I guess I’ll join in the fray and write about MJ ’s untimely death. Or is it really so untimely? How long would one realistically expect to live considering the toxic milieu of opiates and anesthetics allegedly floating in his blood stream? All this is very familiar for those who where around when Elvis met a similar demise. For those of you still in the womb in 1976 (or was it 1977), not so familiar. I remember the news reports streaming day and night. Long lines and throngs of neurotic fans converged in front of draped ironed gates at Graceland in Memphis. Constant TV coverage erupted. I remember reading at the time that a nurse slipped a note to his physician who was seeing another patient with encrypted abbreviations that read, ” EP DOA in ER”. He knew immediately what had happened. Another “king” goes down with analgesics and sleeping pills coursing through his veins. And now “Neverland” will be “Foreverland” as throngs of worshipers will make the pilgrimage to the sprawling memorial built by the king himself. A modern day “Graceland.” Twitter, Facebook, text messages, cable 24/7 coverage makes this ceremony even more memorable as we watch the teddy bears, ribbons, and candles erected in front of the iron gates of Neverland.
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How would those under your leadership answer these questions? Does your group support one another, and camaraderie is visible? Does the group feel encouraged to bring up new ideas and take risks? Do they trust senior leadership to tell the truth? Are we strong enough to give up ideas that no longer work? Are you proud of what has been accomplished? Are managers available and approachable? Is there a process for decision making? Are people aware of how decisions are made? Are you in the “weeds” or are you being strategic in your thinking? Just some thoughts on a hot June afternoon as I listen to Willie Nelson and Ray Price.
Several news reports in our area as well as national news have identified inhumane, squalor, filth, and cruel boarding conditions of some kennels. Animal rights groups have been calling for more government oversight (which tax payers are responsible for) to monitor and close down these flea and disease infested kennels. Now that Cyprus (Cyper, Girl, Cat) has passed into the eternal heavenlies, we are pet-less. Kathy and I have agreed to remain pet-less for the near future (I’d like to one day have a talking exotic bird but that discussion can wait for now). I’m not a big dog lover however we once had a chocolate lab when we lived in Virginia so we’ve done the “dog thing.” It was fun while it lasted but didn’t work out. I’m convinced that if “Hunter” as he was called, was allowed 24 hours alone and unfettered in our house, he could have chewed the frame down to the ground. Nothing but saw dust and a few bricks would remain. Anyway, while I’m not neurotic about pets, (some insist on having multiple dogs and cats), I do try and take care of plant and animal life around me. Everyone who knows me, knows that I tried to get the boys to take Cyper out in the country and leave her multiple times. Right.
For the life of me, I cannot understand why these pet loving people that care enough about their dog or cat and pay good money to board them, would leave their beloved pet in one of these filthy kennels. I remember we once had to board Hunter for a week while we went on vacation. I went in, checked out the place myself looking for the comforts of home. I asked to see the cage, the running area, asked about the food etc etc. If I am this attentive, and I don’t even belong to PETA, why are these pet loving neurotics leaving their dogs and cats in kennels without checking the place out? Does it take government or citizen tax dollars to enforce healthy living conditions? The right thing to do is to check the place out and walk out, take your business somewhere elsewhere if living conditions are poor. Hello. Those types of establishments will go out of business if people walk. The condemned kennels they’re showing on TV that are so despicable would readily be recognized as cruel and inhumane the minute you drove onto the property, rolled down your car window, and took a good deep breath. Smell the air? By the way, Hunter still got “kennel cough” and had to be treated with antibiotics.