Pearl Harbor

MEMORIAL TO THE U.S.S. ARIZONA

Beneath the waves, upon the sands,
down fathoms in the deep,
sunken men, in silent ships,
find refuge fast asleep,
exempted from
the challenge of,
victory or defeat ...
where flesh and steel rest as one,
beyond the reaches of conceit.

Beneath a mirror of twinkling light,
upon a brilliant sea,
gallant men in stalwart ships,
on a voyage not to be,
wait at their posts, in eternal patience,
without anxiety;
In a world of liquid echos and muted hostility,
where a delicate lace of ocean life
adorns the mighty guns
and consumes their awesome appearance
in the filtered light of the sun.

Glen Clay Booher
Copyright 1986

To read more Pearl Harbor poems, please visit this site.

We'll Miss You Stan Winston

R.I.P.

Farewell Ling-Ling

(Photo by Eduardo Verdugo / AP)

Ling-Ling was Japan's oldest living Giant Panda at 22 years of age. Not only was Ling-Ling a star at the Tokyo Zoo, but this little "darling" (Ling-Ling means "little darling") was a symbol of friendship with China. Ling-Ling died due to old age.

There is something so majestic and beautiful about Pandas. Perhaps it's the visual contrast of black and white fur that is, at the least, strikingly gorgeous. Or maybe the cuddle-like appearance of a big black-and-white bear with sad looking eyes is the real grabber. I'm not sure. Either way, the panda is a special animal.

As for Ling-Ling, we salute you Ling-Ling. You will be sorely missed around the world. Your presence here will never be forgotten.

In honor of Ling-Ling, please feel free to download an iPhone wallpaper of a Panda here.


Bark at you later,
PJ the dog blogging dog

The Resting Place of Animal Companions

I recently watched a show featuring a really wonderful place. The Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park in Calabasas, California. Maybe you've seen their sign on the hill as you drive on the Ventura Freeway?

Sure, pet loss is not something people like to talk about. However, as a doggie, I've got to say that I feel I'm part of my family. I'm not a pet, I'm a family member. I'm loved so much (ok, I admit, I'm spoiled) and I'm included in all the family photos. It's nice knowing that over 40,000 other families feel the same about their animal family members too.

Just like any cemetery, there are some celebrity animals buried there too. "Petey" the dog from The Little Rascals has a burial spot under a lovely tree. "Topper" the horse from Hopalong Cassidy is also buried in this cemetery.

Actually, every animal buried there is a star. Each family animal won the starring role as a member in someone's family.

The really neat part about this cemetery is that most grave markers had fresh flowers on top. How wonderful to be loved so much.

So, Thank-you to those who look over the graves of beloved animal companions.

Bark at you later,
PJ the dog blogging dog

R.I.P. Gill-Man

So, if you're not a horror fan, you might be wondering, who was the "Gill-Man"?

Ben Chapman played the "Gill-Man" creature from  1954's Creature From the Black Lagoon.

  Sadly, he's passed away and so has another chunk of horror history. Ben's "Gill-Man," featured in three of the "Creature" flicks was memorable, to say the least.  At six foot five, Mr. Chapman had the height necessary to appear intimidating in his foam rubber suit.

Incidentally, some of the lake scenes were filmed right here in California at the exclusive private Malibou Lake.   After seeing this film on one Saturday afternoon, I went to the lake and didn't dare dip even a single paw into the cold rippling water.  Gee wiz, between sharks and the creature, I'm not sure any body of water is safe.  And don't get me started on showers (Norman anyone?).

So, I bid the talented Ben Chapman farewell.  Thank-you for scaring me as a young pup and for giving me the heebie jeebies. :-)

Bark at you later,

PJ the dog blogging dog :-)

Chief Brody Lives On

I'm a dog who loves a good scary flick. And Jaws is right up there with the best. I mean, goodness, I bark at the waves if they slap the sand too closely to my paws. Which brings us to some sad news.

Actor Roy Scheider has died. He is best known for playing the character Chief Martin Brody in Jaws. He gave a memorable quote (ad libbed) that lives on in movie infamy. Just as he sees the shark (nicknamed "Bruce" on the set), Chief Brody says "You're gonna need a bigger boat" to Captain Quint (played by the late Robert Shaw). Such a great line and such a great actor.

So, our hats are tipped to you Mr. Scheider. Thank-you for all the wonderful films and television.

And hey, if you get a chance, please say "Hi" to Quint. :-)

Bar at you later,
PJ the dog blogging dog :-)

In Memory of Someone We Loved

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

by Mary Elizabeth Frye (1904-2004)

Bark at you later,
PJ the dog blogging dog ;-(

A Tribute to the Hero Dog STRYKER

Stryker is a hero. He was also a police dog for Oceanside. His life was taken in the line of duty. Our condolences to Officer Kedrick Sadler over the loss of his beloved K-9 partner.

We salute you Stryker. Thank-you for your dedication and service to the Oceanside community.

Bark at you later,
PJ the dog blogging dog

"Please, don't squeeze the Charmin!"

Oh, Mr. Whipple, you will be sorely missed. I can't tell you the number of times I have shredded, err, squeezed, the toilet paper. I mean, I can't resist. It's so soft to touch with my paws. It tastes good when I like to chew the pieces and I can tease kittens with a couple of squares.

So, Thank-you Mr. Whipple for a memorable tv ad and for bringing a smile to my doggie face on Nick at Nite.

Bark at you later,
Pj the dog blogging dog :-)

We Remember 9/11 (silent post)