Trina71's Blog

I just found out that Eddy Arnold died this morning.  He was one of my favorite country music artists when I was a child - and no, I'm not that old.  Actually, he was one of my Dad's favorites, so that's how I came to know his music.  When I was very young and my parents left me in the care of my three Aunties, the only thing that would calm me down (because I missed my mother), was an Eddy Arnold record.  Funny how just the sound of his voice soothed me.

http://www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?cont
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I'm pleased to FINALLY see some media coverage on the Canadian seal hunt that happens every year.  There is not enough press coverage about this!!!!  Please, we need more.  There are so many people that don't know about it.  Many still think that killing of baby seals ended in the 80's, but it most certainly has not.  The only difference now is that they're not allowed to kill the "whitecoats".  A seal is fair game as long as they've started to molt their white fur, which is as little as 12 days old. 

The Canadian government subsidizes this hunt and most of the hunters are off-season fishermen.  It is NOT their only means for making a living.  The "hunt" is supposed to be conducted under regulations, but there is rarely, if ever, any enforcement of these regulations.  The hunter is supposed to check to make sure the seal is dead before skinning it, but they're often still alive.  Sometimes sealers will club as many seals as possible and come back later to haul them onto the boat.  The problem with this is that the seals don't die right away and have to endure much pain and agony from having their skulls bashed in, but not killed.  They bleed to death slowly, and fully conscious.

Most often, this is how it happens:  Imagine someone hitting you over the head with a baseball bat, breaking your skull, and then putting a metal hook though your head (or face), dragging you across the ice bleeding and throwing you onto a heap of your dying or dead friends.  Then someone grabs you and turns you onto your back and slices you open.  And you're still alive.

Visit http://www.protectseals.org for updates on the hunt.  And check out Nigel Barker's page for updates on his trip to the ice flows http://www.nigelbarker.tv/blog

The weekend is practically upon us and for me, that means my mother is coming to visit.  Not just to visit, but more importantly to attend the Boston Wine Expo.  We've attended in one way or another for the past 3 years.   It's starting to become a mother-daughter tradition.

The first year we didn't actually go to the Expo itself, but rather to the Vintner Dinner where I met Tyler Florence (and told him his Kobe Beef was too fatty).  Well, it was.  That was also when I still ate meat. 

The next year, we went to the Expo and walked the floor, ending the day completely exhausted, but comfortably buzzed.  And in case you're wondering... we take public transportation to and from this.

Last year, we decided to attend one of the seminars.  We tried one led by Leslie Sbrocco, author of  "The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide", where we walked away with a better understanding of how to taste wine and pair it with foods and a free copy of her book.  I had mine autographed.  We both enjoyed it immensely. 

This year, we've decided to attend another seminar.  This time, on a Sunday, instead of Saturday.  It's called Sparkling Champagne Brunch.  Since champagne is one of my most favorite things in the world, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

For the first time in about 13 years, I voted this morning as opposed to after work.  I voted for Hillary.  She is the candidate that shares the most concerns that I have.  And I think it would be GREAT to have a woman in the White House!  A lot of people think that we are "not ready" for that, but to them I have to say... ok, if not now, then when?  We are definitely ready for a change.  No doubt about it.  I honestly think, that with the exception of Romney and Huckabee, almost ANY candidate would be better than what we have in office now.

What matters most to me is Humane Legislation and Animal Welfare.  How does your favored candidate stack up?

Democrats:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/donkey
s.html

Republicans:
http://hslf.typepad.com/political_animal/2008/01/elepha
nts.html