Giving Thanks

The Buddha said "Happiness never decreases by being shared" so be sure to share your happiness and appreciation with everyone around you during this wonderful Thanksgiving holiday weekend (there's something right there to be thankful for; your weekend starts two days early!).

My inaugural post for this blog back in the summer of 2007 began with the words of a song called "Thank U". The writer was inspired by the gratitude she felt since her trip to India. Today I post the lyrics again and wish you the happiest of holidays!

How 'bout getting off of these antibiotics
How 'bout stopping eating when I'm full up
How 'bout them transparent dangling carrots
How 'bout that ever elusive kudos

Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

How 'bout me not blaming you for everything
How 'bout me enjoying the moment for once
How 'bout how good it feels to finally forgive you
How 'bout grieving it all one at a time

Thank you India
Thank you terror
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you frailty
Thank you consequence
Thank you thank you silence

The moment I let go of it was the momentI got more than I could handle
The moment I jumped off of it
Was the moment I touched down

How 'bout no longer being masochistic
How 'bout remembering your divinity
How 'bout unabashedly bawling your eyes out
How 'bout not equating death with stopping

Thank you India
Thank you providence
Thank you disillusionment
Thank you nothingness
Thank you clarity
Thank you, thank you silence

- Alanis Morrisette

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." - Melody Beattie

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
- William Ward

Flying Hawks Send a Smile from the Sky

Wow, talk about the power of a smile, huh? I hope this photo puts a smile on your face today!

It's About Time

At one time or another, we've all wished for a 25th hour or a 8th day of the week. So many things to do, but too little time, right? Well, time is the great equalizer; every person has 24 hours in a day. No one has more and no one has less. We are all given the same amount of hours in a day. But how do we most effectively use that time? It is a finite resource. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. So, here are some interesting thoughts on TIME.

"The bad news is, time flies. The good news is, you're the pilot." - Michael Althsuler

"Time is what we want the most, but what we use the worst." - William Penn

"While we are postponing, life speeds by." - Seneca

"Until we can manage TIME, we can manage nothing else." - Peter F. Drucker

And one of my personal favorites:

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift. That's why it's called the present."

And as Jim Croce put it "If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I'd like to do, is to save every day 'til eternity passes away, just to spend them with you. If I could make days last forever, if words could make wishes come true, 'Id save every day like a treasure and then, again, I would spend them with you."

And as one of my favorite singers of all time, Eva Cassidy, so eloquently sang, "(if) Time is a healer, then all hearts that break, are put back together again, 'cause love heals the wound it makes."

And as far as managing our time and avoid the procrastination trap? Well, the great folks over at Thought for Today, said it best:

"Complete everything. A task left undone remains undone in TWO places; at the actual location of the task and inside your head. Incomplete tasks in your head consume the energy of your attention as they gnaw at your conscience. They siphon off a little more of your personal power every time you delay. No need to be a perfectionist, that's debilitating in an imperfect world, but it's good to be a 'completionist'. If you start it, finish it... or forget it. Do it .... or dump it!"

To read my earlier posts regarding procrastination, click HERE and HERE.

Attitude

Attitude determines altitude.

How far do you want to soar?

In Gratitude for Those Who Serve: Veterans Day

The saying goes, "If you love your freedom, thank a vet" and "Freedom isn't free". Today on Veterans' Day, we say with gratitude, "THANK YOU" to all veterans, living or dead or MIA. Regardless of where we stand on the wars themselves, the individual men and women who serve deserve our respect and support.

One of the earliest charities I donated to as a young adult was Disabled American Veterans. Their mission statement says:

"Since its founding more than 80 years ago, the Disabled American Veterans has been dedicated to a single purpose: building better lives for America's disabled veterans and their families. Fidelity to that mission has required DAV to respond creatively and flexibly to changing and sometimes unpredictable problems faced by its constituency. Whether disabled veterans have needed a voice on Capitol Hill, a nationwide service program, a transportation network or unique rehabilitation opportunities, DAV has focused its attention and resources to meet those needs."

To send a donation to DAV, please CLICK HERE. For DAV info, CLICK HERE.

Another way to help veterans is to donate clothing and household goods to an AMVETS Thrift Store or to shop there yourself. CLICK HERE for a listing of AMVETS Thrift Stores, located in 20 different US states. AMVETS (American Veterans) is dedicated to preserving freedom, supporting veterans and active military and providing community services.

For a good movie about what a POW goes through, I recommend "Rescue Dawn" which is based on the true story of Dieter Dangler, a US soldier who was taken as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. This film is available on DVD via Netflix and Blockbuster.

Nutrition 101

Tomorrow starts another course of "Nutrition Made Simple" which is a class I teach at the Boston Center for Adult Education. This time around, instead of meeting for 6 weeks, we've shortened it to 5 weeks (one less winter week to brave the cold New England weather!), but participants still get 10 hours of instruction and support for the small investment of $149.

This is what one of my graduates had to say about the course:

"The Nutrition Made Simple is exactly that - making learning about nutrition simple, applicable and personal. This class taught me an incredible amount of information in a fairly short period of time, making it even easier to incorporate into my daily life. I was amazed at the amount of information that I did not know previously, from sugar substitutes to grains, and was extremely excited to learn about different types of products that are healthy, and delicious, that prior to this class were unknown to me. (My favorites were the Ezekiel 4:9 Almond and the ground cherries. I've never even seen them before this class!) Kathleen did a wonderful job of creating an environment that was comfortable to ask questions and absorb the information. I appreciate this class more than I can express.

As an aside, since taking this class I have completely cut soda out of my life. I used to drink approximately 4 cans of diet soda daily. I have also reduced the amount of coffee I consume, from approximately 4-8 cups a day (including the venti size Starbucks coffee as '1' cup!), to now having about 1-2 per day each of 8 oz. or less. I really appreciate being given new products to try and statistics that really resonated with me for health reasons (since all 4 of my grandparents had heart attacks, and 2 were diabetic). Thank you for giving me the information that I so desperately needed to jump start eating healthier and eating well. Thank you!"

So, instead of waiting until New Year's to begin your resolution to change your eating habits and improve your health, start today! There is still space left to register for this class which runs Tuesday evenings 6 PM - 8 PM, November 11th through December 9th. Classes are held in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood in the historic Gamble Mansion near the Public Garden.

During this comprehensive 5-week course, participants learn all about nutrition and how to apply it in a practical way. We cover sugar addiction, mindful eating, the virtues of greens, grains and legumes, how to identify organic from conventional from GE foods, the importance of vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats and other nutrients and so much more!

So, if you want to stop cravings for good, manage your weight, gain control of your health, feel better in your body and have a remarkable increase in your energy, I encourage you to take this class.

To register by phone, call 617.267.4430. To register online, visit the BCAE by clicking here.

The People Have Spoken

We did it! We Barack'd the vote!

And in my state of Massachusetts we passed Question 3 which will end the cruel practice of greyhound racing.

And in California, Prop 2 was passed, which will improve living conditions for the millions of animals raised in food production.

I am so happy, I wish I could celebrate with one of these cupcakes tonight!

America, get ready for the revolution!

Fall Back

Dear readers, don't forget to set your clocks back one hour and to check the batteries in your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors before you say "Goodnight, Moon" tonight!

What will you do with your extra hour?

Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

This Saturday, November 1st marks the 13th Annual Boston Vegetarian Society's, Vegetarian Food Festival. No, this event is not just for vegetarians! It is for everyone! Come down to this free event and learn about the benefits of a plant-based diet. It's not just healthy for you, but it's also healthy for the planet!

Besides free food samples and cooking demonstrations, you can also hear from world-class speakers and authors such as T. Colin Campbell MD, Michael Gregor MD, Hannah Kiminsky of "My Sweet Vegan" fame and Sarah Kramer of "La Dolce Vegan", "How it All Vegan" and "Garden of Vegan" fame and many others!

This year, some of the sponsors include Boston Baked Bonz, Boston Organics, Tom's of Maine, VegNews magazine, Whole Foods Market, Lush, Vega and VOTE YES ON 3 and more!

Still aren't convinced you should attend? CLICK HERE for reviews of past veg food festivals and find out why this event is filled beyond capacity year after year!

The festival runs from 10 AM - 6 PM at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College, which is located just steps from the Orange Line train (and Commuter Rail) at Roxbury Crossing. It is also accessible by multiple bus lines, including the 15, 22, 23, 28, 42, 44, 45, or 66. For those who cycle, this location is right off the Southwest Corridor Bike Path and for those who drive, free parking is located on-site!

Need another reason to go? How about WHEELER'S BLACK LABEL VEGAN ICE CREAM?!?

This annual food fest is fun and offers something for everyone! It is very accessible to get to, so I really hope to see you there!
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VOTE YES ON 3

With the election less than a week away, Massachusetts voters will be voting not just for president, but on other initiatives, like Question 3. Although voters might be confused over the facts, I urge you to consider voting yes on 3 come November 4th.

PLEASE CLICK HERE AND HERE TO FIND OUT WHY

Thank You!

The Economy: From Scare City to A Bun Dance

Are you as drained as I am, with the constant, incessant really, media coverage of this financial crisis? The reality itself is bad enough, but the exhaustive and repetitive reporting, is just way over the top in my opinion. As Cathy Severson over at "Retirement Life Matters" says, "Finance as entertainment doesn't work". Turn the TV off, she says, and I agree!

Another excellent way to better understand and overcome the current financial situation we've found ourselves in, is to look at what Alan Cohen has to say about it in his timely article "From Scare City to A Bun Dance". Alan Cohen is a writer, teacher, keynote speaker and seminar leader in the fields of personal growth, professional motivation, spiritual inspiration, holistic health, human relations and achievement of work/life balance. He has appeared on numerous national TV and radio shows and is also a faculty member of the celebrated Omega Institute in New York. I find his article fascinating. Here are Alan's 10 vital tips that will help you soar through this period:

1. The economy is an expression of the consciousness of those who create it ― all of us. We vitalize the economy with expansive thinking and action, and we deaden it with fear and contraction. You have power over the economy ― especially your own ― by consciously choosing the thoughts you think, the attitudes you hold, and the actions that proceed from them.

2. The economy is not a fixed entity, but is quite liquid, constantly changing in accord with the thoughts and emotions of those who create it. The economy you see today is a result of the attitudes and actions that sourced it yesterday. The economy you will see tomorrow is a result of the attitudes and actions you think and do today.

3. You have the ability to create a personal economy independent of the one experienced by the masses. There are always people who thrive in a floundering economy, and people who flounder in a thriving economy. The two greatest architectural achievements of the twentieth century ― the Golden Gate Bridge and the Empire State Building ― were funded and constructed at the height of the depression.. There is always money out there for people who know how to use it. A visionary thrives under all conditions.

4. Engaging in conversations of lack only adds to the pool of thought that creates lack conditions. Talking abundance creates abundance. Join others in only those conversations that affirm what you want to create.

5. You are wealthy by nature, rich in an infinite number of ways that have nothing to do with money. Money is one thin slice of the greater pie of prosperity. Remember how rich you are regardless of money, and you will attract money to match your wealth consciousness.

6. In the Chinese written language, the symbol for "crisis" is a combination of the symbols for "danger" plus "opportunity." What opportunity lies before you as an individual and us as a nation?

7. This is a fertile time to check and reset your priorities. If you have been distracted by the quest for money or trapped by your business, you can refocus on your family, loved ones, and activities that truly bring you joy. If you end up being truer to values that fulfill you, this "crisis" will have served you well.

8. Circulate your wealth. The only antidote to financial contraction is to move energy. When you spend money, you become part of the solution. If you don't have money to spend, be generous in other ways. Give of your time, skill, and love. Even giving compliments is a way to stimulate the economy.

9. Remember that the tide always comes back in. The entire manifest universe functions in cycles. Every wave has a trough and a crest. No wave has ever ended with the trough. There is always a next crest.

10. Don't wait for the economy to get back on its feet before you can be happy. Find happiness right where you stand, and you will be the richest person in the world.

From Scare City to a Bun Dance, indeed, yes from scarcity to abundance!

I hope these 10 steps help you see this situation in a whole new light. I know it certainly did for me!

Thought for Today: Thoughts are Like Seeds

When you sow a thought you reap an action, when you sow an action you reap a habit, when you sow a habit you reap a character and when you sow a character you reap a destiny. Thoughts are like seeds. You cannot sow the seed of one plant and get another: thistles will never produce daffodils! When your thoughts are positive, powerful and constructive, your life will reflect this.

To sign up to receive "Thought for Today" in your email in box, please CLICK HERE

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SUGAR SOLUTIONS: How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth

Believe it or not, there are still some seats left for my Sugar Solutions workshop taking place at Healthworks Chestnut Hill next week, on Wednesday evening, October 22nd. If you are constantly craving sweets and you want to understand why and if you'd like to get a better handle on your sugar cravings, please register to attend this fun and informative workshop. During the 90-minute workshop, participants learn the history of sugar, how it affects our bodies and discover methods to better manage your cravings without willpower or deprivation. You will learn healthier, more natural ways to keep your sweet tooth in check! The outcome? Better mood, more energy and a healthy body!

To register, please contact me via my online submission form at www.kmoriarty.com

Thank You!

Mark Your Calendar!

Here are some important upcoming events, that might be of interest to my dear blog readers:

October 14th
Oprah's topic on Tuesday's show is "Where does our food come from?" and in this case, the type of food they are referring to is animal-based food, such as meat, dairy and eggs. I think that this is such an important topic because so many people are unaware how animal products make their way to your plate. Remember, information equals power; the power to make truly informed decisions. One of the issues they will explain is the term "free range". People are trying to make more thoughtful choices about their food and the humane treatment of animals is becoming a consideration for people who never thought about it before. So, what does free range mean? Are there standards and a system of checks and balances to make sure free range is a kinder choice? Is it a healthier choice? I already know the answer, but if you don't, I strongly encourage you to tune in to The Oprah Winfrey show or set up your DVR to record it.

October 18th
The Peace Abbey in Sherborn, MA will be having a one-day workshop entitled "Creating a Sustainable Future". The keynote speaker is Diet for a Small Planet author and social activist Frances Moore Lappe. Diet for a Small Planet has been an international bestseller since it's original version was published in the early 1970s. For more information about this event at The Peace Abbey, please CLICK HERE. For more information regarding Frances Moore Lappe's work, please CLICK HERE.

November 1st
One again the annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival will be held at The Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. This all day event consists of free food samples, interesting exhibits, discounted shopping and free workshops and so much more! T. Colin Campbell, the doctor and author behind "The China Study" (an amazing book!) is just one of many speakers who are donating their time to this wonderful event. For a full list of speakers, CLICK HERE. So mark your calendar and plan on attending this free event, to find out how you can benefit from eating a plant-based diet. Doors are open from 10 AM through 6 PM and is easily accessible by the Orange Line T and multiple bus lines. It is also on the Southwest Corridor Bike Path, for all those cyclists out there (like me!). For those who drive, there is free on-site parking, but be prepared to wait for a parking spot to open up ... this is a VERY popular event!

And last, but not least, if you still haven't attended one of my SUGAR SOLUTIONS workshops, please register today! Learn how to get a handle of your sweet cravings before the upcoming holiday season wreaks havoc on your diet! Currently scheduled workshops include October 22nd, November 12th and November 19th. For more details on times/locations, please go to my website by CLICKING HERE.

Too Busy to Exercise?

Well, I guess there's nothing more to say!

Creating Peace: International Day of Non-Violence

Today, October 2nd, is the International Day of Non-Violence. The date was chosen because it is Mahatma Gandhi's birthday (1869 - 1948). This observation was established last year by the United Nations General Assembly. Gandhi's non-violent methods of civil action greatly helped his nation and inspired many generations of people. His influence is still felt and his legacy continues to inspire. One of my favorite Gandhi quotes, simply states:

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony."

Just as man can create conflict, man can create peace. Sometimes we feel so overwhelmed, as the problem seems so large, we think "What can I do to create a peaceful world?" To that, I say:

Peace on Earth, begins with Peace within yourself.

Just like Gandhi's quote, this other quote reminds us that the first step to peace is within ourselves. We cannot contribute to peace externally, if we cannot first find peace within.

What's the Deal with Probiotics?

Tonight in the class I am teaching at the Boston Center for Adult Education, we talked about probiotics. Probiotics are generating a lot of buzz in the food industry lately; they're being added to products where they don't naturally occur, as they do in the most famous probiotic source: yogurt.

Well, let's start off with explaining what they are and why they're important. First of all, the term "probiotics" was coined to contrast "antibiotics". And it means "for life". Probiotics are a beneficial bacteria that are normally present in the digestive tract. They are vital for proper digestion, but they also serve other important functions such as synthesizing vitamins, supporting and fortifying a strong immune system, detoxifying the liver, alleviating inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn's Disease and for preventing the overgrowth of yeast. For people who've experienced chronic yeast infections, yogurt was seen as a panacea. Anyone who has attended one of my Sugar Solutions Workshops know my feelings on yogurt. I am talking about the commercial kind, which is full of unnecessary sugars - and lots of it. If people want to continue to have yogurt in their diet, the only kind I can recommend is plain. If you wish to sweeten it, do so by adding your own fruit or a gentle, natural sweetener, like agave nectar. Don't buy yogurt with sugar (most contain added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, fructose and pectin). And remember, yogurt is not the only food with probiotics. There are various sources, all of which are cultured or fermented and they include:

• sauerkraut (fermented cabbage)
• kimchi (Korean fermented cabbage with spices)
• miso
• tempeh
• soy sauce (choose low/no sodium variety)
• umeboshi plum or other pickled fruit and vegetables
• kombucha tea (raw, not hot)

Whenever I teach this class, I treat my students to a beverage that tastes great and has many benefits including probiotics and that is the final item on the list above; kombucha tea. The brand I recommend is GT Dave's, as it contains only raw, cultured kombucha and their Synergy version contains juice from whole fruits; no sugar or other ingredients are permitted! There are other cold kombucha teas available, but they are watered down and contain sugar and other ingredients that reduce the benefits of the kombucha itself. It's a fermented mushroom tea, made in small batches and can be purchased at health food stores, including Whole Foods, in their refrigerated beverages section. GT Dave's kombucha is all natural, organic, raw, vegan and kosher. It contains no caffeine, coloring, preservatives or additives. This tea has been used for hundreds of years and contains many healing benefits; some people call it miraculous. It's very unique taste will add a twist to your diet. It's the perfect way to add probiotics into your life. Try it today!

I'm a Little Neti Pot .....

I'm a little neti pot, short and stout

Here is my handle, here is my spout

When you are all stuffed up, put me in your snout

Tip me over and pour me out!

I've been really sick for over a week and I think I am finally starting to improve this morning! One of my homeopathic remedies includes the ancient neti pot; a centuries-old ayurvedic nasal irrigation tool for health. The pot is filled with warm water and salt. The spout is inserted in one nostril, with your head at an angle. The goal is to have the saline come out of the other nostril, thus moving the mucus out of your sinus cavity. This can be tough to master at first; worst case scenario, the water may come down your throat vs. your opposite nostril. This is okay, if you spit the mucus out, instead of swallowing it. This will still expel it from your body, until you finally do it the correct way.

My mother's remedy for sore throats was to always gargle with warm water and salt. As kids, we hated to do it, but it did work. So, much like the way the saline solution works on clearing the throat, it does the same for clearing the nose. No prescription required! And no side effects!

Consider adding a neti pot to your medicine cabinet; it might be tricky to master at first, but you will reap the benefits immediately!

Upcoming Events with Kathleen

Here is a listing of my upcoming classes and workshops:

Demystifying the Mediterranean Diet
Wednesday, September 24th @ 6:00 PM - Boston Center for Adult Education

Nutrition Made Simple
Tuesday, September 23rd - Tuesday October 28 @ 6:00 PM
6-week course at the Boston Center for Adult Education

Sugar Solutions: How To Tame Your Sweet Tooth
Wednesday, October 22nd @ 6:15 PM - Healthworks Chestnut Hill
Wednesday, November 12th @ 6:00 PM - Healthworks Porter Square
Wednesday, November 19th @ 6:00 PM - Boston Center for Adult Education

For class and workshop descriptions, please visit my website's events page by CLICKING HERE

Please join me for one of these classes. I promise that you will learn a lot, have fun and will begin to see how what we eat affects everything. Therefore, when diet changes, everything changes. Ready to make a change for the better? If so, I hope to see you in class!

Amplify Love, Dissipate Hate

Back in 2002 while visiting Ground Zero in Manhattan, amid the many thousands of memorials draped over the fence, I came across some home-made stickers, which encouraged observers to:



AMPLIFY: to expand, to make larger or greater

DISSIPATE: to break up and drive off, to cause to spread thin or scatter and vanish

So, amplify love, indeed. To dissipate hate, a must.

Today, on the 7th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, let us take these simple four words and put them into practice. The sticker I took has been on my fridge since the day I got back from New York back in 2002, reminding me to amplify love and to dissipate hate. I hope these words inspire and comfort you today.

Dog Days of Summer

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love animals. Growing up, there was never a shortage of animals in my household; dogs, cats, an aquarium full of fish, parakeets, hamsters, mice, lizards, bunnies. And although I've never had a dog of my own since I left home at 18, I do love them and enjoy spending time with them whenever possible. This past weekend, as I strolled through the city, I met a pug named Lila, a poochie named Boscoe (yes, named after George Costanza's password, the dog's person told me when I inquired) and a pack of poodles who were super cute and super friendly. They were very charming, I must say! My affinity for the doggies is strong, therefore, today I bring you two items canine-related.

HEAVEN'S ANGELS: Tough Guys & Puppies
In Sunday's New York Times, this article described a group named "Rescue Ink" that formed in New York City. You know it's going to be a good article, with the first few paragraphs reading like this:

They met on the local hot rod scene. They saw one another at tattoo conventions around the area, comparing bikes. They looked like heavies, a band of Hells Angels, with nicknames equally tough: Mike Tattoo, Big Ant, Johnny O, Batso, Sal, Angel, Des.

They meant no harm. Clad in leather, inked to the hilt in skulls and dragons, with images of bloodied barbed wire looped about their necks, they shared something else — a peculiar tenderness for animals, and the intensity needed to act on the animals’ behalf when people abuse them.

“I’m a vegetarian,” said Mike Tattoo (real name Mike Ostrosky), a former bodybuilding champion with a shaved head, great arms covered in art and a probing clarity in his blue eyes. “And Big Ant has in his backyard three guinea pigs, a couple of rabbits, birds, cats — and fish everywhere. But just because a person has tattoos, they wouldn’t come running with us.”

The group became a little larger over the course of about 15 years, with various animal-loving, tattooed bikers in the New York area joining the conversation. One member, Angel Nieves, a 47-year-old retired city police detective, grew up in the projects on West 125th Street and remembered taking in strays from the streets as a boy, as did many of his cohorts. He owns a tiny, white bichon frisé named Cris.

Having run in crowds where animal abuse was rampant, often involving pit bull fights, the men volunteered at shelters and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty Toward Animals, and they tried to solve cases of missing or abused animals that other organizations had neither the time nor the resources to address.

Next month, the bikers will begin a program in the city’s public schools to educate children about being kind to all animals, even the less attractive breeds. They will be accompanied by Elwood, a small, hairless Chihuahua mix judged in an annual California contest to be the World’s Ugliest Dog.

To read more about the efforts of these wonderful men and their commitment to the dogs and cats of greater New York City, continue the New York Times article, by CLICKING HERE. Also, be prepared for a fun slide-show of the men in action!

VOTE YES ON 3: Massachusetts Voters Can End Greyhound Racing in Their State
As if one could forget, I still urge people to mark Tuesday, November 4th on their calendars. It is Election Day! Not only do we get to vote for our next president, Massachusetts voters have the opportunity to vote to end the cruel practice of greyhound dog racing within our state. As some of you may remember, back in November 2000, we had this question on the ballot. It lost by a 1% margin. 49% of Massachusetts voters wanted it banned. 51% did not. The racetrack owners' budgets were a lot larger than the volunteer organizations' budget and they did a great job campaigning for their cause. Well, luckily, us volunteers collected enough signatures this year to get the question on the ballot again this November. Why should you vote "YES" on Question 3? Here are some reasons:

Racing greyhounds live in confinement; they are warehoused in tiny cages for 20+ hours per day. Since each racetrack needs a minimum of 1,000 dogs, they are kept in tiny warehouse-style kennels, where most cannot stand up or turn around.

They are injured while competing. These dogs suffer from broken legs, broken necks, paralysis and cardiac arrest. And then they die.

They are fed Grade 4D meat, to keep costs down. This meat is not fit for human consumption. You might think, well, what's the difference between this Grade 4D meat and the meat found in commercial dog food? Well, the difference is, the meat fed to the greyhounds is raw. Yes, RAW. That also keeps costs down. With raw meat consumption comes the risk of disease spreading pathogens, like salmonella. Would you feed raw Grade 4D meet to your pet? No, I didn't think so.

These dogs compete year-round, in all sorts of weather. As you know, New England has very cold winters. These greyhounds are thin, small dogs with very short, thin fur.

When a racing greyhound is lucky enough (and allowed) to be "rescued", adopting them out can be difficult, as these dogs are usually quite timid or very aggressive, from their past mistreatment. They've never been a pet or lived in a house before, so qualified adopters who have the time, patience and ability to help these dogs adapt, can be hard to find.

The abuse that takes place at Massachusetts' two greyhound racing tracks is documented. There is no denying it. Also, greyhound racing has experienced a sharp economic decline. People just aren't interested in it and a lot of those people have come around, because they've come to know the inhumane living conditions of the animals and have chosen to cease supporting it. And for the naysayers who complain "What about the jobs that will be lost, if greyhound racing is outlawed?" I have two answers for you: #1 If the ballot question passes on November 4, the racing would be phased out. The ban would not begin until January 1, 2010. Additionally, the Committee to Protect Dogs has promised to volunteer it's time to help the displaced workers find new jobs. They are very serious about this. #2 When slavery was outlawed in the United States, jobs were lost. But wasn't it more important to end the cruel and inhumane practice of slavery than it was to displace people who profited from the slave trade? The people in positions of power had options and other ways to make money. The people in captivity had no voice, no choice. We needed to make a law that protected them, not their captors.

These days, you see pampered pets everywhere. Dogs have their own spas and get massages. People spend money to stage mock weddings of their dogs (Earlier this week, I saw online, that The Today Show recently had a doggie wedding fashion show on, complete with doggie bridal tips). I see dogs with expensive Coach and Louis Vuitton collars. People will spend oodles of money on organic dog treats, dog walkers and anything else that they think their dog will like. In my hometown of Boston, there are doggie bakeries, yes, bakeries! Just for dogs! Why should we care so deeply and bestow so much love and affection on these dogs called pets, but completely ignore the cruelties that these racing greyhounds face every day of their dismal, lonely lives? These greyhounds needlessly suffer. You, as a voter, have a chance to change that!

For more information on why greyhound racing should be banned, please visit these websites and please, VOTE YES ON QUESTION 3 on November 4th.

PRO DOG: The Committee to Protect Dogs

GREY2K USA

Thank You!

A Nod to the Olympics

Anyone who has read Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth" know what kind of trouble we get into when our ego takes over. The following story, which comes from my mental_floss magazine subscription, shows what happens when people don't let their ego get in the way. From Mental Floss' Olympics issue, I give you this story:

At the 1936 Berlin Games, Japanese pole vaulters Shuhei Nishida and Sueo Oe tied for second place. The teammates were offered the opportunity to have a jump-off for the silver medal, but the two friends declined out of mutual respect for one another. For the purposes of Olympic records, Oe agreed to the bronze while Nishida took the silver.

Upon their return to Japan, the teammates came up with a different solution. The pair had a jeweler cut their medals in half and fuse them back together, creating half-silver, half-bronze pendants. The "Medals of Friendship" as they're now known in Japan, are enduring symbols of friendship and teamwork.

I thought this was a great story because it has it all; action, drama, friendship, sportsmanship, inspiration and a resolution that has now created a wonderful legacy. The Olympics bring about a lot of emotions and a sense of pride and community. To read about another woman's zeal for the Olympics, please CLICK HERE for Madness Rivera's blog.

To read my other postings about Eckhart Tolle, please CLICK HERE.