About My Blog.

Welcome! This is "Catatonic Digressions."
Most, if not all readers don't understand my blog's title. It's an old inside joke from a forum long gone. I was going to change it, but since it's been "confusing" for so long, I decided to leave it.
Don't worry about what it means, the content of the blog is what is important.

Unfortunately, my blog isn't what I set out for it to be. A disturbed and manic online stalker and cyberbully has made it impossible for me to post about family, my son, life in my part of New York...so I stopped, and I mostly reblog and repost what I feel is important, necessary or close to my heart. As for the stalking nutter, fuck her. You can't scare me offline with a few lame threats and pages of libel. I'm bitchy like that. ;)

If you read a story and you feel moved in any way, comment. Comments are more than welcome.

Unlike those online who lie and hide behind fake photos and stories, I'm real. I'm real and I don't like manipulative, pathological liars, attention whores or narcissists. If you're a sociopath and there's a story, I'll blog it. If you're awesome, and I admire you, I'll blog it. If you are compassionate, kind and unselfish, you rock. Feel free to email me if you have a story or cause you would like shared.

Please join Sea Shepherd and follow The Barbi Twins on Twitter and Facebook.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Leader of Vegan Food Company Says Vegan Not Right for Him

Leader of Vegan Food Company Says Vegan Not Right for Him

Leader of Vegan Food Company Says Vegan Not Right for Him
“I drink green juices and have done for the last year or so, but living the life of a vegan is not for me. I think there are lots of other people like me out there,” Martin Bates told the New York Times. Bates turned around Pret a Manger’s business in the United States and is now taking charge of Organic Avenue, a company that sells vegan products that would like to expand into the national market.

Read the FULL article HEREhttp://freefromharm.org/veganism/leader-of-vegan-food-company-who-doesnt-believe-in-going-vegan/

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS: School 244 in Flushing, Queens, becomes first public school in nation to serve only vegetarian meals: officials




Queens

School 244 in Flushing, Queens, becomes first public school in nation to serve only vegetarian meals: officials

Active Learning Elementary School is part of a citywide effort to promote healthy food.

Read more on The NEW YORK DAILY NEWS website: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/queens-school-serves-all-vegetarian-fare-article-1.1331690#ixzz2T1ZNKNpJ


Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and student Arianna Francisco have a vegetarian meal together on Tuesday at PS 244.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott and student Arianna Francisco have a vegetarian meal together on Tuesday at PS 244.

There's no “mystery meat” at one Queens public elementary school.
Public School 244 in Flushing is the first public school in the nation to serve all-vegetarian meals for breakfast and lunch, according to city education officials.
Crystal Gu, schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, and Arianna Francisco enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Walcott says the all-vegetarian food system should be replicated at schools across the city and nation.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Crystal Gu, schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, and Arianna Francisco enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Walcott says the all-vegetarian food system should be replicated at schools across the city and nation.

Chefs at the Active Learning Elementary School have swapped chicken, turkey and ham for black beans, tofu and falafel, and kids are digging in with delight.
“This is so good!” squealed 9-year-old Marian Satti, devouring her black bean and cheddar cheese quesadilla Tuesday at lunch. “I’m enjoying that it didn’t have a lot of salt in it. ”
On the menu is black bean and cheddar quesadillas with salsa and roasted potatoes. The kids are digging into the vegetarian fare with gusto. “This is so good!” squealed 9-year-old Marian Satti.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

On the menu is black bean and cheddar quesadillas with salsa and roasted potatoes. The kids are digging into the vegetarian fare with gusto. “This is so good!” squealed 9-year-old Marian Satti.

The students are pioneers in a citywide effort to make healthy food a staple of every child’s day.
Public School 244, above, partnered with nonprofit New York Coalition for Healthy School Food to design vegetarian recipes.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Public School 244, above, partnered with nonprofit New York Coalition for Healthy School Food to design vegetarian recipes.

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, who often crows about maintaining a fit lifestyle, said the launch of the vegetarian food-fest should be duplicated in schools across the city and country.
“I don’t eat fried foods. I don’t drink soda. I try not to have sweets too often,” said Walcott, who tested the veggie victuals. “And that’s what we want for our students ... to make sure they eat healthy both at home and school.”
Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, who is calling for the all-vegetarian effort to be expanded, is known for adhering to a healthy lifestyle. "That’s what we want for our students ... to make sure they eat healthy both at home and school,” he said.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott, who is calling for the all-vegetarian effort to be expanded, is known for adhering to a healthy lifestyle. "That’s what we want for our students ... to make sure they eat healthy both at home and school,” he said.

A-rated PS 244 partnered with nonprofit New York Coalition for Healthy School Food to design recipes for appetizing plant-based grub.
Walcott places carrots onto the tray of Arianna Francisco. Salad bars have been installed in 1,000 schools, and they’ll be a fixture at all 1,800 facilities by the end of the next academic year.

KENDALL RODRIGUEZ FOR NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Walcott places carrots onto the tray of Arianna Francisco. Salad bars have been installed in 1,000 schools, and they’ll be a fixture at all 1,800 facilities by the end of the next academic year.

“We believe that, if we taught kids to make healthy choices, it would help them to grow as students and well-rounded children,” said Principal Robert Groff, who helped found the school in 2008.
City public schools have undergone a “revolution” in cafeteria fare since Mayor Bloomberg took office, according to Eric Goldstein, chief executive of the Office of School Support Services for the city Education Department.
The ongoing evolution of cafeteria grub has led schools to serve only whole-grain breads and pastas. Salad bars have been installed in 1,000 schools, and they’ll be a fixture at all 1,800 facilities by the end of the next academic year.
----
BREAKFAST MENU
Whole-grain sunrise carrot bread with hot cereal choice
Fluffy egg omelet with melted cheese in a New York-style bagel
Waffles with warm syrup and
mozzarella string cheese
LUNCH MENUBlack bean and cheddar quesadilla served with salsa, red roasted
potatoes and broccoli
Roasted organic tofu with cacciatore sauce, whole-grain pasta and roasted zucchini
“Superhero” spinach wrap with cucumber salad
Chickpea falafel in a soft wheat wrap with chopped romaine, fresh diced tomatoes and cucumber salad
Source: City Department of Education


Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/queens/queens-school-serves-all-vegetarian-fare-article-1.1331690#ixzz2T1Yo3Ql8

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Facebook’s new Timeline: Here come the gifts!

Facebook’s new Timeline: Here come the gifts!

Reposted from:

Safe and Savvy - Protecting the irreplaceableF-Secure


Facebook’s new Timeline: Here come the gifts!



By Jason



Our Security Advisor Sean Sullivan has playing around with Facebook’s new Timeline layout.
His first impression is that it’s designed to encourage you to share and encourage your friends’ media consumption.
In the endless attempt to monetize a free service that about one billion human beings rely on, Facebook is also encouraging you to give your friends more than just warm birthday greetings. They want you to give gifts.
Here are some of the gifts my friends are recommended to give to me:
Jason_Gift_Wine
Yes, I am over 21 years old. Sean found that if you’re under 21, Facebook recommends chocolate instead of wine.
It’s natural to speculate that Facebook wants to become a recommendation engine that serves you media and gift recommendations based on your interactions. This — as always — will lead to some unintended consequences.
Perhaps, the next time you change your relationship status to “single”, your friends will see this gift recommendation:
Jason_Gifts_Ex_Set
______________________________________________________________________

Note from me: The last thing I want is anyone using this feature on Facebook. I won't use it when there's a special day for a friend, relative or acquaintance, so I seriously hope no one uses it when my birthday arrives. Unless there is a "The I Have a Psychotic Stalker" Knife Set...in purple or green, thank you. ;)

Thursday, April 04, 2013

The Lost Sea Cat (children's book), Pastel Portaits of Pets and More—Phoenix Chiu @ http://TheLostSeaCat.blogspot.com

A friend of mine does beautiful pastel portraits of pets. She is also the author and illustrator of a children's book. Please check some of her work, and visit her blog, where you can see more and also purchase items if you would like.

Let Phoenix Chui know you found her via "spookie" who bought her book for her son.
You can also find Phoenix and all of the Lost sea Cat info and custom portraits on Facebook.


Sample of Custom Portrait:
 





Sample of Custom Photo Necklace:
 
 
 
Luggage Tags (行李吊牌)are perfect for traveling in style! Make sure your luggage is labeled while still showing off your personal style! Ever grab the wrong bag thinking it was yours? Luggage Tags prevent them getting mixed up. ~~

The cover is made with vinyl then jazzed up with card stock from original paintings in Pastel by me, Phoenix Chiu. Each luggage tag is signed by the artist (me!). The vinyl makes the cover strong enough for everyday use.~~

Measurements:
Tag: 2 3/4 inches x 4 1/8 inches
Loop: 6 inches

Each luggage has two sides. Except the image on front side is different, all back sides are the same as the following sample:
                                                                                            $3.95 Each, Buy 5 Get 1 Free   (Please scoll down to the end of this page and you will find the Buy 5 Get 1 Free "buy now" button.                                                         These luggage tags are without any text except my signature. The text "All Right Reserved" , "Phoenix Chiu" and blog website on the image is only to protect copyright on internet.                                                                         
**For large ordered quantity, please e-mail me(yourphoenixcat@yahoo.com) to set up new "buy now" button for you in order to save the shipping cost. Thank you!                                                          
* To see the larger artwork, please click the image.
          
Calico Cat                        Christmas Cat 1                   Grey Cat
Christmas Cat 2                 Grey Stripe Cat                   Kitten
Orange White Cat                Sea Cat Family                   Siamese
Swimming Sea Cat                Tabby Cat                Tuxedo Cat & Frog
  
Playing Grey White Cat    Tuxedo Cat & Apple    Two Sleeping Cats

Sea Cat Family 1                              Tuxedo Cat 3

Two Sheep                                       Two Horses
  
Apple Blossom Farm          Cherry Blossom Farm        Fall River


Geese Family                    Maple Tree Sidewalk         Plum Reflection


Winter Sunset                    Blue Hydrangea                  Butterflies




Clematics                            Daffodils                        Pink Cherry Blossom

 







Pink Hydrangea                  Strawberries                   Winter Sunset1

**For large ordered quantity, please e-mail me(yourphoenixcat@yahoo.com) to set up new "buy now" button for you in order to save the shipping cost. Thank you!
 

Children's Book

If you can not contact me by facebook, please contact me by e-mail: yourphoenixcat@yahoo.com Thank you.
 
 

I would like to share this wonderful story with everyone who visited me. 
Book name: The Lost Sea Cat
Reading level: Ages 6-12
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sincerity Press(July,2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0982826400
ISBN-13:9780982826409
Product dimensions: 8.27 x 8.27 x 0.35 inches
Shipping weight: 0.89 pounds
Printing paper:
Cover: 157gsm glossy art paper + 2.5mm grey board
Text: 200 gsm glossy art paper





Midwest Book Review:
Intended for young readers ages 6-12 (due to the reading comprehension level required for the text--parents are encouraged to read it aloud to children under 6), The Lost Sea Cat is a children's picturebook with a strong positive message about the importance of family love. The story follows a young prince of the sea cat kingdom, who braves great distance and many hardships to find and rescue his younger sister. In the process he befriends a young girl who helps him on his quest for a heartwarming reunion. The warm and gentle bring the beautiful sea cats to life, in this wonderful storybook adventure especially recommended for young cat lovers!    
                                                  
http://www.thefreelibrary.com/The+Lost+Sea+Cat.-a0242016503
Story summary:
This is a heart warming story of love and adventure. In order to reunite his family, a young prince of the sea cat kingdom travels to a far away land in search of his younger sister. Can he find her and save the kingdom?  Once you start to read this book, you will love the constant surprises and beautiful illustrations.

Author and illustrator:
Phoenix is my pen name. My family name is Chiu. I was born in I-Lan, Taiwan. My highest diploma is a bachelor degree from the Applied English Department of Ming Chuan University. I worked as English sales secretary in import and export companies for several years. I now lives in the United States. I loves writing, drawing, cooking, and photography. I had dozens of essays and healthy recipes published in the World Journal Newspaper and World Journal Weekly Magazine between 2009 and 2010. Recently, I has devoted myself to creating children's story books and illustrations. The World Journal Newspaper has published eight of my children's stories. They are A Girl Stole a Book” ,“Ran Away Cat”(series) , “The Cat on the Patio”, “The Poor Horse”,“A Little Girl Wrote the Diary,Cat Prince(series)”, “The Poor Artist in the Valley(series)”,, “Sea Cat”(series). Every story of mine is written to inspire children to be their best. My writing is fine and delicate. When children read my stories and see my cute, lively and bright pastel illustrations, they will feel as if they have been transported to another wonderful fairy tale world.



Editor:
The book has been edited by Mr. Rousso, my native born American husband, who revised this book in American English. He has a doctor of law degree from the University of Washington in Seattle,U.S.A.

Phoenix wrote a letter to parents and grandparents:
For you, what is the most precious gift in the world? When you and your children read this story, you will find out. There is nothing sweeter than the family love. That is the moral of this story. Reading is a good way to cultivate your children's better angels. In this story, they will learn about the brave spirit of Vegas and his love of his family and Susans kindness.

This book is for children age 6-12, but you also can read it for your children if they are under 6.
  I hope you and your children enjoy this book very much.

The inspiration of Sea Cat:
This story is inspired by Phoenix's two lovely cats, Orange and Vegas. Vegas looked like a gentlemen dressed in tuxedo. It was adopted from Human Society. Orange is white as snow except for an orange spot on its back. It was a street cat but Phoenix decided to adopt it after it visited her many times. Orange and Vegas came from different families but they loved each other very much like brother and sister. Therefore, Phoenix writes this special warm feeling into this book.    
 

     Illustrations:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
My Children's Book Signing:
  
*Signature*
All the books I send to individuals are SIGNED AND PERSONALIZED! So, be sure to tell me who will be receiving the book so that I may put their name inside.
 
*Customer Review on Amazon*
Please click the following link to see customer reviews on Amazon. No longer sale on Amazon. If you would like to order, please click the following "Buy Now" button.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Lost-Sea-Phoenix-Chiu/product-reviews/0982826400
Children's Book The Lost Sea Cat
List Price: US$15.95
Discounted Price: US$12.92,
you save US$3.3 (19% off)
Shipping & Handling: US$3.50 (U.S. A. Domestic Only)
Washington Resident's Sales Tax: 9.3% as of Sep 30, 2010
 
 
Best wishes to you, Phoenix!
Harry and I enjoyed your book very much.