The VEB Review– Craigslist freebies, help the Houston tigers, foster kitten likes to play fetch!
Paul was the one who saw the ad for a free antique display case on Craigslist… (He was looking to find another pool table, because I have more slate projects in mind.)
The guy getting rid of it was renovating a shop and needed it gone… and because I am a kind and generous person, I was able to help him with that!
I listed it on Craigslist as we drove home. It sold for $250.
Was I was a little bit tempted to hang on to it? Yes… I really liked the egg and dart around the upper edge. And it did sort of seem like something I might find a spot for it in the kitchen – I mean, it kind of holds stuff.
But the storage really isn’t great if you actually want to use it rather than just display stuff you never touch.
The doors are on the back, so accessing the shelving is tricky, unless I made the doors the front… but then the fancy molding wouldn’t show.
Anyway. These things show up all the time on Craigslist, so if at some point I decide I cannot live without one, I will be able to find similar.
I realize that these photos stink, but I took them to post it on Craigslist on the way home, and then sold it without remembering to take better pictures. You get the idea.
***
What I’m reading: Penny Vincenzi’s Lytton Family Trilogy.
A saga that spans three hefty books— historical fiction, beginning in 1904 London, based around a wealthy, upperclass English family.
WWI, WWII, lots of characters, lots of subplots… None of the characters are deep or unpredictable, none of the historical/political events are explored in a way that will bring you enlightenment or intellectual stimulation… but the scope of her storytelling is impressive and fun; and she does a wonderful job of juggling it all, and moving along quickly.
It’s sort of like Downton Abbey meets a really good beach read… not Proust.
She has an overblown writing style that for some reason I find extremely appealing rather than annoying. (Yes. Correct. I, VEB: writer of overblown hyperbole, dislike this in other writers.)
The women are beautiful, the men are honorable, (except the dastardly one!)… it’s melodramatic, sweeping, glamorous, and filled with improbable situations like riding a bike through London while being bombed by the Nazis while also wearing Schiaparelli.
I think this is my third time through the whole series, and I’m to the third book… her storytelling does not flag; the third book still goes strong with new stories for the old characters.
***
What I’m watching: Manor house.
This is an old BBC show, (first aired in the UK and was later broadcast in the United States on PBS)… It’s essentially a reality show of Downton Abbey – it uses real people who volunteered to re-create an Edwardian household for a month.
Free On Amazon Prime – 30 day Free Trial
Paul bailed after the first few episodes because he found the family experiencing the “upstairs” lifestyle to be UNBEARABLE.
Especially “Lord”… he is so self-satisfied and smugly un-selfaware. Personally, I enjoyed hating him. And I suspect that BBC was delighted to have inadvertently found someone so willing to publicly display his asshat-ish-ness.
I actually liked “Lady.” Although I wondered how she could tolerate her husband.
Anyway. The show is somewhat dated, but if you like this sort of topic, I think you’ll enjoy it!
***
SOAPBOX: HELP THE HOUSTON TIGERS.
A theme-restaurant in Houston has been “home” to four white Bengal tigers since 2005… These tigers are held indoors at all times.
According to ANYONE WITH A BRAIN, a theme restaurant is not an acceptable habitat for tigers.
WHAT WE CAN DO:
- Sign the petition asking Landry’s to transfer the tigers to a sanctuary accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, and ask the Association for Zoos and Aquariums to reevaluate the restaurant’s accreditation.
- SHARE this information on social media! LOUDLY tell Landry’s that their treatment of animals is bizarre and grotesque.
- Boycott Landry’s and their restaurants because so far their response has been THE OPPOSITE of common sense: they’ve decided to sue for defamation because saying you shouldn’t keep tigers in a restaurant is highly offensive to their delicate sensibilities.
Shame on @LandrysInc and @TilmanJFertitta. #StandWithALDF #BoycottLandrys pic.twitter.com/Pc1khseMrJ
— Free Houston Tigers (@boycottlandrys) November 20, 2016
For the last 12 years, Landry’s has deprived four #tigers of any access to sunlight, fresh air, or natural surfaces. https://t.co/1oTD8eNJiM
— ALDF (@ALDF) September 27, 2016
- If you’re in the Houston area, get involved! Go to a protest! Here is the facebook.com/freehoustontigers/ page.
- If you’re not local, you can still follow their Facebook page and interact with their updates… Facebook limits how many people see a post that is not well-interacted with, so commenting and sharing their posts helps raise awareness, AND tells Facebook that this is valuable content that other people should see.
- Here is their twitter feed twitter.com/boycottlandrys
How can we help humans see these tigers NOT as an “attraction” but as an abomination to our fellow earthlings… these beings who share our beautiful planet and also call it home?
It’s not just these tigers… it’s circuses and roadside zoos, and the myriad ways that humans see other species as disposable: from dogfighting. To “the crush” which is how baby elephants are “trained” (that’s a Nat Geo link, and there are NO images, graphic or otherwise) so that we can use them as wildlife tourism.
From roasting, boiling, and skinning dogs alive at Yulin dogmeat festival. To the way the dairy industry IS the veal industry. To the egg industry’s practice of tossing male chicks into a grinder WHILE ALIVE (they have no use for boy babies in the egg-laying industry).
These all exist on the same spectrum: the assumption that non-human animal’s pain, fear, suffering, loneliness, hopelessness… is what? Inconsequential?
How are we able to turn off the natural empathy that we have for all living beings? How does this change our fundamental existence on earth?
We cannot distance ourselves from their suffering. WE, the people who SEE IT. We must be the ones to say loudly: THIS IS WRONG.
Every act of cruelty towards any creature is contrary to human dignity… We are not God. We must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over the Earth justifies absolute domination over other creatures — Pope Francis, second encyclical
Well! THAT was awesomely full of holiday cheer! I’m sure you really enjoyed it!
If you read all this way… xoxo times 10,000. Please enjoy this video of baby monkey pumpkin playing fetch with his stuffed hedgehog.
I did not “train” him to do this. The hedgehog fell off the bed one day and he brought it back, and apparently he really likes this game!
December 29, 2016 @ 1:45 pm
I’ve sent a letter to the Colorado Wild Animal Sanctuary about the Houston tigers. I hope they are freed soon!
December 29, 2016 @ 2:00 pm
My calico cat loved to play fetch with little pompom balls that were attached to the ends of footie socks. She would take them to her water dish to soak them before she brought them back to be thrown. I think that the wet pompom traveled farther on wood floors.
December 29, 2016 @ 2:09 pm
Victoria, I believe you are doing God’s work by bringing all of these abominations to our attention and virtually calling us all to account. Thank you, even tho it upsets me.
December 29, 2016 @ 2:41 pm
I hadn’t heard about the male chicks until I heard this interview on NPR… They are creating technology to make this horrible practice stop!:
http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2016/10/28/499613622/technology-may-rescue-male-baby-chicks-from-the-grinder
December 29, 2016 @ 2:48 pm
It is very upsetting, but every time I see something about the cruel way animals are treated and disposed of, I think of babes in the womb. I don’t mean that you, Victoria, should be writing about the latter, but I always wonder where those who vociferously defend animal rights stand on the subject. (I’m being as discreet as I can, not intending to co-opt. Throw this out if it offends.)
December 29, 2016 @ 4:16 pm
Yes, Kay, I have the same thoughts. I would also like to point out that the quote Victoria chose to open with, by Paul Farmer, was not intended to refer to animal lives. Mr. Farmer is a humanitarian that works with hungry and poor PEOPLE in severely underdeveloped countries. Thanks.
December 29, 2016 @ 2:56 pm
I am an animal lover and hopefully am the voice for all animals as well. However, sometimes I like to read about other things and this blog is where I would go to relieve my brain from the cruelty that abounds on this earth. I loved the humor that VEB was so good at writing and could sometimes relate to but I am not happy with the animal awareness posts. I will have to look else where for relief. Good luck Victoria
January 5, 2017 @ 3:34 pm
So, just read the first part of the blog, if the animal cruelty awareness posts disturb you. Victoria is always kind enough to warn us that an awareness post is coming. Just don’t read it!
December 29, 2016 @ 3:59 pm
He’s not Elvis but I believe he is a “keeper”
Happy New Year with kittens
December 29, 2016 @ 4:15 pm
Oh my goodness, I just finished binge watching Manor House two days ago…LOVED it!!!!! I would have just liked to have seen an episode showing the “lord” and “lady” adjusting back to their old life when they didn’t have someone to actually bathe, dress, and feed them. And I wondered if Kenny and Ellen actually stayed together once their relationship was no longer forbidden.
December 29, 2016 @ 4:33 pm
In some ways I think you may have missed your calling. Not that I have any idea of what your day job is, but I can see you owning that perfect Antiques store. The one that we rent a Uhaul to go to. because you find the greatest stuff for not a million dollars or a kidney. The one where you serve tea in the back, using a really cool set of china. Except the tea is whiskey. And we get sozzled and hang out listening to records on a crank gramophone while Paul helps my husband load the furniture without giving it new scratches.
December 29, 2016 @ 4:52 pm
Oh what a wonderful talented kitty!! One of my most favorite cats ever, “Sandy” loved to fetch rolled up balls of paper……….you could toss it anywhere, even down a flight of stairs, and he would go after it and bring it right back to place in front of you. This was also the cat that gave “massages”, and the kids and their friends would get such a kick out of Sandy getting on anyone who laid down for him and breading away on their back. I love all my many kitties throughout the years, but he made the short list of XSP (extra special pet)….I still miss him and it has been a good 15 years. It made me smile to see your little guy so into this talent, i think you should definitely keep him 🙂
December 29, 2016 @ 5:29 pm
This is way to Roccocco/Baroque for my taste, but I was looking for stuff for my parents winter spot and if anyone here is in the Sarasota/Tampa area: http://tampa.craigslist.org/psc/atq/5935770007.html
December 29, 2016 @ 7:08 pm
I am thrilled you are fostering a kitty! I foster dogs. Fostering animals helps give them a chance at a better life. They are always are so thankful for being rescued. Enjoy your time with your lovely feline friend. Thanks for sharing the video!
December 29, 2016 @ 7:38 pm
Just ordered the first book in that series (used) from Amazon. You talked me into it.
December 29, 2016 @ 9:59 pm
Thank you for drawing attention to this awful cruelty. I have learned things that I have passed on to friends. Your compassion is as endearing as your humor. On another note, who knew cats play fetch? None of mine ever has.
December 29, 2016 @ 10:33 pm
As horrifying as it all is, I knew about all of this cruelty that you mentioned. And I admire you for trying to make others aware. It’s awful to read about or see those pictures, but we can either close our eyes and ears and sing la-la-la, or we can be made aware and try to do something to lessen the cruelties performed in this world — ANYTHING is better than nothing! I have volunteered for years with up to four animal groups, listing pets for adoption on Petfinder, creating fliers touting these pets and their availability, creating newsletters sent out to make others aware of the plight of “throwaway” animals, and helping at adoption events. It gives me a lot of satisfaction whenever I learn that one of these animals has found their forever home. I know that my little corner of the world will be better when I finally leave it than when I found it. Not trying to toot my own horn — just saying what makes me go through Life with a happier heart than if I had done nothing. I live with my third rescue dog, a wonderful little girl who I swear adopted ME, not the other way around. I thank my Georgia friend for making me aware of your blog, Victoria, and I will keep reading even when the reading material is horrifying. How else will we know there is still GREAT need for change? Your blog makes me laugh, too, and after a long day when not all goes well, it’s great to sit down, read and laugh out loud. THANK YOU, AND MAY2017 TRULY BE A YEAR OF CHANGE!
December 30, 2016 @ 12:05 pm
Okay, so far I have applied for and been accepted to foster kittens with the local animal shelter, signed the petition to get the white tigers released into a healthy environment in Houston, plus shared and tweeted their story, and was horrified to learn about the male chicks. Like a commenter above, I may cry all day… but I simply cannot adopt all those baby roosters! I’m going to be on tenuous ground with my husband as it is when that first litter of “mewing” kittens arrives, possibly require round-the-clock feedings, without hundreds of “cock-a-doodle-do’s” ringing out at 5:30am following a sleepless night. (I know you don’t expect it, it’s my feeble attempt at humor in the face of such horror.)
Thank you for bringing the ugly to our attention. Maybe your blog will find its way into the hands of someone who can and will help stop this cruelty.
I could send a unit of Navy SEALS (I told you about awhile back) to rescue them, but they won’t know what to do with them either… and last time I checked, roosters don’t swim.
Signed,
“Saving the world one kitten at a time”
December 31, 2016 @ 8:59 pm
Unreal…grinding up male chicks? Who the heck is behind this???!! Some people ought to be strung up.
I’m checking out the books you recommended and The Manor House. Thanks for posting this. And I’m impressed you made $250 from that antique showcase. Well done!
BTW, your posts are only one of two I MUST read as soon as they are in my email. Really enjoy them.
See you next year…that’s 6 hrs from now, according to So. Calif time.
January 1, 2017 @ 12:15 pm
Thank you for your splendid blog and sharing your passions about so many things. Keep ON! Thanks also for the great author suggestion. Checked her out at my local little library and read for two days and finished Almost a Crime. It was amazing. Will try vegan one day a week, baby steps. P.S. Loved Jennifer Marlowe’s comment. Shall have to remember that…..”it’s bad form, dear.”
January 5, 2017 @ 3:50 pm
I absolutely love, and at the same time, am jealous of you finding all of this amazing free stuff on Craigslist. The freebies I find on our part of the world’s posts are usually curbside couches, left over yard sale stuff (usually all the way across town, and not worth the drive) or things no one would actually want. But, I live vicariously through you.
As far as your awareness posts on cruelty to animals, I appreciate the time you spend learning about the abuse, and actually being proactive in changing it, as well as the fact that you share it with the rest of us. I actually go to the sites you link, and read more about the subjects, and sign the petitions. It does make my heart ache, and my stomach sick…as it should anyone with half a grain of humanity in them!!! I then can make choices in my own lifestyle based on the information. I applaud you for having the courage to put it all out there.
I am saddened that I could not get the fetch kitten video to play, however. I know I would have enjoyed it!
January 5, 2017 @ 4:34 pm
I am officially sickened and disgusted over the grinding of male chicks. I may never eat another egg. We used to sell eggs when I was a child, but all of the roosters were simply allowed to roam our 40 acres, free to roost in trees or boxes we set out for their protection. They also had a “bachelors” quarters they could roost in at night. We also augmented their natural diets with a mixture of grains. Never once, in the years that we had our “egg farm”, was a male chick ever disposed of. Unfortunately, now I know that the chicks my mom would mail order were probably already culled, although we did get a fair share of males in the batch. I absolutely KNOW that my mom never heard of the practice, as she would actually bring an ailing chick into our home to nurse it back to health. I am positive she would be rolling over in her grave if she knew about this ghastly practice!
I searched quite a bit to find out what happens to the grisly product after the grinding, and the only concession I found was one egg company admitting that the end results “could” be made into pet food, but culling the egg SHELLS was too costly!!!! Are you FREAKING kidding me????