The "Pet Expo", A Huge Hit For All Ages, In Midwest

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

http://www.thethoughtspigot.com/

Going into the "Kansas City Pet Expo," I had no idea what kind of bargain, or not, I was getting myself into. The advertisement touted everything from "Dock Dog Championships" (as seen on http://espn.com/ / ESPN television, where dogs are run off of a dock and judged for distance traveled, speed to the end, and then they also had/have "Agility Dogs Events"), seeing "Acro-Cats," reptiles of all kinds, exotic animals and birds, plus countless other things, treats, humane adoption booths, and more. However, in the years of living in the Kansas City area, there have been "Sports Shows, Car Shows, Outdoor Shows" and some other types of "weekend expos." Some of these, like the "Sports Show" (which I have attended, since I was five), have gone down hill with the economy, lack of advertising, and other general things.. Therefore, going to the "Pet Expo" was going to be an experience, if nothing else.

With the exception of getting into the large "American Royal Center" (with a two line, for hundreds of people, format), the "Pet Expo" was a delight for all animal and pet lovers. They had easy access for everything there, wide aisles, and countless things for people to do, see, and be a part of (not just sit and watch). There were thousands of animals, ranging from geckos to caiman, hundreds of dogs and cats (for rescue, adoption, and to buy), plus a plethora of avian friends and pets. The greatest thing about the live animals, was the volunteers and owners, hands on approach to the "Expo." There was a sign, when first entering the building, stating to "ask the volunteer/person, to pet, or handle whatever animal you wish. As each step went by, there was another booth, filled with some kind of animal, animal toys, and everything under the sun, for animals of all kinds. The difference with the "Pet Expo", from other "Expo Events", was the fact of going into the booths, petting the animals, holding the birds, being closer to animals not in everyday life, and talking to professionals, who were smart, understanding, and knew what they were talking about, in all phases of their jobs.

The dogs, birds, horses, llamas, and some cats were all in each booth. Yet, each booth was big enough to accommodate the animals, several patrons, and everyone had a chance to pet, play, or just look at the animals in each booth. The majority of the volunteers were friendly, wanted to participate in all questions, and had exceptional knowledge of the animals they represented. The kids (from toddlers) to grown men and women, plenty of concessions, chances to get free items, but the biggest benefit was the overall spread of the "Expo." While people were looking to adopt and play with pets, eat and drink with family, and just generally enjoy the overall atmosphere, but during this same time, hundreds of people were on the other side of the center, for the live dog challenges, "Acro-Cats" (which were cats, who could do a whole routine of acrobatics and tricks) and the live reptile shows.

For a solemn $8.50 (adults) to Free (kids under six), there was no better bang for the bucks. Kansas City, the American Royal (http://americanroyal.com/), and volunteers made the "Kansas City Pet Expo" a complete success. Below are some of the people and organizations, who not only made this possible, but also lent a hand:

Web Sites For Animal Lovers To Buy, Donate, Sell:

1. http://www.smallsurvivors.com --- Small Survivors, is an adoption agency for smaller breeds of dogs.

2. http://www.kijiji.com/ --- Site for both Adoption and New animals of all kinds

3. Poodle Adoption--- http://adoption.ixquick.com/

4. KS & MO Adoption Agency--- http://adoption-beyond.org/ (all dogs & cats, for adoption)

5. Dogs Midwest---- http://shopzilla.com/dogsupplies (different materials, food, play things for pets)

6. Rescue Dogs--- http://hellolocal.com/ (For Rescued and New Animals)

7. A. S. P. C. A.--- http://www.aspca.com/ (This is the only site I can vouch for, personally, on the donation front. The ASPCA is a reputable and wonderful organization, who protects, defends, and helps animals of all kinds, for hopeful adoption and/or donations)

8. Heart of America Humane Society --- http://www.heartofamericahs.org/

9. Eye Care For Animals --- http://www.eyecareforanimals.com/ (site for the eyes & ears of pets/animals)

INTEL PEOPLE" & W. H. FIGHT OVER DECLASSIFICATION ON "TORTURE"

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

http://thethoughtspigot.com/

When the ACLU went on the war path to find out how far and which interrogation tactics were (are being) used in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the U. S. prisons/containment centers for foreign combatants/terrorists, the majority of the "intelligence community" was not for the release at all. The Obama White House released a statement, on "un-classifying" documents, because "President Obama wanted to protect the United States from false allegations and in compliance with the ACLU's law suit." Although, the majority of the "intelligence community," including former and current heads are not sold on the idea and actually disagree, with the White House Cabinet and President Obama.

Michael Chertoff, "The question is going to be, are these measures going to be looked at in five years, with the benefit of hind sight and someone (attorneys, civil rights groups, or maybe a few terrorists) says we should not have done it." Past heads of the CIA and DHS Porter Goss, George Tenant, John Douich and, Michael Hayden flat out were against the release, and the current CIA head Leon Pennetta expressed "concerns" on releasing the report and information on interrogation and detainee techniques. Therefore, if the people who work(ed) at the highest levels, in the "Intel Community" are completely and have some big reservations against the release of these documents, then why was the White House and Barack Obama, so eager to release it and what is the "Intel Community" worried about?

The CIA and DHS people know they toe the line, in war and out, in the forging of real time information and keeping the country safe, to form a sharp blade to deter the world from infringing, or possibly attacking the United States. On the either side of the "thin line" of intelligence gathering and keeping the homeland safe, there are people who wish to sue, or bring charges against the most miniscule mistake, or what a "person" calls torture, comfort, or what is hot/cold, and those who want an "anything goes" attitude. The only thing the White House staff could muster, in the form of some insurance, "CIA interrogators will not be prosecuted, but some want legal people (who crafted law, what some call "legal fictions") and those who are on the periphery of the "Intelligence Teams" (not the on ground officers) to be eligible for prosecutions."

Pete Hoekstra (R-Mi) said it best, "the hearings should focus on the members of congress, who were briefed on all the program, supported the these tactics and efforts, throughout the good portion of the last seven years." All which is true, as the House Armed Services and other House Committees have had the "classified knowledge," the whole time, then President George W. Bush was in the White House. The whole "classified de-classification fiasco" needs to have a lens pointed back to the beginning, of those who were in power, voted for all the interrogation techniques used, and are now against them (being politically expedient). They are the same people who have made a mess of the economy, banking systems, education, and on and on. Until the real culprits are dealt out of their high perches, the hypocrisies will continue, just like the national debt.

CoCo Crisp, Over "Sentimentality" & Rookies Early....

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

http://thethoughtspigot.com/

Where a lot of fantasy baseball players go wrong, is drafting/playing rookies and using the "sentimentality players" (name recognition) rather than going with players with 2-3 years experience, or a player just past his prime. Players like Chris Carpenter (who is a great talent, when healthy, but when comes at a price), Troy Glaus, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, Dmitri Young, Jose Guillen, are all sentimental picks, or picks which may have been solid just a year/two ago, but are now players which should be stayed away from, with every fiber of your being. Cameron Mayebin, David Murphy (Texas), Matt LaPorte (Indians) & David Price (D-Rays), are all going to be good to great players, but they are not going to get a chance to contribute (absent injury), until half the season is gone, to maybe even September.Where the first players are to stay away from at all cost, even as spot starters, there are plenty of options where people will allow you to keep the solid players you have and go get some players to produce (in case of injury, a bad draft, or something else unforeseen). Let's just say, you do not take Glavine, Hampton and Guillen, who would be a great substitute and everyday player? How about these three, are still in most leagues Jeremy Guthrie (SP-Orioles Opening Day Starter, threw 200+ innings and under 4.00 ERA), Gil Meche (who is often overlooked for Grienke, but another 200 inning guy, at the end of his prime), and/or Jason Marquis, Braden Looper (two other guys who play for winning teams, will throw 175+ innings and will get you stats). They are not Clemens/Smoltz, in their primes, but they do get enough stats (definitely more, over rookies).The "Love of Rookies" is something long lived in Fantasy Sports, probably because guys want to "get the next great thing/be the first." However, how many rookies, true rookies, actually come in and make a huge impact, or enough of an impact to validate taking of a spot (for 1/2 a years worth of stats)? No very many, are there, let me keep you from checking. Rookie and players who have less than two full seasons, under their belt, are not worth saving spots for, as a rule, when you can go out and get some good waiver talent. (The only reason to commit to a rookie, this early, is if he is coming out of AAA/AA ball, raised up, rather than kept up, after spring training. Thinking "whole seasons stats" (rather than you loving "your man"/"you wanting to pick up A-Rod/K-Rod, before the A. S. Break), in fantasy sports, you have to get the most points out of each slot. "CoCo Crisp" is the example for the whole year, and why he is.Crisp lost his slot in Boston, where he was completely uncomfortable (after a couple of shaky plays in the outfield) at Fenway, to the Kansas City Royals. First plus, is Coco does not feel the need to go out and win everyday, he can just go any play. He will be given the green light to steal, bunt and play his outfield, with the newly renovated Kauffman Stadium (a traditional medium size park, without any wall jags/jets out). Most of all, he is going to play every single day in center field, in a park that is rain out friendly (arti-turf), and is not to hot in the summer, but doesn't cost you/him games in the spring and fall.So, instead of Camerin Maybin, Matt Laporta, and Matt Joyce giving you a 1/2 to 3/4 season, hitting .260'ish, 20-25 HR, 5-10 steals, and noting much else. Crisp will get a team, 500 AB's, .270-.290 Avg., 10 HR's, 55-70 RBI's and 25-30 Steals. It is pretty obvious why a Coco Crisp, David Murphy (once it heats up in Texas, and the ball starts to carry), Ryan Church (if he continues on), Scutaro, Jay Bruce (when everyone drops him). Long term thinking, especially in MLB and NBA, is the only way to look and win, being they have the most games and are more intricate, as a rule.

W.H., Press, & Media Elite, Denigrate "Tea Parties" & U. S.

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

http://thethoughtspigot.com/

If one hundred people got together in three hundred cities, about one major issue, the main portion of the media, would cover the situation. This would be done for three thousand people and an issue, but not for thousands the Americans, who came out in a common protest (in over 300 cities). Instead, there was either no coverage at all, or else the coverage (lead by MSNBC http://msnbic.com/, but followed by print media's op/ed. pages, the protestor's were made out to be cynical, short sighted, and "far right traditionalists", with some reporters going, as far as, using double meaning "Tea Baggers" & "Tea Bags Across America", on air)

Today shored up one thing, which is in concrete, the mainstream and majority of media (print, television, and Net) has a huge agenda, which leans left. For a "prime time" example, on MSNBC's "The Rachel Maddow Show", Ms. Maddow had on special guest Anna Marie Cox ("Air America National Correspondent"):

Maddow: "How was it today? How was the "Tea Bagging", in D. C., describe the scene?"

Cox: "A little flaccid, Rachel, I would have to say. It was very damp today. I also want to say, these people who turn out, were truly dedicated to "Tea Bagging." They really put a lot of muscle into it, hopefully not to much. I think they were very excited to be there.............................But a few hundred, hearty souls came out, with their mildy racist signs and their love of their country.

Maddow: "Mildy racist signs, such as?"

Cox: "There was a sign of Obama, being a "shoe shine boy."

Maddow: "Oh (disgust)

Cox: "Yeah. (laughing) You will like this one, because I know you like the puns. It said, E.A.R.M.A.R.X., (laugh in condescending way), with Obama on the front with Big Lips and Big Ears."

The interview went on, both moderator/entertainer bantering back and forth, over how superior they were, using the "Tea Bag" line, thru the whole shtick. The two women spoke about how there was 2-300 were there, but they announced 3000 people were there, also bagging Glenn Beck and Fox News for appearing at the Alamo (not to mention they said, the whole day was filled with "non-grass movement day." Maddow took major offense, to the greasing of wheels, after she bashed the whole concept, for 10 minutes, seconds before?)

Maddow, Mathews, MSNBC, "The New York Times", and the half an hour (20 minutes) given to the "main stream television news is obviously part of the problem, not the solution. No matter what your degree says and where it is from, if you do not have a degree, if you are rich, or probably not, everyone is American first, at least, that was the message of the "Tea Party Day." It just seems the news, White House, and the majority of the "upper class" wants what they want, and everyone else, be damned.

The Results Of President Obama's Trip Abroad

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

http://thethoughtspigot.com/

Barack Obama has completed his overseas trip to the "G-20", France, Prague, Turkey, and wrapped up with a surprise trip, to see the troops in Iraq. In each stop, President Obama came off in a lot of different ways, but one this is for certain, he wanted the world to see he was "not President George W. Bush." The majority of people in America would agree, Barack and Michelle Obama were treated, by the majority of the people, as if they were "rock stars." Speeches were given, Michelle gave overseas television interviews, and the "Obama Family" were everything thing from statesmen, to "friends of the world" and their words (at times) came off as "America is inferior, sorry, or less than" other parts of the world (if only to appease the world majority).

Barack Obama's word, in his first overseas visit (as President), were riddled with "Anti-American" (at worst), or "Anti-Capitalism/American Apologetic" (at best). At the "G-20," President Obama asked for more troops from NATO (fighting troops), more stimulus money for the world economy, and he also wanted more unity in the European Union (especially with France & Germany), to help fight in Afghanistan and money to help rebuild in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Obama was "shut out" on all four things. The French and Germans thumbed their noses, at Obama's proposals, refusing to give any real stimulus money, no more troops period, and no money for the fighting and reconstruction, of Afghanistan and Iraq. NATO refused to give any fighting troops, but did say they would send around 4500 troops, for "stability for elections in Afghanistan and for training purposes." All in all, the President's "G-20" negotiations (with the E. U.) were a wash and Obama's first big meeting, with our "Allies," made him look weak and needy.

The trips to Strausburg, France, for NATO discussions were a complete wash, as well. When the United States, was hit by Islamic Terrorist, on 9-11, the majority of the world was ready to go to war, with the United States. Of course, then President Bush, went into Iraq, causing controversial views and world dissent, in places. However, 9-11 was not the only attack, by the Islamic Terrorists/Al-Queada. London's buses were hit (in a simultaneous attack), Japan's Subway System, the U. S. S. Cole, Pirates in the "Straight of Hormuz", and so on, and so on. As Barack Obama went to France, to ask for N. A. T. O. troops, the "allies" were completely ambiguous to the plight of the world and the problems of Afghanistan. These are the people, who volunteered to be the defenders of those who cannot defend themselves, but N. A. T. O. is about as useful, as the United Nations (who did not think North Korea's long range missile test, was not enough problem, to even say they broke U. N. rules).

Then, it was onto Prague and Turkey, where Obama was treated like a rock star (30-50,000+ people in Prague, for his speech). President Obama spoke of the most heinous threat to the world, today, nuclear arms and nuclear proliferation. He said, "My goal, as should be the world's goal, is to be 100% rid of all nuclear weapons, and even if it doesn't happen in my lifetime, it does not mean the goal should not be." Even though, just two and one half hours before President Obama's speech, North Korea launched their most successful, ballistic missile test. Making North Korea, who has been out of control (on the world stage), except for the six party talks (President Bush made possible and pushed for) in 2006-07, not a medium range threat, but a long range missile threat, to the world. However, Barack boomed away, with his TelePrompTer prepared speech, about the world community coming together, and how Russia will be signing (sometime in November/December) a joint agreement to take down certain nuclear weapons and the U. S. will be joining the "ban against nuclear testing." This is not to mention the fact, President Obama has cut defense spending by 40-60%, depending on the statistics and polling place). In Turkey, Barack gave a general TelePrompTer speech, with the exception of this quote, "America is not a Christian state, Jewish State, we are just a nation of citizens."

There are many different views of what President Obama is doing, how his rhetoric is being received by the world, and what is his "end game" for the "soft approach" (to say the least) toward the "G-20", European Union, Russia, Iran, and the overall world nations. However, the micro-picture of what President Obama has done over his first overseas stops, as President of the United States, is he has shown how liberal he is (in the fact he wants America to look and act more like the E. U.), he has shown exactly how little this trip was about getting substantial answers and more of a breakthrough for himself (showing his "rock star status", with his wife, as well), and finally Barack Obama has shown his hand, to please the world first and putting America second.

As he was jet setting around the nations, the U. S. has hard line business with, the congress and senate was doing his bidding (setting up Obama's domestic goals), by looking and voting to pass his budget, keeping the overall language of the stimulus and budget vague (in order to keep Americans from knowing exactly where, every dollar is going to go) and finally slowly changing America, more and more, to look like the same people who just snubbed the U. S. over the last ten days. What did he actually accomplish and how much did Barack Obama actually hurt America, during his trip? Time will definitely tell, on all of these questions.

EVAN LONGORIA, THE NEXT MIKE SCHMIDT?

Copyright. "The Thought Spigot"

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Evan Longoria is the third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays, and he is also one of the poster boys for major league baseball. He is a five tool player (hits for average & power, runs, fields, and has a sizzling arm across the diamond), and he is drawing major comparisons to a Hall of Fame third baseman, Mike Schmidt. Longoria is a Tampa Bay favorite, is active in charity work, plus he is a man among men, when he steps between those chalk lines.

Today, where the headlines bleed stories on HGH, steroids, "greenies" (speed pills, allowing players to be "fresh" everyday), players putting themselves over team ("Manny being Manny" & A-Rod articles looking like a soft porn shoot), Longoria is far away from the scrutiny and works to be the best player he can be (naturally, no less). One example, of Evan's dedication and differential from other ball players, is in his pre-game regiment. The T. B. third base coach and Evan have a routine, after all of the other drills are done. He hits Longoria 10 ground balls, as hard as he can. If Longoria fields all 10 of the balls without any mistakes, then the coach makes him a "smoothie." However, if Longoria bobbles, drops, or flat out misses any ball, then Longoria is the "smoothie maker." Quite a difference, from "Manny being Manny," riding a three wheel bike (when he has a pulled hamstring, at Dodgers spring training) for the cameras.

The whole Rays staff and coaches (some older players and announcers) are drawing a flattering comparison, "Evan Longoria looks like a young Mike Schmidt, but better." Mike Schmidt, the Hall of Fame third baseman (for the Philadelphia Phillies), was nothing short of an offensive monster and a perennial "Gold Glove" winner, so this is high praise for a player who has just one season under his belt.

Statistics do not lie:

Mike Schmidt's 1st Full Year (1973):G-132, AB-367, Hits-72, Runs-43, 2B-11, HR-15, RBI-52, SB-8, AVG-.182, SLG%-.373

Evan Longoria's 1st Full Year (2008)G-122, AB-448, Hits-122, Runs-67, Doubles-31, HR-27, RBI-85, Avg-.272, SLG%-.531

Looking at these eye popping numbers, in a rookie season (compared to Schmidt and other Hall of Fame players thru the years), the only thing possibly to side rail Longoria, is injury, or Longoria himself. Over the course of a 20 year career, there is going to be bumps, bruises, or some other act of God. However, Evan Longoria is the real deal, now.

It is very early to call him a Hall of Famer, but Longoria is on the fast track (with David Wright). On the Ray's roster, with the table setters of Carl Crawford, B. J. Upton, and the stability of power hitters around him (Carlos Pena, Matt Joyce, & Pat Burrell), he is in the best of situations. Only time will tell, on the injury front, but this smooth handed, laser armed, power hitting phenom has nothing except sunny days and big numbers ahead of him. In twenty years, he could be the best "true third baseman" (A-Rod came up and split his career at shortstop) to play the game. He is that good!