X is for ...

Xerox

Xerox is pretty much synonymous for photocopy , the way Kleenex is for tissue and Bandaid for bandage.

A company's biggest fear is that their brand name becomes so commonly used to describe a product that a judge rules that it's too "generic" to be a trademark. That means that any product — even inferior ones — can legally use the name. A brand usually is declared legally generic after a company sues another firm for using its name and the case goes to a federal court. It's difficult to quantify how much revenue a company loses when its brand is deemed generic. But companies worry that it breeds confusion among consumers. Xerox is trying hard to not be a generic term. The company, which introduced the first automatic copier in the U.S. in 1959, has been on a public crusade for decades to keep its brand from becoming generic. The machine's success has led people to start using "Xerox" to refer to any copying machine, copies made from one and the act of copying. "In the mid- to late-1970s, we ran dangerously close to Xerox becoming 'genericized,'" says Barbara Basney, vice president of global advertising. "That prompted a lot of proactive action to protect our trademark." Xerox has spent millions taking out ads aimed at educating so-called "influencers" like lawyers, journalists and entertainers about its brand name. A 2003 ad said: "When you use 'Xerox' the way you use 'aspirin,' we get a headache." More recently, a 2007 ad read: "If you use "Xerox" the way you use "zipper," our trademark could be left wide open." While people still use "Xerox" generically — the Merriam-Webster dictionary lists the word as both a lower-case verb with the definition "to copy on a xerographic copier" and a trademarked noun — the brand says its campaign has been a success.Xerox is still popular: It's ranked the 57th most valuable global brand, worth $6.4 billion, according to brand consultancy Interbrand. And perhaps most importantly, Xerox hasn't lost its trademark.

W is for....

Walking Dead

The Walking Dead is an American horror television drama series developed by Frank Darabont. It is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard. The series stars Andrew Lincoln as sheriff's deputy Rick Grimes, who awakens from a coma to find a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating "walkers", resembling zombies. He sets out to find his family and encounters many other survivors along the way. The title of the series refers to the survivors, as much as to the zombies.

The Walking Dead premiered on October 31, 2010, on the cable television channel AMC in the United States. It premiered internationally during the first week of November 2010 on Fox International Channels. Based on its reception, AMC renewed the series for a second season of 13 episodes, which premiered on October 16, 2011.Two episodes into the second season, AMC announced that the show would return for a third season of 16 episodes, which began airing on October 14, 2012. On December 21, 2012, AMC renewed The Walking Dead for a fourth season of 16 episodes.

The series has been well received and has received many award nominations including ones for the Writers Guild of America Award and a Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series (Drama). The series has also attained strongNielsen ratings, surpassing various records for a cable series, including receiving 12.4 million viewers for its season three finale to become the most-watched drama series telecast in basic cable history.

I have been totally hooked on this series and have not missed an episodes and seen tons of repeats and just can't get enough of it and as much as I don't want to rush the year...I can't wait for the return of the series in the fall. Just love, love, love "The Walking dead".

V is for ...

Vacation

Even though my last vacation left me with a lot of health issues, I would not trade this experience for anything in the world. From the places I've seen, the things we have done, to the people that bonded closer through this experience, it was the best vacation ever and a dream come true and also another thing of the life list, oddly enough when I wrote my life list, I also wrote that I could die happy once I have done that, hmmmm almost did, but thank God, I'm still here, and I know there is just so much more that needs to be done and tried to change. 

This vacation, was also to a place I really never had an interest in visiting, not even sure why, but it just didn't make my list, however I fell totally in love with the country side and I would so love to go back over and over again, there is just so much to discover. 

So here is to more California dreaming. :) 

U is for...

                                          Undertaker

Hmmm, I guess it's a job, and important job and somebody has to do it. One of my twins has made being an Undertaker his chosen profession. His first choice at one point was minister, but then ever since High School it was Undertaker. The road to this has not been an easy one, seems like it is a very  family orientated business so its hard for an outsider to get in, also I think his age was working against him and after a last try effort last Fall to get one spot in a very space limited course he finally made the cut. Part of the acceptance into the program was a 40 hrs co op position in a funeral home. That alone was a challenge to get but he finally, with the help of a friend, got that position and he has worked at that funeral home ever since on weekends while doing his schooling during the week. It's nice to see him get dressed up  in a suit with proper haircut and style and look respectful and professional and he has excelled. With passing his first year of the course the challenge now was to find a year long internship at a funeral home and accomplish many tasks in the next year. A couple of weeks ago he came home from work saying that the big boss wanted him to hand in his resume, that after being told right from the start that they never take interns. But they did this year...my son. So  he was so happy about that as he seems to have really found his fit with this home. They have allowed and showed him every aspect of the business right from the first minute he was there. After having such a rough start even just to get in it has been so nice to have such supportive people around him that have helped him get to where he is now...on his way of achieving his dream of becoming an Untertaker. 

And as cold and heartless he appeared for years on the outside, I always knew on the inside he is a very caring and loving person, and he sure has shown that over the last year. I am so proud of him. 

It truly shows if you persevere in things that are important to you, you can achieve your goals. 

T is for....

                                               Time
as in where does the time go?
how do I get more time if the day only has 24 hours?
where do I find the time to do all the things that need to be done and all the things I want to do?
Time time time, never seesms to be enough of...

I guess it's Time to reevaluate what's important to me and what I really want to spend my time with doing. And maybe it's just a matter of getting a little bit better organized. Haven't had the time to figure it out yet.

I am thankful that I made time the other day for coffee with friends, woo hoo two in one day. :)

S is for ....

                                            Squirrels
Probably after Donkeys my other most favourite animal, again by some seen as nuisance but then people are just ignorant and not appreciate things for what they are and don't respect animals and their place in our world.  Not too long ago I watched 'Nature of Things' with Dave Suzuki and it was all about squirrels, it was absolutely fascinating. It was titled appropriate " Nuts about Squirrels". To watch the entire episode you can visit "The Nature of things" episode "Nuts about Squirrels".
From the day we moved into the house we live in now, I was in heaven. Our backyard is full of big ole trees and it's a haven for squirrels. Squirrels get to know your habits and adapt accordingly and that is so very true with our own squirrels. You can see them running down the hill towards our garden as soon as someone opens the patio door. They know somebody will come out hopefully with food and drop someting or feed them intentionally. They also know they are safe here and will not get chased away by anything, our cats have adapted well to them. And before we took our little Jack, the cat, in he was living outside with the squirrels, waiting at the patio door for food. I think that's where he developed his love for peanuts. To this day he steals peanuts out of the bowl, cracks their shells and eats them. Silly cat!
There is nothing more entertaining to watch squirrels, especially in the spring when they just seem to be full of joy and mischief. We have only little squirrel that tosses sticks up in the air and then tries to catch them and rolls down the hill with them in his mouth. I have seen squirrels run off with our suet birdfeeders in their mouth, watched them swing on broken tree limbs, and it seems all just for fun. I could spend hours just watching them. In the first little while I named all the squirrels that came to the garden, but as I have become busier with work outside the home, it's been hard to keep track of who is coming and going but I really should try to make an effort on getting to know my furry backyard neighbours. :)

R is for...

Raccoons

I always loved raccoons, never seen one while growing up in Germany, so coming here was like I was living in a dream world with all these different animals that frequent our backyards. For some raccoons represent a nuisance, creatures that wreck havoc at times in people attics, with garbage and whatever else they can get their little hands on. Ok given I have never had damage done to anything by a raccoon so I still see them in my eyes as the ever so cute, intelligent, clever and inventive animals that they truly are. Raccoons have adapted well to city life, they have amazing dexterity and use their front paws to pry things open, turn knobs and handle objects.

In Ontario, raccoons breed from January to April; gestation is eight weeks, whelping season is March to June, litter size averages three to five young, which are mobile at seven to eight weeks old and are weaned by late summer. The cubs may stay with the mother over the winter. Occasional late births may occur in mid-summer. Last summer we had the pleasure of observing on numeral occasions a family of five making our backyard their playground. It was such amazing and so cute at the same time. At times we could be out in the backyard with them and just watch closely as they looked for food under the bird feeders and the gardens. 

People get so obsessed with their own things that they don't stop and think how they contribute to the problems and situations these little critters can get into. There are plenty of things we can do to deter them from causing destruction and mischief, and it shouldn't be setting traps and destroying them. Also a reminder if you remove a big raccoon during breeding season or shortly after, make sure you don't make some innocent babies orphans by your actions. 
They are part of our planet and should be given the respect and care that any living creature deserves. It's all about sharing our space with all. 

Q is for ....

Qi

In traditional Chinese culture, qì (also chi or ch'i) is an active principle forming part of any living thing. Qi is frequently translated as "life energy", "life force", or "energy flow". Qi is the central underlying principle in traditional Chinese medicineand martial arts. The literal translation of "qi" is "breath", "air", or "gas".

P is for...

Pony

A short while ago we actually had a pony at the Donkey Sanctuary. He and his two donkey friends were rescued from a closing petting zoo. Omg he was the cutest little guy I have ever seen. Since horses and donkeys' needs are so different we couldn't keep Honey and after a few weeks in quarantine with his buddies, Honey was turned over to a brandnew pony rescue nearby. We were all so sad to see him go, mostly because he would miss his two donkey friends and just because he was so cute, even our barn manager was in love with him and we thought of ways to keep him, even thought we could pass him off as a mini mule. lol...but in the end we did what was best for Honey to give him the best care possible. Honey now resides at the Winddancer Pony Rescue and he is a happy little pony there. I know they do great work there, well after all they are modelled after us. :) . We keep in touch with them there and get regular updates on him. The latest was that Honey was moving to a Foster farm, he will get all the attention there that he deserves. But I still miss cute little face.

O is for ....

Ojai

On our trip to California last September and our search for donkey art we stumbled upon Ojai. What a beautiful small city. Ojai is a city in Ventura County in the U.S. state of California. It is in the Ojai Valley, northwest of Los Angeles and southeast of Santa Barbara. The valley is about 10 miles (16 km) long by 3 miles (5 km) wide, surrounded by hills and mountains.

The town is known mostly for its hotels and services catering to tourism, recreation including strong hiking, and spiritual retreats, as well as for a strong farmers' market on Sundays and an abundance of local organic agriculture. It also has an abundance of small businesses specializing in local and ecologically friendly art, design, and home improvement—such as galleries and a solar power company—as chain stores (other than a few gas stations) are forbidden by Ojai city law to encourage local small business development and keep the town unique.

On the outskirts we found Larry Cannes, a local master potter, who even though was just about to close his business for the day, it was Sunday after 5 pm, invited us to tour his little studio.

I really enjoyed his work, it was fun and different. He showed us everything and  of course we noticed he had some horse sculptures and wondered about donkey sculptures. And after some talking with him he agreed to come up with something for the DSC. He made us the most unique and funkiest wine bottle stoppers. Unfortunately I can't afford them and yes who has left over wine anyway? He also made some planter pots for us, I purchased one of those and I love it.

What I remember most about the beauty of Ojai as we are leaving was the road we took with orange trees  fields and stone walls along the side in the sun set and mountains in the background. It was so peaceful.
Now I don't watch a lot of TV and not a lot of  movies, but the other day I was so excited when I watched the rolling end credits of " Easy A" and it shows exactly that road travelled. Just beautiful.



N is for

Norman Reedus

It's been a long time since I had have a crush on somebody, but well Norman Reedus did it....not exactly sure what it is? Maybe the bad boy image with a soft heart and touch? Well whatever it is I think he is totally HOT!



Norman Reedus Trivia:

Formerly a model for Prada

Had a baby boy named Mingus Lucien Reedus with Helena Christensen, born 13 October 1999 in Helena's native country, Denmark.

Was in a car accident in late February 2005 in Berlin, Germany, when after attending a R.E.M. concert, his driver swerved into traffic suddenly at the wrong moment, and a semi-truck struck the car in which he was riding. He was jettisoned through the windshield and landed on the sidewalk, receiving some damage to the left side of his face, for which he had to undergo surgery.

Has a titanium eye-socket, as a result of his car accident in 2005.

In Los Angeles, he worked at a Harley Davidson shop in Venice and contributed artwork to various shows as a painter, photographer, sculptor, and video artist.

Reedus has modeled for Prada, Alessandro Dell'Acqua, Durban, Levi's, Lexus and most recently Morgenthal Fredrics.

He has appeared in seven music videos: Flat Top by Goo Goo Dolls, Cats In The Cradle by Ugly Kid Joe, Strange Currencies by R.E.M., Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead, Violently Happy by Björk, Wicked as it Seems by Keith Richards and Judas by Lady Gaga (as Judas).

He is also a painter, sculptor, and photographer who currently shows his artwork in galleries in New York, Berlin, and Frankfurt.

Reedus was in a long term relationship with Danish fashion model Helena Christensen from 1998 until 2003. Together they have a son, Mingus Lucien Reedus (born October 13, 1999).

He has several tattoos: his father's name on the left side of his chest, a devil on his upper right arm, "Mingus" in red on his right forearm, a star on his right hand, two demons on his back, a heart on his right wrist and a snake on his left leg.

He runs a New York-based film production company named Bigbaldhead.

Norman currently lives in New York with his son, Mingus Lucien Reedus.

L is for ....

                                   Live, Laugh, Love
Live your best life.
Laugh out loud, laugh often and laugh at yourself and with others.
Ten ways to Love: listen, speak, give, pray, answer, share, enjoy, trust, forgive, promise.

K is for....

Knick knack

Knick Knack is a small object displayed for its atrractiveness or interest. Gee, as long as I can remember I have been collecting knick knacks of one sorts or another and displayed on shelves. It used to be a collection of all sorts of things and now kind of has changed to donkey related knick knacks. And I can say I have quite a collection. I guess I never grow up....lol. What kind of knick knack do you collect? Is there a theme to your collection?

J is for ....

Jack

The kitty love of my life. Jack is a snuggle bug and he loves nothing more than to cuddle and be loved all over, well not all over because there are certain spots on his body that he hates having touched. But he lives for head scratches, and he can't get enough of them. Every morning we spend about 20 minutes just cuddling before it's time to get out of bed and still he doesn't have enough. He follows you around like a puppy and has to be near you all the time, especially on days when he has been home alone ( meaning without human friends) all day, than he seeks even more attention and won't leave you alone. He is such a good kitty and I love him, I mean I love all my kitties, but he is just special, and to think that somebody didn't want him and just tossed him out on the street....how could you? Just look at this face....

H is for....

Horse

...of course. 

Horses are among the many favourite animals I have. I love horses despite being a little scared of them. I never had a horse but I always knew people with horses so I was around them once in a while. As a little girl, probably like every little girl, I wanted a pony, but of course that didn't happen. I also always wanted to take riding lessons, which also never happened. There was a small paddock with three ponies close to our house growing up, and on my daily bike rides I would stop there and just pet them over the fence. I could do that for hours without getting bored, and when mom was looking for me she knew exactly where to find me. 

Horse breeds are loosely divided into three categories based on general temperament: spirited "hot bloods" with speed and endurance; "cold bloods", such as draft horses and some ponies, suitable for slow, heavy work; and "warmbloods", developed from crosses between hot bloods and cold bloods, often focusing on creating breeds for specific riding purposes, particularly in Europe. There are more than 300 breeds of horse in the world today, developed for many different uses.

My all time favourite horse breed is the Draft Horse.While other horses strike you with their magical grace and beauty, draft horses are shear power, strenght and size. 

To this day, when I am out driving, I stop at paddocks and just sit and watch the horses. They are just such a beautiful animal. However being around my other equine friends weekly, I find the short ears on such a large head rather odd looking. :) 

E is for ...

Eeyore

Well I can't have a blogger challenge and not talk about my all time favourite animal, and yes probably those of you who know me best were wondering why the letter "D" wasn't about Donkeys. He he! Well here he is....Eeyore my favourite donkey in the world. I loved Eeyore for as long as I can remember. 

Eeyore is a character in the Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne, he is friend with the title character and usually characterized as a pessimistic, gloomy, depressed, old stuffed donkey. Maybe it's because he seems so sad all the time, he won my heart and when you look at real donkeys, sometimes they look just as gloomy, but they are funny characters with lots of mishievious behavour and oh so loveable. 

This is our Eeyore at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.....