign the petition to urge the Bombay National History Society and the Wildlife Board of India to support the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and stand against plans to build a polluting factory nearby!

Jenni, You signed on July 28, 2013.

Your signature has been delivered to:
Bombay Natural History Society, Wildlife Board of India

Thanks to Comprehensive Sex Ed, California Cuts Teen Birth Rate by Mindy Townsend July 28, 2013 5:30 pm

Thanks to Comprehensive Sex Ed, California Cuts Teen Birth Rate

Thanks to Comprehensive Sex Ed, California Cuts Teen Birth Rate
California’s teen birth rate has fallen by 60 percent since 1991, and it is now the lowest it’s been in the state in the last 20 years. It must be because California is a state known for its abstinence-only education. Oh wait! That’s not true.
California actually has a law that requires all public schools in the state to offer comprehensive sex education and accurate information about birth control. And it looks like state health experts do think that the impressive decrease is due to the state’s comprehensive sex ed program.
Interesting — it’s like not hiding your head in the sand is actually helpful.
According to the new report, teen birth rates in California have declined across the board. For Latinas between 15-19, the birth rate fell from 74 births for every 1,000 girls to 42. It just goes down from there. The rate among black teen girls dropped from 51.8 births per 1,000 teenagers to 34.1. Among white teens that number went from 20.1 to 11.2, and for Asian teens it went from 13.9 to 5.3.
Wow, that’s incredible. Who knew a little knowledge could go so far?
This California study fits in pretty well with what we see happening elsewhere in the country. Teen birth rates are decreasing nationwide, but not uniformly. The southern United States is not doing as well in this area, which, incidentally, is the place where you are most likely to see abstinence-only education and low access to birth control.
This really feels like the difference between fear-based and knowledge-based sex ed. Not only does abstinence-only education not stop teens from having sex, it fosters a really unhealthy relationship with a major and natural part of life. It leaves these boys and girls ill-equipped to deal with sex when they decide to have it. I cannot imagine that ignoring the existence of sex for enjoyment – which, despite the saturation of sexiness in culture, is a prevalent way of handling the topic – leads to a more fulfilling sex life as an adult.
If we want to keep kids safe and give them the knowledge necessary to navigate sexual relationships, we can’t ignore the reality. The data is in and it’s compelling. Abstinence-only education doesn’t work. Comprehensive sex education is the best way to arm teens against unwanted pregnancies. Not only that, but access to birth control greatly decreases the number of abortions. So if we really want to decrease the number of teen pregnancies and unwanted pregnancies, it looks like comprehensive sex ed and access to birth control is the way to go.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/thanks-to-comprehensive-sex-ed-california-cuts-teen-birth-rate.html#ixzz2aSoOmabv

Would Americans Release Terrorist Killers?

Would Americans Release Terrorist Killers?

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(Photo: Flicker/ Sébastien Ernest/ bestarns)
At SFI, we try not to pass judgment on decisions made by the democratically elected government of Israel. But we had to ask: in a million years, would you ever accept the U.S. government doing what Israel is doing? Jonathan Tobin, writing at Commentary magazine, says there’s no way the American people would tolerate releasing hardened murderers. So why push Israel to do it?
The fact is the United States would never consider such a request for a minute, no matter the diplomatic gains to be garnered from that sort of concession elsewhere in the globe. The American position is, as the Obama administration likes to put it, that anyone who attacks U.S. citizens will be chased down to the ends of the earth and either be snuffed by a drone attack that has the personal approval of the commander in chief or be locked away for good if they are captured.

Author: Stand For Israel | July 29, 2013


 

Luxury Home Renovations Keep Kids Safe at Home June 10, 2013 by Patricia-Anne Tom 31



Would you invest in an at-home DJ mixing studio for your kids? As the Wall Street Journal recently reported, parents are increasingly pouring thousands of dollars into home renovations that include special features for teens and tweens. The goal is to encourage kids to spend less time on electronic gadgets and more time at home where there is some supervision — thus keeping them out of trouble, parents say.
For instance, design and construction advisor Chris Pollack recently completed a $750,000 renovation on a Manhattan townhouse that included a 1,000-square-foot teen suite with ping-pong and billiards tables, a recording studio, a kitchen, and a theater for movies and video games. He has also designed several security camera-equipped homework rooms, "so parents can keep an eye on computer usage.” Similarly, Linda and John O'Hara have equipped the 1,000-square-foot guest wing of their St. Louis home with 16 beds to accommodate teen sleepovers.
Although these renovations may sound extravagant, the parents who are springing for them argue that the features are a sound investment. Not only do they provide peace of mind, they are often easily converted back into an adult space once the child leaves the nest.
"[Teens and tweens] just needed their place to hang out and be kids," says Lee Lovely, who built a comic book-inspired lounge for his two sons. "And the adults probably need the space and tranquility as much as they do."
Source: Wall Street Journal

If Oregon's state agencies approve Big Coal's irresponsible plans in the coming weeks, it would increase the pollutants in the orca whales' already sensitive environment—and the effects could be devastating for orcas.

Dear Jenni,

There's just a few hours left to have your donation in the fight for orcas matched by a generous donor, dollar-for-dollar.

The situation for endangered Puget Sound orcas is urgent.

If Oregon's state agencies approve Big Coal's irresponsible plans in the coming weeks, it would increase the pollutants in the orca whales' already sensitive environment—and the effects could be devastating for orcas.

With time running out to get the message through to the agencies in charge, we need to show overwhelming national opposition to Big Coal's dangerous plans—and we can't do it without you.

Please donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to join this critical fight for endangered orcas and your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.

The orcas that return to the Puget Sound each summer live in close-knit family units their entire lives and are among the most intelligent animals in the world. But if these families of orcas are going to survive in the Pacific Northwest, they need clean water and plenty of salmon—it's as simple as that.

At this pivotal moment in our campaign, your support can help stop Big Coal from bringing hundreds of millions of tons of toxic coal to orcas' habitat. More than 50,000 wildlife advocates across the country have signed the petition opposing these disastrous projects, but we can't stop there.

Time is running out, and we must ensure that the state and federal agencies in charge hear the widespread public opposition to Big Coal's Northwest plans.

Donate by MIDNIGHT tonight to help bring this fight for endangered orcas to the finish line and your gift for wildlife will go TWICE as far.

Time after time, you've stood up for wildlife, and I can't tell you how much I thank you for it. When coal companies withdrew three of their coal export proposals during the last year, it was because of dedicated wildlife advocates like you.

Your donation today can truly make a difference for orcas in the Puget Sound. We can continue to educate the public and agencies about the costs of coal to wildlife and mobilize hundreds of thousands of concerned citizens across the country, so that these iconic animals can once again thrive in the waters of Puget Sound.

Help make a difference for endangered orcas—please make a generous donation today and have your impact doubled in this critical fight for wildlife.



Thanks for all you do to protect wildlife.

Sincerely,


Andy BuchsbaumAndy Buchsbaum
Interim Executive Director
NWF Action Fund
info@nwa.org
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Exclusive: VOLTO!, Featuring Danny Carey of Tool, Premiere Their First-Ever Music Video, “Tocino” Revolver Magazine | Jul 18, 2013 | 46 Comments and 0 Reactions | Tags: Danny Carey, Danny Carrey, Tool, VOLTO!

Exclusive: VOLTO!, Featuring Danny Carey of Tool, Premiere Their First-Ever Music Video, “Tocino”

Photo by Tas Limur
VOLTO!, the long-running other project of Tool drummer Danny Carey, is set to release their debut album, Incitare, on July 23 via Fantasy/ Concord Music Group. In anticipation, the rock-jazz fusion group, which also features Don Henley’s session and tour bassist Lance Morrison and Bubbatron guitarist John “Volto” Ziegler, has teamed up with Revolver to premiere their new music video, “Tocino” right here right now. Check it out below and let us know what you think in the comments.


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