tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26365080672497392082024-03-14T04:37:29.211+02:00ZZ spotThis blog is dedicated to promoting ideals about animal rights and welfare, trying to bring humans closer to animals and understand the undisputed fact that animals are sentient beings. Speciesism is as bad as racism used to be a few decades back and there is absolutely no excuse for it.
This blog is also about life through the eyes of someone who believes that all species are created equal, no matter of size, gender, origin, skin or fur color and texture.Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.comBlogger180125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-42799902160703989912011-06-15T10:33:00.000+03:002011-06-15T10:33:37.036+03:00The moral and legal rights of cetaceansSign the declaration and join a global call to have rights formally declared for cetaceans<br />
<br />
Declaration of Rights for Cetaceans: Whales and Dolphins<br />
<br />
Based on the principle of the equal treatment of all persons;<br />
Recognizing that scientific research gives us deeper insights into the complexities of cetacean minds, societies and cultures;<br />
Noting that the progressive development of international law manifests an entitlement to life by cetaceans;<br />
We affirm that all cetaceans as persons have the right to life, liberty and wellbeing.<br />
We conclude that:<br />
<br />
Every individual cetacean has the right to life.<br />
No cetacean should be held in captivity or servitude; be subject to cruel treatment; or be removed from their natural environment.<br />
All cetaceans have the right to freedom of movement and residence within their natural environment.<br />
No cetacean is the property of any State, corporation, human group or individual.<br />
Cetaceans have the right to the protection of their natural environment.<br />
Cetaceans have the right not to be subject to the disruption of their cultures.<br />
The rights, freedoms and norms set forth in this Declaration should be protected under international and domestic law.<br />
Cetaceans are entitled to an international order in which these rights, freedoms and norms can be fully realized.<br />
No State, corporation, human group or individual should engage in any activity that undermines these rights, freedoms and norms.<br />
Nothing in this Declaration shall prevent a State from enacting stricter provisions for the protection of cetacean rights.<br />
Agreed, 22nd May 2010, Helsinki, FinlandZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-85372099873068804972011-05-21T20:56:00.001+03:002011-05-21T20:56:18.274+03:00Please sign the petition to stop killing wild animals for high TV ratingsZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-56709034112299011422011-05-21T20:55:00.000+03:002011-05-21T20:55:15.590+03:00Wild animals tortured or killed for TV ratingsPlease sign the petition<a href="http://www.petitiononline.com/GRYLLS00/petition.html"></a>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-81590655437920249582010-12-16T13:19:00.000+02:002010-12-16T13:19:25.797+02:00Vegan resourcesMany people when understanding the atrocities of humanity on the non-human inhabitants of this planet, including myself, decide to go vegetarian and then vegan. It is not enough to not eat meat. Cows suffer the same if not more when bred in massive dairy farms.<br />
<br />
Veganism, or better, compassionate eating, is a concept that will be a focal point for this blog and I will revert to it many times.<br />
<br />
As initial homework, I strongly suggest to visit this site http://www.vegansociety.com - a treasure of resources about healthy living, recipies, you name it.Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-38841227344553681092010-12-04T11:18:00.001+02:002010-12-04T11:18:24.080+02:0072 ώρες δεν ειναι αρκετες...Wall Photos<br />ΔΙΑΒΑΣΤΕ ΤΟ!!! <br /><br />Η συγκλονιστική μαρτυρία ενός διευθυντή καταφύγιου εγκατελειμμένων ζώων <br />Η ζωή του σκύλου ή της γάτας σε καταφύγιο :<br /><br />Μόνο 72 ώρες τα κρατάνε μήπως υιοθετηθούν. <br />Μετά τα σκοτώνουν γιατί τα καταφύγια είναι γεμάτα... <br /><br />"Δεν μπορείτε να κρατήσετε το κατοικίδιό σας ; Αλήθεια ;"<br /><br />Από έναν διευθυντή καταφύγιου ζώων (οπουδήποτε)<br />"Save Our Shelter Animals" MuttShack Animal Rescue <br />Κυριακή, 7 Νοεμβρίου 2010 <br /><br />Σκέφτομαι ότι η κοινωνία μας χρειάζεται μία ισχυρή αφύπνιση . Ως διευθυντής καταφυγίου ζώων , θα μοιραστώ μαζί σας την εικόνα από … μέσα. Πρώτον, όλοι εσείς που πιθανότατα έχετε εγκαταλείψει ένα κατοικίδιο σε καταφύγιο, σκεφτείτε ως άνθρωποι εργαζόμενοι έστω και μία ημέρα στο πίσω μέρος ανθρώπινου καταφύγιου. Αν βλέπατε τη λύπη και τη σύγχυση σε αυτά τα μάτια, θα σταματούσατε να διαφημίζετε τα ζώα στις λίστες και θα ...τα βοηθούσατε να βρουν άμεσα σπίτι. <br />Το κουταβάκι που μόλις αγοράσατε , θα κατέληγε στο καταφύγιο μου, τη στιγμή που δεν είναι το μικρό χαριτωμένο ζωάκι πλέον. Θα πρέπει να γνωρίζετε ότι υπάρχει πιθανότητα 90% να μην βγει έξω από το καταφύγιο ο σκύλος . Το 25% του συνόλου των σκύλων που εγκαταλείπονται ή που έρχονται ως αδέσποτα, είναι καθαρόαιμα ζώα. <br />Οι κοινότυπες δικαιολογίες που ακούς είναι «μετακομίζουμε και δεν μπορούμε να πάρουμε το σκύλο/τη γάτα μαζί μας»… Γιατί ; Εκεί που πηγαίνετε δεν … επιτρέπουν ζώα ; Ή λένε «Ο σκύλος έγινε μεγαλύτερος από όσο υπολογίζαμε». Πόσο δηλαδή θα γινόταν ένας γερμανικός ποιμενικός , δεν το ξέρατε ; Ή λένε «Δεν έχουμε τόσο χρόνο για ζώο». Αλήθεια ; Εργάζομαι 10 με 12 ώρες την ημέρα και ακόμη έχω χρόνο για τα 6 σκυλιά μου !<br />Σκεφτήκατε ότι το ζώο σας μπορεί να μην υιοθετηθεί και πόσο άγχος θα έχει σε ένα καταφύγιο ; Να σας πω λοιπόν, ότι το κατοικίδιο που παρατήσατε εδώ, έχει περιθώριο 72 ώρες για να βρει νέο σπίτι . Μερικές φορές έχει περισσότερο χρόνο , εφόσον το καταφύγιο δεν είναι γεμάτο και καταφέρει να παραμείνει τελείως υγιές. Εάν φτερνιστεί, πεθαίνει. <br /><br />Το ζώο θα κλειστεί σε ένα μικρό κλουβί, σε ένα δωμάτιο μαζί με άλλα ζώα που κλαίνε ή γαυγίζουν… Θα νοιώσει κατάθλιψη και θα κλαίει συνεχώς για την οικογένεια που το εγκατέλειψε. Εάν το ζώο σας είναι τυχερό, θα υπάρχουν αρκετοί εθελοντές εκείνη την ημέρα να το πάνε μία βόλτα. Εάν δεν υπάρχουν , κανείς δεν θα προσέξει ιδιαίτερα το κατοικίδιο που αφήσατε , εκτός από ένα μπολάκι με φαί που θα έχει κάτω από τα κάγκελα ή την πόρτα. Εάν ο σκύλος σας είναι μεγαλόσωμος ή μαύρος , καλύτερα να είχε πεθάνει παρά που τον παρατήσατε στο καταφύγιο, διότι αυτά τα σκυλιά δεν υιοθετούνται, όσο χαριτωμένα και γλυκά κι αν είναι. <br />Για να γίνει καλά κατανοητό. Εάν το ζώο δεν υιοθετηθεί σε 72 ώρες και το καταφύγιο είναι γεμάτο, τότε σκοτώνεται. Εάν δεν είναι τόσο γεμάτο και το ζώο είναι καλό και από συμπαθητική ράτσα , μπορεί και να πάρει παράταση αλλά όχι για πολύ. Πολλά σκυλιά μέσα στο κέννελ , μετά από περίπου μια εβδομάδα αναστατώνονται και αμέσως σκοτώνονται , διότι έδειξαν … επιθετικότητα. Ακόμη και τα πιο γλυκά σκυλιά θα αλλάξουν συμπεριφορά μέσα σε αυτό το περιβάλλον. Επίσης τα σκυλιά αποκτούν μολύνσεις εκεί μέσα και τους κάνουν ευθανασία . Το καταφύγιο πληρώνεται για την ευθανασία των ζώων και είναι καλύτερο να παίρνει χρήματα γι αυτό , παρά να πληρώνει χρήματα για κτηνιάτρους. <br /><br />Όταν πηγαίνουν τα ζώα σας - αυτά που εγκαταλείψατε - για ευθανασία , κουνάνε την ουρά τους χαρούμενα νομίζοντας ότι πηγαίνουν βόλτα Όταν όμως μπουν στο «δωμάτιο» , καθένα από αυτά φρικάρει και τραβιέται πίσω, καθώς μυρίζει το θάνατο από την πόρτα και νοιώθει τις λυπημένες ψυχές που προηγήθηκαν…Είναι παράξενο, αλλά όλα όσα μπαίνουν εκεί μέσα το διαισθάνονται και αντιδρούν έτσι. <br />Ο σκύλος σας ή η γάτα σας θα κρατηθούν από έναν ή δύο εργάτες , ειδικούς στην ευθανασία (όχι κτηνιάτρους) , οι οποίοι βρίσκουν φλέβα στο μπροστινό τους ποδαράκι , βάζουν την ένεση με το ροζ υγρό και τέλος. Συμβαίνει βέβαια να σπάνε οι βελόνες και να γεμίζει το ποδαράκι τους με αίματα και να ακούς τις κραυγές τους … Δεν κοιμούνται δε αμέσως. Έχουν σπασμούς για λίγο , λαχανιάζουν , αφοδεύουν… Μην ξεχνάτε ότι τα καταφύγια προσπαθούν να κερδίσουν χρήματα για να πληρώσουν τους υπαλλήλους και τον πρόεδρο , οπότε δεν ξοδεύονται φυσικά χρήματα για ηρεμιστικά για τα ζώα που πάνε σε ευθανασία. Απλά μπαίνει το θανατηφόρο φάρμακο στη φλέβα και τα αφήνουμε να υποφέρουν έως ότου πεθάνουν. <br />Όταν όλα τελειώσουν, τα ζώα σας στοιβάζονται με όλα τα υπόλοιπα που έχουν σκοτώσει σε έναν καταψύκτη . Τι γίνονται μετά ; Τα καίνε ; Πάνε σε ζωοτροφές ; Ή καταλήγουν σε πανεπιστήμια και σχολεία ως πειράματα ; Ποιος ξέρει και ποιος μπορεί να μάθει ; Εντάξει ήταν ένα ζώο και μπορείς να αγοράσεις ένα άλλο. .. <br />Ελπίζω ότι όλοι όσοι έχουν ακόμη καρδιά που κτυπάει και διάβασαν όλα αυτά , δεν μπορούν να βγάλουν από το μυαλό τους αυτές τις εικόνες. Τα αντιμετωπίζω αυτά καθημερινά. Μισώ τη δουλειά μου και μισώ το ότι υπάρχει αυτή η δουλειά και μισώ το γεγονός ότι πάντα θα υπάρχει, εκτός αν εσείς κάποιοι άνθρωποι αλλάξετε την κατάσταση και αρχίσετε να ενημερώνετε την κοινή γνώμη. <br />Αυτά τα καταφύγια υπάρχουν , διότι οι άνθρωποι δεν ενδιαφέρονται για τα ζώα πλέον. Τα ζώα δεν προορίζονταν για να είναι «μιας χρήσης» αλλά έτσι αντιμετωπίζονται από ορισμένους σήμερα. Τα καταφύγια είναι ένας εύκολος τρόπος να ξεφορτωθεί κάποιος το κατοικίδιο του , εάν κουράστηκε να το φροντίζει . Τα καταφύγια ζώων και οι οργανώσεις διάσωσης ζώων αποκομίζουν μεγάλο κέρδος από αυτή την κατάσταση.Εννέα με 11 εκατομμύρια ζώα πεθαίνουν κάθε χρόνο μέσα στα καταφύγια και μόνο εσείς μπορείτε να το σταματήσετε αυτό . Ελπίζω να άλλαξα έστω και ενός ανθρώπου το μυαλό και να μην παρατήσει το ζώο του σε καταφύγιο ή να αγοράσει σκύλο . Παρακαλώ μεταδώστε το σε όσους μπορείτεZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-41377937100068900782010-05-02T14:24:00.003+03:002010-05-02T14:34:41.483+03:00About Ellie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91jF90nMGI/AAAAAAAABDg/f1LoCHYrWy8/s1600/about-elly.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91jF90nMGI/AAAAAAAABDg/f1LoCHYrWy8/s400/about-elly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466634476843380834" /></a><br />About Ellie is a fantastic Iranian movie. Not so much of the subject - some people go on holiday and a girl disappears - but because it unravels the layers of the modern Iranian - and muslim - culture and lifestyle.<br />We know we are in a poor country - the BMW is an old model and the beach house terrible - yet they find it superb. Already the setting is clear from the start. People only travel in families and people find their bride or groom from friends. Either fixed weddings or people would choose among someone else's choices for them.<br />If a girl smiled to someone - or worst yet if a girl stayed with someone alone for 5 minutes, even if they had two arms lengths distance between them, they dated!<br />And someone - a girl that is - can be engaged to a man, only because of the man's wishes, even if she does not want to!<br />Ok, there are some good things. Women do have the power to chose over their husband - but not for critical decisions- Men would only marry once. They can divorce and marry a second wife but not simultaneously. A woman can be the driving force behind a group. All group decisions are made by voting. No leader assigned! No one is more important than the other. And men would like to please the women and accept their wish. For a holiday resort that is.<br />But women would cook and service men while they would play. .!!!<br />Now, the consesus is all good in happy times. When things go wrong, there is still consensus in decision making, but the blame is put elsewhere. It takes only one strong person to admit their wrong doing and that person is a woman and is 'crucified' because she overstepped her boundaries and her freedom that her man allowed her. In fact this makes him so angry - her freedom of speech and action that is - that he actually strikes her.<br />If you need to understand what is happening inside the closed doors of a muslim household - moderate muslim would be my humble guess - then absolutely watch this movie. Twenty times more powerful than reading 2,000 books on the subject. And overall a very good movie, great acting and directing.Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-75538757952946234882010-05-02T14:00:00.009+03:002010-05-02T14:23:30.354+03:00Dubai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91ffslGQiI/AAAAAAAABC4/QkKhtBDHv4s/s1600/burj+arab.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91ffslGQiI/AAAAAAAABC4/QkKhtBDHv4s/s400/burj+arab.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630520844993058" /></a><br />It is absolutely a mystery to me the attractiveness of Dubai to so many people for holidays. For business I totally understand. It is the most western - or rather - not too arab - location in the middle east, where west and east (far east as well) can share the distance and do business. <br /><br />By not too arab, I did not want to sound cocky but the outer shell of arab culture can be too shocking to western eyes, especially women...well..fashion.<br />First of all Dubai has absolutely no color. It is fake. It is a city of scyscrapers - some half finished that could be the manifestation of rich arab competitiveness. Not of doing better, but of showing off bigger than the next guy. To my mind I find no other excuse of not keeping any of the color of the magnifiscent and long arab civilization with so much to offer the world in aesthetics and architecture. Would it be a burden to all the western architects that were flown in on a golden flying rug (or lear jet) to build such monumental buildings to give some of the color of this ancient civilization. Dubai looks more like Gotham City and one would expect Batman and the Batmobile to turn the corner than a reminder of the thousand years old descendants of a thousand and one nights people. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgjObzrI/AAAAAAAABDI/VkcaCEjyhTQ/s1600/workers+at+doc.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgjObzrI/AAAAAAAABDI/VkcaCEjyhTQ/s400/workers+at+doc.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630535513886386" /></a><br />There is an 'old Dubai' which is about forty years old, but would rather be the 'poor Dubai' where the indegenous population and workers are housed. <br />I assure you, the only thing that reminds the visitor that you are in an arab country is the heat and the burkas. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgyf0VsI/AAAAAAAABDQ/K_0U9dKVPc4/s1600/burj+chalif+water.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgyf0VsI/AAAAAAAABDQ/K_0U9dKVPc4/s400/burj+chalif+water.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630539613329090" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgMc3-FI/AAAAAAAABDA/PVF4dFr6IiM/s1600/boat.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fgMc3-FI/AAAAAAAABDA/PVF4dFr6IiM/s400/boat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630529400436818" /></a><br /><br />Now, this I can not tolerate. I consider myself a relaxed person when it comes to religion and someone who welcomes differences no matter how big they are. Actually 'live to be different' could be considered my motto. Ask anyone who knows me. On the flipside, I consider myself a deeply liberal person. The theocracy of the arab world shook that liberalism to its core. From one hand, I am damned if I dont accept others no matter how different they are. They have the right to live anyway they want as long as they dont harm others. On the other hand, being a woman, I consider equality as a natural given. Nope. Not in the Arab world. Islam means surrender. Man surrenders to God and Woman to both Man and God who have almost equal power of soveignty over her. <br /><br />Now I am in rebellion. My inner self is extremely aggravated to watch these poor - in my eyes - women walk a few feet behind their husband, not talk to anyone other than the husband or be talked to - not to be touched by their husband in public and not show anything of their body or face besides the eyeline - it would be impossible for them to walk if they did not. And of course they are covered in black - a sign of modesty and mourning for the loss of innoscent as they are responsible for the world's biggest sin: desire. They being the object of desire for men they are evil. And they have to cleanse their sin by total surrender to God and His intermediary, their father, their older brother, their husband or older son..<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fhuydunI/AAAAAAAABDY/J0uOzDU_ElI/s1600/couple+in+burj.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S91fhuydunI/AAAAAAAABDY/J0uOzDU_ElI/s400/couple+in+burj.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466630555797666418" /></a><br />Yet, I have to understand that these women are for the most part not forced into that religion. They are born into it and they feel it is the right thing to do. They are proud to wear the burkas, those in Saudi Arabia have no choice they have to. The ones that have a choice and are proud to do so are a mystery to me. Men's outfits on the other hand are crispy white and of course they dont hide the face...<br />If only they had lost the Crucades....Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-69583349035049324892010-04-09T15:21:00.003+03:002010-04-09T15:24:26.184+03:00Please Help MIMAMima, a four-year old beautiful crossbreed dog, was living peacefully in a small town in Bulgaria. Unfortunately, one day she was brutally mutilated by a sub-human who had differences with her owner. This sub-human chopped off all her legs. There is a collective worldwide effort to raise money for Mima's surgery and her prosthetics legs. Please contribute as much as you can...<br /><br /><object width="250" height="250"><param name="movie" value="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f336d4d8691deb32"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="event_title" value="Please%20help%20Mima%20walk%20again"></param><param name="event_desc" value="The%20cruelty%20of%20Man%20at%20its%20worst%20"></param><embed src="http://widget.chipin.com/widget/id/f336d4d8691deb32" flashVars="event_title=Please%20help%20Mima%20walk%20again&event_desc=The%20cruelty%20of%20Man%20at%20its%20worst%20" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" wmode="transparent" width="250" height="250"></embed></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-13877086491307067282010-04-08T18:57:00.002+03:002010-04-08T18:58:24.181+03:00I am running for animals!<object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="always" height="230" width="150" align="middle" data="http://www.justgiving.com/widgets/jgwidget.swf" flashvars="EggId=2436046&IsMS=0"><param name="movie" value="http://www.justgiving.com/widgets/jgwidget.swf" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="allowNetworking" value="all" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="flashvars" value="EggId=2436046&IsMS=0" /></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-46141015919530845742010-04-08T16:47:00.001+03:002010-04-08T16:48:32.438+03:00Mima and the cruelty of ManZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-21051933760036139942010-01-25T12:09:00.002+02:002010-01-25T12:15:30.878+02:00Junior is BackAll this time that Junior was gone, I had not cried. For some reason I was hoping that this was not the end of him. Until yesterday I saw Grizoulis on his bed like if nothing happened. Like if he had not been away for more than ten days. So after I saw Grizoulis and fed him, I burst into crying as I thought then that Grizoulis is back, Junior isn't this means that he is dead...<br />So I cried for some time and then when I was exhausted just sat on the sofa and turned on the TV. Five minutes later Klelia was barking and wanted to get out to the garden. I opened the door without looking and sat on the sofa again. Then a miracle happened. I heard a cat miewing with a very low voice - nothing like Patty or Minnie (Yes, I have to tell you about Minnie - or minou, my new pet addition) - it sounded like...Junior I thought. And immediately I turned my head and he was there looking for me and waiting for his food. As if nothing happened. I was so ecstatic, he started purring the moment I called his name in joy and for ten minutes I just held him in my arms and kissed him. I have never seen a cat hungrier. It is as if he had not eaten in days. Well, served him right for leaving his mummy like that. <br />So, all good, Junior is back and I am not sad anymoreZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-77685047137438969352010-01-18T12:49:00.003+02:002010-01-18T12:57:13.984+02:00Day 5and Junior (and Grizoulis) still gone. Today I talked to some construction workers nearby to check the building in case animals are trapped inside...The guilt is starting to built up. I can't help to think that had I not taken in Aristos making him the third dog, and not punishing Klelia enough for chasing Junior, he would not have gone...<br />I am hoping he will be waiting for me tonight...Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-76893370999945448672010-01-17T22:10:00.004+02:002010-01-17T22:24:18.034+02:00My baby is gone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S1NxwzqWz3I/AAAAAAAABCw/1NKQ1NprwA4/s1600-h/junior2.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S1NxwzqWz3I/AAAAAAAABCw/1NKQ1NprwA4/s400/junior2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427807059227103090" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S1NxwkxqQaI/AAAAAAAABCo/fquXgp49iOk/s1600-h/junior.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/S1NxwkxqQaI/AAAAAAAABCo/fquXgp49iOk/s400/junior.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427807055231205794" /></a><br />My baby cat Junior, is gone since last wednesday night. He never left for that long. I found Junior in early June 05, about two months old, outside my home at the time, in Nea Filothei. His left eye was covered with a thick white layer of something, not sure what it was. He was hardly moving and very small for his age.<br />I immediately took him to the vet, and he took good care of him, but told me that this cat was not going to make it. But we tried, gave him the medications, had him in a self-made incubator-type box that I created out of a thick moving box placed ontop of a heater for about a month. Every day for two months I was afraid that I would come home and find his tiny little body frozen.<br />But he wasnt. He and Zizou became best friends. Junior grew up to be a very tall grey tabby, his eye was clean after a year that I had to put ointment on it twice a day but never totally healed. His left eye kept running so he needed some eye drops, but that was it. <br />In March 2007, just a couple of days before I left for Argentina, Junior stopped eating. Again, rushed him to the doctor and his sugar lever had gone sky high, close to 700 (normal level for cats is about 150)....The vet was my friend and kept him in his clinic for eleven days, treated him and Junior was back to life again.<br />Since that time, Junior had no problems, medical checks but he was fine. His eye would run but that was it<br />A healthy lively gorgeous cat. He was the ruler of the neighborhood. Grizoulis, the only bigger cat around, I knew him when he was born, he was raised in my porch but never let me touch him and take him to the vet. However Grizoulis and Junior became best friends and they would sleep very often in their little houses in the terrace looking at each other.<br />Since Wednesday, both Junior and Grizoulis was gone. Both gorgeous cats.<br />Junior was one of the tenderest cats I have known, he would purr just by recognizing my shadow and he would be just like cats should be. Tender yet autonomous, walking around yet coming home every night, afraid of people yet extremely protective of his mummy and home. At times I would walk the dogs to the park and he would shadow us, coming with us but afraid of the other dogs just kept to himself on a tree nearby overlooking the dog play in the park<br />He was not a people cat, but he loved me. He understood I saved his life. I dont think he appreciated so many other cats and dogs in the house, that's why he spent most of his time in the great outdoors. I was always worried about that, but then again, that is what a cat nature is: to hunt outside. His life was five star in terms of cat standards. His presence was always so aristocratic and discreet you could not tell he was in..well, only when he was hungry he could make sure he got noticed.<br />I am devastated that my gorgeous baby is gone missing. I can only imagine the worst..Tomorrow will be the fifth morning that he is missing...I can only think that I gave him five more years than what fate had stored for him. I can only hope that he did not suffer has he met with his end. <br />My only consolation would be if he understood how much loved he has beenZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-88614356621698360502010-01-04T22:29:00.000+02:002010-01-04T22:29:23.452+02:00Scientists say dolphins should be treated as 'non-human persons' - Times Online<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/science/article6973994.ece">Scientists say dolphins should be treated as 'non-human persons' - Times Online</a>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-81532353469334988312009-12-18T14:40:00.006+02:002009-12-18T14:57:53.642+02:00Christmas is here againOnly yesterday I have realized that Chrismas is round the corner. I am not a big fan of holiday fever, I hate the traffic and the crowds and the spending and the hype only to get the downturn of when that is over and receive the credit card bill. I love the lights though. All cities look better and neighborhoods look happier.<br />Yet, the same problems that haunted each family exist hidden under those lights- sometimes magnified. But we put our best dress and smile on and pretend to forget them. For a short while<br />I also like playing cards this time of the year. The problem is since I don't play any other time during the year, I usually lose as I am out of practice haha, but still it is fun<br />What really saddens me around holidays, especially Xmas and New Year that everybody gets high on festivities - especially when kids are involved - is the contrast between those who can celebrate and those who are much less fortunate. I can not really celebrate when I am thinking of all those orphan children or abandoned old people in greek institutions, or those who have lost the loved ones in war.<br />It is really impossible for me to celebrate and I end up being gloomier than any other time of the year.<br />My favorite christmas song describes how I feel<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8jEnTSQStGE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8jEnTSQStGE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-62501628131556488902009-12-16T17:48:00.004+02:002009-12-16T17:53:43.325+02:00Bazaar 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SykCgyGs3SI/AAAAAAAABCg/AdmH4joL0wc/s1600-h/zeta+and+dogs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 374px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SykCgyGs3SI/AAAAAAAABCg/AdmH4joL0wc/s400/zeta+and+dogs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415862789118680354" /></a><br /><br />This year the annual bazaar for our SOS ADESPOTA VRILISSION (SOS Vrilissia strays) organization was held last weekend. Not as successful as previous ones as the weather was quite cold, people have less money and everyone is throwing a bazaar...<br /><br />Like every year I brought my pets, three this time with Aristos, but was not able to go inside as dogs were not allowed - a senior member of the town hall would not let us. They made us pay for the space but would not allow the dogs in. In a bazaar of a humane society for dogs!!!<br /><br />Anyways, because I am against any discrimination especially that targeted to animals or weak parties, I only entered the bazaar space very briefly and was sitting outside with my babies and chatting to other people coming with or without their pets.<br /><br />I did enjoy myself but the cold would not allow me to stay for a long time<br /><br />My dogs were very well behaved and everyone was playing with themZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-43133660029672017032009-12-11T11:57:00.006+02:002009-12-11T13:04:17.076+02:00Aristos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SyIi0_FR3kI/AAAAAAAABCQ/AjqFkkthO8Q/s1600-h/DSC_7588.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SyIi0_FR3kI/AAAAAAAABCQ/AjqFkkthO8Q/s400/DSC_7588.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413927995734875714" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SyIi0oMpeXI/AAAAAAAABCI/E7tClUHAV6E/s1600-h/DSC_7575.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODiYXc-6L0U/SyIi0oMpeXI/AAAAAAAABCI/E7tClUHAV6E/s400/DSC_7575.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413927989591767410" /></a><br />A couple of months ago, I got a call in the middle of the night by Anna, a friend of mine asking me if I could go up to Pendeli and rescue from the rain and cold a little dog who was thrown out of a car in the darkness and cold.<br />I went up there and found this white fluffy all dirty fella who despite his fear waived his tail and me and gave me a lovely dog smile (you know when they are relaxed and breath freely with tongue out; it looks as if they smile)<br />In the beginning I felt overwhelmed for the third dog that entered my house. Two months later, I can not stop feeling devastated that I found such a good home for him that I have to let him go. His new dad is a network engineer but also a sailor and Aristos will be taking sailing trips along with Goofy the other dog of the new family<br />Aristos, I named him after Aristotle, had a haircut and did not feel shy like other dogs do, his hairdresser was in love with him, his vet was in love with him, Zizou and Klelia are in love with him, I am in love with him, even Patty and Junior get along with him.<br />Everybody who sees him tells me that I can not give this dog away, I am eaten away by guilt and by the fact that I feel that I am giving away a family member, but I am convinced that at the end it will be better for the dog. I am away too long, I have now with Aristos five pets and I am afraid that I am start not doing such a great job to each individual one. I think more focused attention is better.<br />Still, I have the new owner swear to me that he will bringing him on Sundays to the park near my house so that all the kids can play and whenever he goes away and he needs someone to look after him, that he will bring him over.<br />I have dealt with a lot of dogs over the last five years. None will ever reach the personality quality of Zizou but noone has ever reached that close like Aristos.<br />Not to mention that he is one of the prettiest dogs I have ever seen.<br />It will be very hard for me to let him go but I hope that it will turn out to be to the benefit of the dogZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-86962315377306388422009-12-06T09:42:00.002+02:002009-12-06T09:56:59.234+02:00Woody worksLast night, I went to see Woody's new comedy. I have not missed a Woody movie, and some I have seen like 20 times (definitely Annie Hall is one of those movies).<br />I must say, that I have probably enjoyed this movie more than any other of Woody movies because I could not stop laughing. Also, when I first watched Annie Hall and Manhattan, I was much younger and could not really get all strength of the punchlines the first time round.<br />Whatever rocks is amazing. I dont want to spill the beans and destroy it for you by narrating the plot, but I must say, that Woody is back!!! Finally- After the last few years of mediocracy compared to his unbelievable genius (with the exception of the role of Maria Tereza that Penelope Cruz gave us last year) hungry Woody's fans got something that was worth waiting.<br />The movie is filmed again in New York - where they should have a statue of the guy somewhere in a prominent place - the characters are split into categories. <br />Of course he touches upon his favorite subject - religion and ridicules it, only this time the victim is Catholicism and not Judaism. He also of course explores the power and hypocricies of relationships and how they can turn someone's life around, for the better or the worse and eventually it will set them free. His genius rests not only in punchlines, an unbelievable script and a sarcastic search for the ultimate truth, but also for the contrasts he represents between and within the protagonists. Before and after they let go and accept that life is all about finding whatever works to make us happy after we got rid of all the societal must and should and would and take it as it comes. I adored the scene with the 5th symphony when the mother of Melody enters the room. I think that's when my first tears came out haha<br />I have to tell you that there were times that I had tears in my eyes from the laughter and the whole theater was shaking. <br />I will definitely see this one another 19 times. At least<br /><br /><object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QwQH1HwcBws&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QwQH1HwcBws&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-3547075539266852792009-11-20T13:43:00.002+02:002009-11-20T13:49:14.445+02:00Time and purposeTime, or rather the lack of, is probably the most common denominator in any large urban center. Especially in western cultures, although I am sure pedestrians in Tokyo walk as fast as newyorkers.<br />Time as a concept is cruel. It ages us, it gives us stress, it is found in the roots of most evil dids. That very stress though, caused mainly by the lack of time, it is one of the most necessary evil components of self-worth. Idleness and lazyness is fantastic for the annual two-week holiday, but on a daily basis is probably the most certain path to depression.<br />It is our busy schedule, our lack of time, the need to have more than 24 hours in a day, that actually gives us worth. Slightly more important than what we actually accomplish. By being busy and thus feeling important we find purpose in life. Whatever the outcome<br />Think about that for a sec and tell me if I am wrongZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-1511548553402542592009-11-11T12:18:00.002+02:002009-11-11T12:30:51.702+02:00November is hereActually mid-november, a month or so since my later posting. In the meantime, we had elections, we had a historic win of PASOK, the first positive signs of the new government, my brother's sudden surgery, the opening of Fastrack, the rushing of my aunt at the hospital and her near-death experiences, the saving of Aristo the Griffon, and many other things that I will slowly comment on, given time constraints<br />In the meantime, enjoy one of my all time favorite songs that I heard again recently and once more made me bow to the genius of the man who created it.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7pA5UhNaYw0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7pA5UhNaYw0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-92158707266385486022009-10-04T10:43:00.003+03:002011-06-05T13:11:41.563+03:00Morrissey - Meat is Murderlive in NY 2000. Sent by Manos<br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcScI3aMjdU&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/jcScI3aMjdU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Meat Is Murder lyrics<br />
<br />
Heifer whines could be human cries<br />
Closer comes the screaming knife<br />
This beautiful creature must die<br />
This beautiful creature must die<br />
A death for no reason<br />
And death for no reason is MURDER<br />
And the flesh you so fancifully fry<br />
Is not succulent, tasty or kind<br />
It's death for no reason<br />
And death for no reason is MURDER<br />
And the calf that you carve with a smile<br />
Is MURDER<br />
And the turkey you festively slice<br />
Is MURDER<br />
Do you know how animals die ?<br />
Kitchen aromas aren't very homely<br />
It's not "comforting", cheery or kind<br />
It's sizzling blood and the unholy stench<br />
Of MURDER<br />
It's not "natural", "normal" or kind<br />
The flesh you so fancifully fry<br />
The meat in your mouth<br />
As you savour the flavour<br />
Of MURDER<br />
NO, NO, NO, IT'S MURDER<br />
NO, NO, NO, IT'S MURDER<br />
Oh ... and who hears when animals cry?Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-87168789661926470812009-10-01T08:25:00.002+03:002009-10-01T08:31:26.519+03:00France Telecom DramaIt could be a film noir movie, but it is true. 24 suicides in france telecom due to organizational stress in a few months. In 100K employees, the percentage is not much higher than the rest of the country, it is however, scandalous to think that it comes for the same reason and in a short time and due to the new status, that of a private company<br />Of course the unions and the socialist party went bazurk, rightfully so, and ask for the PDG's head (ceo in french)<br /><br />It made me think of the stress that many people go under in organizational settings, no less the company that I used to work for a few months after leaving cisco and before engaging in starting my own venture. At the very end it all comes down to really bad top management, lack of consideration of individual rights, self centrism, and total inexistence of motivational leadership.<br />I can not believe that the FT top management was that much worse than many others, but I do think that the French employees had a shock as I had never before seen elsewhere a two-hour break, a short work week and so many priviledges. However, the change must have been great for those people who left their lives leaving notes behind to their loved ones that they could not have taken it any more<br /><br />And I who thought I was a tender foot...<br /><br />I feel for those people and their families, and I join their cry to get the PDG head on a platterZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-29997292803698060862009-09-24T12:55:00.001+03:002009-09-24T12:57:33.907+03:00Greek elections 2009Never before have I been more bored or uninterested during election time. The good thing is that they have decided, the parties that is, to keep the campaigning on TV mainly and off the streets (thank you LORD!)<br />The bad thing is that what they say is mainly lies and sci-fi picture scenarios.<br />No wonder there is a huge percentage of abstinence and my guess is that we will experience a new era in Greek politics. I hope so. Any change will be for the better than the parody we live now.<br />Let's see..Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-21930201041799784282009-09-18T10:00:00.001+03:002009-09-18T10:00:52.112+03:00Meet your meat<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VIjanhKqVC4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VIjanhKqVC4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Zeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2636508067249739208.post-30177603611821801872009-09-18T09:57:00.002+03:002009-09-18T10:00:00.427+03:00Going greenI have decided to go vegetarian. It is too soon to tell you the result, yesterday the first non-meat eating day. <br />The reasons are numerous.<br />A) MY LOVE FOR ANIMALS<br />B) ANIMAL FARMS<br />C) GLOBAL WARMING<br />D) FITNESS AND HEALTH<br />E) HUMAN BODY IS BUILT TO EAT VEGGIES<br /><br />Stop eating meat and the world will be a better placeZeta Zizouhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03071881752734497122noreply@blogger.com0