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The American Hymn
Posted 7 years agoI wrote this 2 years ago. To me, this still rings true. I hope it does for you as well.
What do we do in a time of tragedy? We should continue to sing the song of ourselves and dance the dance of our souls. For we are a people of many talents, and a people of great hopes.
We are farmers and financiers.
We are doctors and dancers.
We are pilots and plumbers.
We are wrestlers and recordkeepers.
We are teachers and taxi drivers.
We are a people of no single background and no single faith. We are a nation unafraid to try the new, and still willing to accept the old. There is limitless opportunity in our imagination and our courage to try.
When someone tries to stop us from singing our song, we band together and sing louder than ever. We become a mighty chorus, and sing from the highest mountains into the greenest of valleys. Our song carries through the leaves of the mightiest redwoods and through the fronds of our sorrowful palms. And we dance in the towers of our greatest cities into the streets of our most humble of towns.
The American Hymn lives as long as we carry the torch of freedom in our hearts. It is a dance that will forever move our bodies and a song that stirs our souls. Live the Hymn and pursue your happiness. As long as you do, the Enemy will never win.
What do we do in a time of tragedy? We should continue to sing the song of ourselves and dance the dance of our souls. For we are a people of many talents, and a people of great hopes.
We are farmers and financiers.
We are doctors and dancers.
We are pilots and plumbers.
We are wrestlers and recordkeepers.
We are teachers and taxi drivers.
We are a people of no single background and no single faith. We are a nation unafraid to try the new, and still willing to accept the old. There is limitless opportunity in our imagination and our courage to try.
When someone tries to stop us from singing our song, we band together and sing louder than ever. We become a mighty chorus, and sing from the highest mountains into the greenest of valleys. Our song carries through the leaves of the mightiest redwoods and through the fronds of our sorrowful palms. And we dance in the towers of our greatest cities into the streets of our most humble of towns.
The American Hymn lives as long as we carry the torch of freedom in our hearts. It is a dance that will forever move our bodies and a song that stirs our souls. Live the Hymn and pursue your happiness. As long as you do, the Enemy will never win.
A memory from Megaplex 2017
Posted 8 years agoHi everyone,
I want to share something special with you. Please forgive me for waiting a week to post this, but things and life happen. This is about a special piece of magic that happened at this year's Megaplex.
I got a call Saturday afternoon that my "VIP" had arrived and was waiting at the fursuit group photo mingle in the main ballroom. I could not recall a special VIP, but I knew that I just needed to get there fast. (As it turned out, they had spoken with John Z...not John C, but everything was fine just the same.)
I got down to the main ballroom, and met a family there. The young man was named Giovanni, but ws asked if we could call him Gio. His brother was Connor, and he was there with his mom and aunt. He was a Wish Child. That is a child who is suffering from a rather serious medical condition and is in Central Florida to fulfill a special wish. Well, Gio was there to visit Sea World, but when he saw all the fursuiters at Megaplex, he told his family that this convention was where he really wanted to be. They called us through Give Kids the World and arranged for this visit.
Gio got to talk with some of our suiters, and take lots of photos. He spoke with staff and lots of folks at the con. Connor also got to spend photo time with suiters and I think he even got to hold some poi spinners. The entire fursuit assembly shouted hi to Gio, and he was grinning from ear to ear.
Afterwards, I took the family to main registration and Gio and Connor were given special guest status. Gio and Connor could now return to Megaplex anytime they want. We got them some gifts from the con store, and they even got special badge holders reserved for staffers. We then went up to the supersponsor lounge, and they had some ice cream and soda...and played some videogames. I spoke with his mother. Gio has an invasive brain tumor that had impacted part of his frontal lobe. For almost 2 years, he was unable to experience joy, laughter, or happiness. All positive emotions were suppressed. So you can imagine his mom's feelings when she saw her son smiling, laughing, and just being an 11 year old. He said he really wants to build a fursuit. He wants to be a dog...specifically...a boxer. And the boxer's name will be Tyson.
Sunday morning, they stopped by the dealer room to look at plushes, posters, and t shirts. Then they went to the Charity presentation and got to hold some of the live animals. They left shortly after, but they made a real impression on lots of us.
My friends, I know many question why we should have youngsters at furry cons. I hold this experience up as an example. I do not know how long Gio will live, but what happened at Megaplex gave him and his family hope. He found someplace he truly wants to be...and I hope it gives him more inspiration to fight and live.
Never forget that each of you has incredible power for good inside you. You just need to tap into it. You may not change the entire world, but you can change a life. And that is truly miraculous.
I want to share something special with you. Please forgive me for waiting a week to post this, but things and life happen. This is about a special piece of magic that happened at this year's Megaplex.
I got a call Saturday afternoon that my "VIP" had arrived and was waiting at the fursuit group photo mingle in the main ballroom. I could not recall a special VIP, but I knew that I just needed to get there fast. (As it turned out, they had spoken with John Z...not John C, but everything was fine just the same.)
I got down to the main ballroom, and met a family there. The young man was named Giovanni, but ws asked if we could call him Gio. His brother was Connor, and he was there with his mom and aunt. He was a Wish Child. That is a child who is suffering from a rather serious medical condition and is in Central Florida to fulfill a special wish. Well, Gio was there to visit Sea World, but when he saw all the fursuiters at Megaplex, he told his family that this convention was where he really wanted to be. They called us through Give Kids the World and arranged for this visit.
Gio got to talk with some of our suiters, and take lots of photos. He spoke with staff and lots of folks at the con. Connor also got to spend photo time with suiters and I think he even got to hold some poi spinners. The entire fursuit assembly shouted hi to Gio, and he was grinning from ear to ear.
Afterwards, I took the family to main registration and Gio and Connor were given special guest status. Gio and Connor could now return to Megaplex anytime they want. We got them some gifts from the con store, and they even got special badge holders reserved for staffers. We then went up to the supersponsor lounge, and they had some ice cream and soda...and played some videogames. I spoke with his mother. Gio has an invasive brain tumor that had impacted part of his frontal lobe. For almost 2 years, he was unable to experience joy, laughter, or happiness. All positive emotions were suppressed. So you can imagine his mom's feelings when she saw her son smiling, laughing, and just being an 11 year old. He said he really wants to build a fursuit. He wants to be a dog...specifically...a boxer. And the boxer's name will be Tyson.
Sunday morning, they stopped by the dealer room to look at plushes, posters, and t shirts. Then they went to the Charity presentation and got to hold some of the live animals. They left shortly after, but they made a real impression on lots of us.
My friends, I know many question why we should have youngsters at furry cons. I hold this experience up as an example. I do not know how long Gio will live, but what happened at Megaplex gave him and his family hope. He found someplace he truly wants to be...and I hope it gives him more inspiration to fight and live.
Never forget that each of you has incredible power for good inside you. You just need to tap into it. You may not change the entire world, but you can change a life. And that is truly miraculous.
Magic - In Memoriam
Posted 10 years agoOne can find Magic in the most unexpected of places. I write this as a testament to loyalty, love, and the unique bond that form between a person and a companion animal. I say companion rather than pet, because sometimes, the bond between an animal and their “person” can feel as great as that between a parent and a child.
Magic was a mixed breed dog. He was part black lab and part golden retriever. His mother was a pedigree black lab. A neighborhood golden retriever somehow got to the black lab, and a litter was born on December 24, 2001. The person who owned the black lab had indicated that she did not want any “mongrel dogs” and wanted all of the puppies destroyed. Her neighbor, seeing how adorable the newborn puppies were, offered to get them to a rescue group. “These dogs are perfectly adoptable,” is what I was told she said. At any rate, the litter of 7 puppies was taken to a local Florida rescue group. When the puppies were old enough to be adopted, they were taken, along with other adoptable animals, to a local pet store. I went to that pet store on that day and saw the cute little pile of fluffballs. Now I had always fancied myself as wanting a purebred dog, but I was drawn to go to the pet store on this day with a couple of friends.
When I saw the pups, one immediately caught my eye over the others. He was quieter than the rest, and was sitting alone. He had a white spot on his forehead. I asked to pick him up, and was allowed to do so. I was told he had just “been fixed”, so he might still be a little groggy. I held him on my forearm, and the little guy leaned his head against my chest and looked up at me, then nuzzled into me. My heart melted. His tummy was shaven, and he had a small tattoo on his tummy that indicated he had been neutered and was a male pup. He as warm, and soft, and had beautiful dark brown eyes. His fur was the color of butterscotch caramels. And he had white and brown “freckles” on his muzzle.
I put the puppy on a stack of dog food bags, and we just looked at each other. My friend Colson looked at me and said, “You’re going to get the puppy, aren’t you?” I told him I thought so. Others wanted to hold this puppy, but I quickly told the rescue group I’d like to adopt him. They reminded me about the responsibilities of being a pet owner. “You are looking at a 10 or more year commitment. Are you ready for that?” I was asked. I remember thinking hard. I’d have to buy dog food, get him his shots, and deal with possible accidents in the house. But I said I was ready and signed the paperwork. The registration fee was $100. I remember that vividly. And then, I picked up my new puppy and held him again. Colson asked me what I was going to name him. I said “Maybe Butterscotch”…since that was what he reminded me of. “That’s a dumb name for a dog,” he told me. I said back to him, “Well what do you think I should name him?” His answer, “Magic.” I asked why he thought Magic, maybe because of the city basketball team? He said, “No, he just looks like a Magic to me.” I looked in the pup’s big brown eyes, and from that moment on…his name would forever be “Magic”. My friend Cooner bought Magic his first squeaky toy...a stuffed hedgehog. I recently bought Magic another stuffed hedgehog. It would be the final toy I would buy for him. It seemed fitting, and almost poetic that he should have a toy like that one more time.
Over the last 13+ years, I have had a lot of experiences. Magic has been by my side all that time. His fur has deepened from a caramel color to a beautiful orange/brown color. He was there for me when I came home after discovering that my job was being outsourced to India. He was there by my side when I got the phone calls for new jobs. He moved with me as I went to new places. He was there the very first night that I bought my new home. He laid beside me after I had a heart procedure. We’ve gone on walks, played fetch, been to parks and beaches, and done a lot of fun things together. Through my triumphs and tribulations, he’s been there. All the while, he’s been a kind, gentle soul who always looked to me for nothing more than a meal and a little petting and attention. If I cried, he’d jump on my bed to console me and try to lick my tears. If I was happy, he’d jump and wag his tail with me. And if I felt alone, he was there with a warm gaze that seemed to say “You’re not alone, I’m here for you.” I find it amazing that a small and innocent creature who started his life unwanted, would right now be one that I want to be with more than anything else in the world.
In the words of “Bolt”, Magic has been my dog, and I have been his person. As I now face the prospect of a world without him, I can only hope that somewhere and in some way, he will be waiting for me to come home to him again. Because if there is, that means that someday I will once again have some Magic around me.
See you across the rainbow bridge Puppy. I love you.
RIP Magic - 2001 - 2015
EDIT: I want to offer one request of anyone who reads this. If you are thinking of getting or adopting a dog, please consider visiting your local no kill shelter or rescue group. Abandoned dogs need to find their forever homes too and can give more love to you than you can imagine. If Magic can leave a legacy of helping even one other dog find their forever home, I think he'd be wagging his tail in heaven.
Magic was a mixed breed dog. He was part black lab and part golden retriever. His mother was a pedigree black lab. A neighborhood golden retriever somehow got to the black lab, and a litter was born on December 24, 2001. The person who owned the black lab had indicated that she did not want any “mongrel dogs” and wanted all of the puppies destroyed. Her neighbor, seeing how adorable the newborn puppies were, offered to get them to a rescue group. “These dogs are perfectly adoptable,” is what I was told she said. At any rate, the litter of 7 puppies was taken to a local Florida rescue group. When the puppies were old enough to be adopted, they were taken, along with other adoptable animals, to a local pet store. I went to that pet store on that day and saw the cute little pile of fluffballs. Now I had always fancied myself as wanting a purebred dog, but I was drawn to go to the pet store on this day with a couple of friends.
When I saw the pups, one immediately caught my eye over the others. He was quieter than the rest, and was sitting alone. He had a white spot on his forehead. I asked to pick him up, and was allowed to do so. I was told he had just “been fixed”, so he might still be a little groggy. I held him on my forearm, and the little guy leaned his head against my chest and looked up at me, then nuzzled into me. My heart melted. His tummy was shaven, and he had a small tattoo on his tummy that indicated he had been neutered and was a male pup. He as warm, and soft, and had beautiful dark brown eyes. His fur was the color of butterscotch caramels. And he had white and brown “freckles” on his muzzle.
I put the puppy on a stack of dog food bags, and we just looked at each other. My friend Colson looked at me and said, “You’re going to get the puppy, aren’t you?” I told him I thought so. Others wanted to hold this puppy, but I quickly told the rescue group I’d like to adopt him. They reminded me about the responsibilities of being a pet owner. “You are looking at a 10 or more year commitment. Are you ready for that?” I was asked. I remember thinking hard. I’d have to buy dog food, get him his shots, and deal with possible accidents in the house. But I said I was ready and signed the paperwork. The registration fee was $100. I remember that vividly. And then, I picked up my new puppy and held him again. Colson asked me what I was going to name him. I said “Maybe Butterscotch”…since that was what he reminded me of. “That’s a dumb name for a dog,” he told me. I said back to him, “Well what do you think I should name him?” His answer, “Magic.” I asked why he thought Magic, maybe because of the city basketball team? He said, “No, he just looks like a Magic to me.” I looked in the pup’s big brown eyes, and from that moment on…his name would forever be “Magic”. My friend Cooner bought Magic his first squeaky toy...a stuffed hedgehog. I recently bought Magic another stuffed hedgehog. It would be the final toy I would buy for him. It seemed fitting, and almost poetic that he should have a toy like that one more time.
Over the last 13+ years, I have had a lot of experiences. Magic has been by my side all that time. His fur has deepened from a caramel color to a beautiful orange/brown color. He was there for me when I came home after discovering that my job was being outsourced to India. He was there by my side when I got the phone calls for new jobs. He moved with me as I went to new places. He was there the very first night that I bought my new home. He laid beside me after I had a heart procedure. We’ve gone on walks, played fetch, been to parks and beaches, and done a lot of fun things together. Through my triumphs and tribulations, he’s been there. All the while, he’s been a kind, gentle soul who always looked to me for nothing more than a meal and a little petting and attention. If I cried, he’d jump on my bed to console me and try to lick my tears. If I was happy, he’d jump and wag his tail with me. And if I felt alone, he was there with a warm gaze that seemed to say “You’re not alone, I’m here for you.” I find it amazing that a small and innocent creature who started his life unwanted, would right now be one that I want to be with more than anything else in the world.
In the words of “Bolt”, Magic has been my dog, and I have been his person. As I now face the prospect of a world without him, I can only hope that somewhere and in some way, he will be waiting for me to come home to him again. Because if there is, that means that someday I will once again have some Magic around me.
See you across the rainbow bridge Puppy. I love you.
RIP Magic - 2001 - 2015
EDIT: I want to offer one request of anyone who reads this. If you are thinking of getting or adopting a dog, please consider visiting your local no kill shelter or rescue group. Abandoned dogs need to find their forever homes too and can give more love to you than you can imagine. If Magic can leave a legacy of helping even one other dog find their forever home, I think he'd be wagging his tail in heaven.
A beautiful moment
Posted 12 years agoI was reminiscing today about many of my past Anthrocons. Now I know lots of people say, “Oh, I just go to see my friends.” And “There’s nothing in the programming that interests me.” I sometimes feel sorry for those people, because there are so many amazing things that happen during the course of a convention that are in the event space. I was remembering such an event that happened at Anthrocon 2011.
Our guests of honor were Peter Beagle and Andy Runton. Both are charming individuals who I am indeed grateful to have gotten to know. During the “Meet the Guests of Honor” panel in the main ballroom, a question was asked, “What’s something involving your work that you remember the most vividly..or that meant the most to you?” Andy gave an answer that still warms my heart and makes me cry a little to this day.
He told the audience about something that happened to his fiancée. (She was not yet his fiancée at that time but she is now his wife.) Her father had passed away, and she did not have the opportunity to really say “goodbye” as she would have wanted to. Andy, being the amazing person that he is...had an idea. He drafted a comic where her character was interacting with her father. He actually created her father as a character in the comic. And in the comic, the two characters interacted and she had the opportunity to do what she wanted to in real life...to simply say “I love you” and “Goodbye”.
As I’m writing this recount of that evening, I’m tearing up a little. I can tell you that the entire main ballroom (including Gale, his fiancée) was very emotional and I was crying myself as Andy told this story. It’s an amazing gift that we all have to really touch someone’s life using the talents that we have. Perhaps it’s a small thing to create a character in a comic. But it meant the world to one person.
Whenever you go to a convention, or to any event, perhaps take a moment to realize that there is more out there than just “talking about animals” or "the same old stuff". At any given moment, something special can happen at a panel. You can receive a revelation about our own human condition. Or maybe you will discover that you really can make a difference in someone’s world...with little more than a kind heart and some lines on a piece of paper.
Thanks Andy for sharing that story. You are one special little night owl.
just looking at facts
Posted 12 years agoI've been watching a relatively larage amount of drama and pretty shocking language being used about a situation in which I do not wish to take sides.
There is something that I did feel compelled to put out there, and it revolves solely around fact and numbers. In said incident, someone wanted to make "memorial t shirts" for a recently deceased person. I see no issue there. Whether they knew said person or not isn't my affair...nor do I wish to comment on the opinions folks have of the parties involved.
However, people have made statements about "profitting" off the situation. I took the time to do cursory research on what the associated costs are. An initial search via Google produced varied pricing results. Searching for "custom t shirt" brought an initial vendor quoting $6.00 per shirt...not including any color screening. If what is being said about the person in question is correct, he may not hhave the best mental faculties or business acumen. So I will grant that a quote of $6.00 per shirt would not be unheard of for the proposed project. Given that this person stated he wanted to obtain 500+ shirts...the overall costs at that rate would be $3000 plus shipping. Since he indicated he was trying to raise $2900+ for said project, I would see this as just covering costs...no profit at all.
I am not going to make the assumption that this person has business connections to get a "sweetheart deal" for this...nor the connections that events and conventions have to get superior pricing.
Again, I am not taking sides. I am merely stating readily verifiable information without personal bias intruding. I would also point out that making threats on these forums is a violation of the terms of service. Please feel free to correct if that is inaccurate. If this is the case, I would suspect that any individuals who made threats against any other FA member..should be dealt with accordingly by FA admins. If there were threats of physical violence or death, FA should handle that up to and including the suspension of their FA accounts and/or appropriate referral to local constabulatory officers.
There is something that I did feel compelled to put out there, and it revolves solely around fact and numbers. In said incident, someone wanted to make "memorial t shirts" for a recently deceased person. I see no issue there. Whether they knew said person or not isn't my affair...nor do I wish to comment on the opinions folks have of the parties involved.
However, people have made statements about "profitting" off the situation. I took the time to do cursory research on what the associated costs are. An initial search via Google produced varied pricing results. Searching for "custom t shirt" brought an initial vendor quoting $6.00 per shirt...not including any color screening. If what is being said about the person in question is correct, he may not hhave the best mental faculties or business acumen. So I will grant that a quote of $6.00 per shirt would not be unheard of for the proposed project. Given that this person stated he wanted to obtain 500+ shirts...the overall costs at that rate would be $3000 plus shipping. Since he indicated he was trying to raise $2900+ for said project, I would see this as just covering costs...no profit at all.
I am not going to make the assumption that this person has business connections to get a "sweetheart deal" for this...nor the connections that events and conventions have to get superior pricing.
Again, I am not taking sides. I am merely stating readily verifiable information without personal bias intruding. I would also point out that making threats on these forums is a violation of the terms of service. Please feel free to correct if that is inaccurate. If this is the case, I would suspect that any individuals who made threats against any other FA member..should be dealt with accordingly by FA admins. If there were threats of physical violence or death, FA should handle that up to and including the suspension of their FA accounts and/or appropriate referral to local constabulatory officers.
Job update
Posted 13 years agoSo I have been at the new job for a week in training now. I really REALLY like this place. Am just feeling so good about a lot of things lately. It's like a light switch went into the positive position in my life. Work is good, am happy at home, I have an awesome dog, great friends.....things just keep feeling better.
I'm now exercising to get more fit. I'm sore in muscles I did not even know I had. :P But in the end, this will all be worth it. :)
I'm now exercising to get more fit. I'm sore in muscles I did not even know I had. :P But in the end, this will all be worth it. :)
And New job AGAIN! :D
Posted 13 years agoSo the job that I was hired at in June ended up being a scam company. Without going into horrendous details...they misrepresent what they do, and release everyone within 3 weeks...and start the cycle over.
Well, after more lengthy job search...I interviewed with a reputable company on Thursday...and was offered the position on Friday! I start at 9am, Monday. Once I complete the training period (4-6 weeks)...I'll be working an 11-8 shift, Monday through Friday. Will change a few things, but all in all, it's a good move for me. Income will be steady again, will have insurance again, and life can return to a relatively normal pace.
Have learned a lot over the last year and a half while I went through this process. About other people, and about myself. Looking forward to the new challenges...and to more opportunities in the future!
Well, after more lengthy job search...I interviewed with a reputable company on Thursday...and was offered the position on Friday! I start at 9am, Monday. Once I complete the training period (4-6 weeks)...I'll be working an 11-8 shift, Monday through Friday. Will change a few things, but all in all, it's a good move for me. Income will be steady again, will have insurance again, and life can return to a relatively normal pace.
Have learned a lot over the last year and a half while I went through this process. About other people, and about myself. Looking forward to the new challenges...and to more opportunities in the future!
Thoughts and stuff
Posted 13 years agoI think in every person's life, there is a moment. The one where you fall into a dark place, and you need to pull yourself out of it. It's not a quest for pity, nor a request for attention....rather, it's a moment of realization. The one where you look introspectively, and have to ask yourself "Who is really there for you?" When everyone is focused on having a good time, and their own self indulgence, who among all the voices, were the ones that heard a soft and almost imperceptible gasp for help? Who was really the friend you needed, when you needed one most?
I had such a moment this weekend. For those that know, I thank you for your kind words, and your thoughts and support and for being there in the moment when I most needed someone to just say "It's ok, I'm here". Sometimes, that's all it takes. I know that there will always be changes in life, what those changes will be...that I cannot say. I have not been myself for the past few months - perhaps because I put my faith in the wrong places, and sometimes in the wrong people.
I've had to take people off their pedestals, and look at them in the way they are now, not how they once were. And in the same vein, I will once again start being the person I want to be, not the person other people expect me to be. Change is hard, but change is necessary. In a world of broken promises, shattered dreams, and forgotten friendships....I know there are a few kind people who took a small amount of time to not expect me to be there for them...but rather...asked if they could be there for me. Those are the people I need in my life -- the ones who take that brief moment to say, in their own way, "It's ok. I'm here."
I had such a moment this weekend. For those that know, I thank you for your kind words, and your thoughts and support and for being there in the moment when I most needed someone to just say "It's ok, I'm here". Sometimes, that's all it takes. I know that there will always be changes in life, what those changes will be...that I cannot say. I have not been myself for the past few months - perhaps because I put my faith in the wrong places, and sometimes in the wrong people.
I've had to take people off their pedestals, and look at them in the way they are now, not how they once were. And in the same vein, I will once again start being the person I want to be, not the person other people expect me to be. Change is hard, but change is necessary. In a world of broken promises, shattered dreams, and forgotten friendships....I know there are a few kind people who took a small amount of time to not expect me to be there for them...but rather...asked if they could be there for me. Those are the people I need in my life -- the ones who take that brief moment to say, in their own way, "It's ok. I'm here."
New job!
Posted 13 years agoOk, So it wasn't the best kept secret in the world that I have been unemployed for a bit. Well, that all changed today. I start my new job on Monday! Will be seeing less of me online during the days...but that comes with the territory of priorities and work and all. :)
Am very happy right now. will feel so good to have regular income flowing in again. :)
Am very happy right now. will feel so good to have regular income flowing in again. :)
Sketch commissions
Posted 13 years agoHey all,
Ok, I've had a bunch of people ask me....so I'm gonna do this tonight.
I'll take commissions for some fast sketches. For now, will charge $5 for the first five. They will be black/white line drawings.
Anyone wanna get a sketch from me?
If so, respond below with the character (description or link to reference please)
I will note you on where to paypal the $5.
Thanks!
Ok, I've had a bunch of people ask me....so I'm gonna do this tonight.
I'll take commissions for some fast sketches. For now, will charge $5 for the first five. They will be black/white line drawings.
Anyone wanna get a sketch from me?
If so, respond below with the character (description or link to reference please)
I will note you on where to paypal the $5.
Thanks!
Fernando's Update
Posted 13 years agoHey all,
So I am guessing most people have seen the last announced amount.
$18,954.54 has been raised for Fernando's. That's so awesome everyone! Really, it's amazing. Now the drive hasn't stopped. That's just the most recent amount. The more that gets donated, the easier it will be on Fernando and his employees. (Remember, helping save this little restaurant not only is helping him, but it's also going to mean that his employees don't lose their jobs!)
Please keep it up! I know a number of people were going to wait until Friday when payday hits to make a donation. If you were planning to, please still do so! And even if it turns out to be the weekend, you still can do it! It does benefit folks going to AC because we'll have a friendly place with good, inexpensive food that welcomes up openly. We make a difference in the local community, help a guy out who's down on his luck a bit, and help keep some folks employed! Plus...good food remains available.
Thanks everyone. You really are doing something to be proud of.
KP
So I am guessing most people have seen the last announced amount.
$18,954.54 has been raised for Fernando's. That's so awesome everyone! Really, it's amazing. Now the drive hasn't stopped. That's just the most recent amount. The more that gets donated, the easier it will be on Fernando and his employees. (Remember, helping save this little restaurant not only is helping him, but it's also going to mean that his employees don't lose their jobs!)
Please keep it up! I know a number of people were going to wait until Friday when payday hits to make a donation. If you were planning to, please still do so! And even if it turns out to be the weekend, you still can do it! It does benefit folks going to AC because we'll have a friendly place with good, inexpensive food that welcomes up openly. We make a difference in the local community, help a guy out who's down on his luck a bit, and help keep some folks employed! Plus...good food remains available.
Thanks everyone. You really are doing something to be proud of.
KP
Fernando's
Posted 13 years agoHey all,
I know that people have heard a lot about this, but it can't be said enough right now.
There is a drive to help out our friend Fernando in Pittsburgh. For those that don't understand, let me spell this out very simply:
Fernando was the first business in Pittsburgh to openly embrace the idea of catering his business to Anthrocon for the duration of the convention. This included making t-shirts, renaming the restaurant, putting out little pawprints in sidewalk chalk to entice furries in, and serving food in dog bowls as part of special promotions.
Fernando openly communicates with the Anthrocon Board of Directors to try and work with the convention, and even undertook extra debt just to try and make his business run until AC2012.
Fernando literally took a rock (brick) to the head while making a hostile vagrant leave his establishment so that the furries that were there would feel safe.
Fernando has openly stated to the Pittsburgh media that Anthrocon is "the most important" event on his calendar. He's stated that we represent a full 25% of his annual revenue in one single weekend.
When Fernando realized that he wouldn't make it to AC2012, .. *HE CONTACTED US* to let us know about it. that's how important we have become to him. If we were just another customer, he wouldn't have bothered. But we're not....we're FRIENDS to this small business.
Now I'm not saying that we need to extend pity to this man or his business. I am saying that this man has proven himself to be a good ally for Anthrocon and the furry community in Pittsburgh. He's been genuinely good and thoughtful in how he does business with us, and he respects us. When AC was in other cities, no restaurant reached out to us like Fernando's has. Yes we have tried to build excellent relationships with the other restaurants in the city....but Fernando's is special to us. That's why I, along with so many others, are asking folks to please try to donate even a couple of dollars to this small businessman. Perhaps we can help save his business, perhaps we cannot. But let's at the very least...show him our gratitude for the dignity and respect he showed to us. Show him that as a community, furries care about those that care about us. And as an event, Anthrocon (and furry as a while) can demonstrate to the city of Pittsburgh, that we reciprocate when businesses treat us (as a group) as valued customers.
If you can spare any amount, please consider donating it to Fernando. You can do so by going to this journal entry and clicking the donate link:
http://unclekage.livejournal.com/140100.html
Remember, many little drops make a flood. Even if you can only give $1...when lots of us give that dollar..it adds up to a lot!
Thanks for listening folks, and being part of a great community.
KP
I know that people have heard a lot about this, but it can't be said enough right now.
There is a drive to help out our friend Fernando in Pittsburgh. For those that don't understand, let me spell this out very simply:
Fernando was the first business in Pittsburgh to openly embrace the idea of catering his business to Anthrocon for the duration of the convention. This included making t-shirts, renaming the restaurant, putting out little pawprints in sidewalk chalk to entice furries in, and serving food in dog bowls as part of special promotions.
Fernando openly communicates with the Anthrocon Board of Directors to try and work with the convention, and even undertook extra debt just to try and make his business run until AC2012.
Fernando literally took a rock (brick) to the head while making a hostile vagrant leave his establishment so that the furries that were there would feel safe.
Fernando has openly stated to the Pittsburgh media that Anthrocon is "the most important" event on his calendar. He's stated that we represent a full 25% of his annual revenue in one single weekend.
When Fernando realized that he wouldn't make it to AC2012, .. *HE CONTACTED US* to let us know about it. that's how important we have become to him. If we were just another customer, he wouldn't have bothered. But we're not....we're FRIENDS to this small business.
Now I'm not saying that we need to extend pity to this man or his business. I am saying that this man has proven himself to be a good ally for Anthrocon and the furry community in Pittsburgh. He's been genuinely good and thoughtful in how he does business with us, and he respects us. When AC was in other cities, no restaurant reached out to us like Fernando's has. Yes we have tried to build excellent relationships with the other restaurants in the city....but Fernando's is special to us. That's why I, along with so many others, are asking folks to please try to donate even a couple of dollars to this small businessman. Perhaps we can help save his business, perhaps we cannot. But let's at the very least...show him our gratitude for the dignity and respect he showed to us. Show him that as a community, furries care about those that care about us. And as an event, Anthrocon (and furry as a while) can demonstrate to the city of Pittsburgh, that we reciprocate when businesses treat us (as a group) as valued customers.
If you can spare any amount, please consider donating it to Fernando. You can do so by going to this journal entry and clicking the donate link:
http://unclekage.livejournal.com/140100.html
Remember, many little drops make a flood. Even if you can only give $1...when lots of us give that dollar..it adds up to a lot!
Thanks for listening folks, and being part of a great community.
KP
Megaplex hotel
Posted 13 years agoI have it on good authority that the Megaplex hotel is getting close to being full. If you are planning to attend and want a room in the hotel, you should book it ASAP.
KP
KP
Donate to help a friend save a sweet dog
Posted 14 years agoHi all,
For those that know TiGWolf, he's a really sweet guy, and has a wonderful dog companion, Merlin.
Was told that Merlin went into emergency surgery this morning for a twisted intestine. Several thousand dollars was fronted to try to save his life. If anyone wants to help Tig with a small donation, you can do so by sending a PayPal donation to : dbachtler[at]gmail.com
I know times are tough. But anyone who's ever had a pet knows how painful this can be not only for the dog, but for the TiG as well. If you can spare just a bit of cash to help, I know he'd appreciate it.
KP
For those that know TiGWolf, he's a really sweet guy, and has a wonderful dog companion, Merlin.
Was told that Merlin went into emergency surgery this morning for a twisted intestine. Several thousand dollars was fronted to try to save his life. If anyone wants to help Tig with a small donation, you can do so by sending a PayPal donation to : dbachtler[at]gmail.com
I know times are tough. But anyone who's ever had a pet knows how painful this can be not only for the dog, but for the TiG as well. If you can spare just a bit of cash to help, I know he'd appreciate it.
KP
Mid month update
Posted 14 years agoSo by my scale, I'm down 10 pounds since Jan 1. 240 pounds. The scale at FPS reads heavier, but I was wearing a warm clothes and jeans..so it may be off due to that.
Wondering how long it'll take to get down to 230 pounds.
Have been good on the food intake. Not skipping meals, and trying really hard to eat better. More veggies, more good proteins, fewer bready carbs, and fruit snacks where I can.
Have a new dance DVD, going to start trying to learn the routine....should be some decent exercise.
Wondering how long it'll take to get down to 230 pounds.
Have been good on the food intake. Not skipping meals, and trying really hard to eat better. More veggies, more good proteins, fewer bready carbs, and fruit snacks where I can.
Have a new dance DVD, going to start trying to learn the routine....should be some decent exercise.
Weight loss
Posted 14 years agoSo new start to the year....
I lost over 20 net pounds in 2011. Was higher, but I backslid in October - December. Still, 20 down is a good start, but I need to do better. So I started up again. Feeling good about it so far. Eating smaller meals more frequently, and less food overall. Plus back to eating better foods.
Going to see how things pan out in January. Need to be healthier.
I lost over 20 net pounds in 2011. Was higher, but I backslid in October - December. Still, 20 down is a good start, but I need to do better. So I started up again. Feeling good about it so far. Eating smaller meals more frequently, and less food overall. Plus back to eating better foods.
Going to see how things pan out in January. Need to be healthier.
I won a fursuit!
Posted 14 years agoOMG! I won the MFF Made Fur you fursuit raffle! I cannot believe it! After such a crappy year, something really amazing just happened!
