“Life, Liberty and Property, OR ELSE” — Lee Miller

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4594

“The greatest dangers to liberty lurk in insidious encroachment by men of zeal, well-meaning but without understanding.” Louis D. Brandeis

On Friday, January 20, 2012, a jury in the 181st District Court, in Canyon, Texas with Judge John Board presiding, found that no animal cruelty was found in the controversial Alpha Tex Kennels case. After hearing four days of testimony, the jury took just less than an hour to reach its not guilty verdict.

According to myplainview.com, “Judge John Board gave the jury a choice in asking if all of the dogs at Alpha Tex were cruelly treated or if just some of them were cruelly treated. They decided none were.”

Mark and Sandra Smith, owners of Alpha Tex Kennels, are happy with the verdict and glad this portion of their ordeal is over. They feel that justice was served, as the prosecution did not prove animal cruelty. They have stated since the seizure of their dogs on September 28, 2011 that none of their animals were cruelly treated. They are happy that they won by an unbiased jury, and feel their attorney’s did a tremendous job. They feel that this entire ordeal was orchestrated by Joe Cantu, the alleged investigator for the Humane Society of the West Texas (HSWT), who is also a neighboring breeder and trainer of German Shepherds.

Don Feare, the attorney from Arlington, Texas who solicited the job of prosecuting attorney, failed to prove any animal cruelty and said the outcome was not like he wanted, and it was not his decision but it was the jury’s. Feare presented as evidence pictures of six dogs, which made up only 3% of the number of dogs at the kennel. Defense attorney Paul Holloway presented a binder containing pictures of all of the dogs over the last 18 months, showing healthy and good looking dogs, with Feare objecting to this presentation. However, Holloway was allowed to present the binder.

Don Feare is not the only person surprised and disappointed over the verdict. The FaceBook group Animal Lovers against Alpha Tex Kennels, primarily ran by Daizy Langmesser of Killeen, Texas, who it appears also goes by Faye Longknife, appears to have made this case a personal vendetta; have had the comments and threats in high gear throughout the case and continue after the verdict announcement. They have made horrible comments and threats against the Smiths, or anyone who supported, stood by, or assisted them. This group fully supported Don Feare as if he were a saint who “would save the dogs,” at least up until the verdict, but have now suddenly turned on him with claims that he completely bungled the case and are playing armchair quarterback/lawyer on the case.

They refuse to accept that the complaint originated from Joe Cantu. Now think about that for a moment. The HSWT has allegedly built a facility within the last couple of years, but have no funds to pay for it and cannot access it. Remember that statement from Debra Avery of the HSWT saying “There are some absolutely beautiful dogs out here…” Now, you don’t think they seized these animals on trumped up charges so that they could sell them, do you? Hmmm… After the seizure, reports and comments were flying about the dogs and issues allegedly being faced by the foster homes. What did these people think the dogs would be like when you take them away from their family and the people who cared for them on a daily basis? Let’s not forget that it was this “Humane” Society that loaded these dogs into a cattle trailer the day of the seizure, exposing them to who knows what!

The “Animal Lovers” refuse to accept that, as shown in testimony, the HSWT went to the Sheriff of Floyd County, Paul Raissez, requesting his assistance to get the dogs away from the kennels, as testified to by Sheriff Raissez. They refuse to accept that Sheriff Raissez gave conflicting testimony in both the November 2011 hearing and the trial that just ended. They refuse to accept that the veterinarian present at the seizure, Dr. Paul Glasson, admitted on the stand that at the time of the seizure, he was unaware of the medical history of the dogs. Dr. Glasson put down one collie who he thought had mange, while never considering it may have been, and was, a thyroid condition. The dog was under medical care at the time. In fact, the other two dogs he put down were also under medical care. The horse was already scheduled to be put down the next day, as he was not responding to medical care. During testimony regarding these animals being put down, Mark Smith had a difficult time talking about it. Sandra Smith did not testify at the trial. Due to the stress from this ordeal, she recently had a stroke and has a difficult time organizing her thoughts.

The “Animal Lovers” are suggesting to the fosters “wouldn’t it be sad if all the dogs ran away from home at the same time.” They have not stopped there. They are now calling for an “Occupy Alpha Tex” movement of their “supporters.” Their staunch loyalty towards the HSWT is quickly waning and they appear to be turning on them as well. More than this, it is sad that they have no compassion for their fellow man while claiming to have it for the animals. Why are they so quick to judge when their own treatment of others leaves much to be desired?

The Smith’s, their attorney’s and Floyd County now have to work out the details on the return of the dogs. The court will issue the order for the return of the dogs. The Smith family is anxious for the return of their loved and missed animals. As Sandra Smith said, each of them is different, and each of them is loved. While no date is set at this time, they still have the lawsuits against Floyd County, Sheriff Paul Raissez, the HSWT, and KCBD Television to deal with. But they have made it over a huge hurdle, one that could have a big effect on future complaints and seizures.

The Smith’s and their attorney’s should be commended on their persistence in fighting this illegal act and for the return of their dogs. Perhaps the HSWT, and other organizations, will think a bit harder prior to initiating, and acting on, any complaint. This ordeal has caused great harm to the Smith’s, the county, and several other people-while ultimately, the dogs paid the highest price. This did not need to happen, and there is a better way. We have to find it, or the animals will continue to pay the highest price and unintentional consequences of illegal acts and bad legislation.

By Debi R***

Award Record compiled by Alan Nafzger, 2008-2009.

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him….. “Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don’t know where I am.”

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, “You’re in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

She rolled her eyes and said, “You must be a Republican. “I am,” replied the man. “How did you know?”

“Well,” answered the balloonist, “everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I’m still lost. Frankly, you’ve not been much help to me.”

The man smiled and responded, “You must be an Obama-Democrat.” “I am,” replied the balloonist. “How did you know?”

“Well,” said the man, “you don’t know where you are — or where you are going. You’ve risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You’re in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it’s my fault.”

A Greyhound Wish…

When I die, let it be as a pet, so that someone will remember me.

Here is how Paypal.com allows reverse scams.

One common scam is for the buyer to pay twice. They pay first with a e-check. Then they claim something is wrong with the bank and they have canceled the payment. But they allow the money to go through, leaving their checking account. Then they pay with a debit card. The money appears in the sellers paypal account so the item is shipped.

Once they get the item, then they get a reversal from paypal for their credit card payment based on duplicate payments. Then once the e-check clears, then they go to their bank and show them the evidence duplicate payments. Of course they don’t show the bank that one payment has been reversed. It works and paypal.com simply lets it happen.

Paypal.com will not protect the seller. They advertise “seller protecting” but a street smart con-man can ALWAYS defraud you with paypal.com’s help.

The FBI and every state and local law enforcement that I’ve contacted about this scam, refuse to prosecute and (being lazy) essentially tell you it is the bank and paypal.com’s problem to workout. The bank and paypal.com BOTH actively take the site of the con-man.

There isn’t any one to take this to once the seller has lost the item, shipping costs and paypal.com fees.

I would advise anyone selling items online NOT use paypal.

PayPal claims a fraud ratio of .5%. According to PayPal, this is “one of the lowest loss rates in the internet based retail industry.”

How does PayPal make such a assertion and why does PayPal make such a claim? Foremost, PayPal defines what is fraud and what is not fraud. Second, PayPal uses this “information” for made-up promotion — publicity that offers people a false sense of security into thinking that they are sheltered by PayPal against scams when they are not. PayPal defines fraud as a material loss due to falsified activities.

If PayPal catches an illegal deal, deceptive use of a credit card, or detects deceitful buyer or wholesaler activity, and fixes it, PayPal does not consider that “fraud.” PayPal’s fraud “statistics” are based on the ones that go away — PayPal and people who got scammed and were out some money.

But PayPal’s very system is designed to encourage fraud — and facilitate fraud. All with PayPal’s help.

The Truth About Paypal Reverse Scams

I would advise anyone selling items online NOT use paypal.

PayPal claims a fraud rate of .5%. According to PayPal, this is “one of the lowest loss rates in the online retail industry.”

How does PayPal make such a claim and why does PayPal make such a claim? First, PayPal defines what is fraud and what is not fraud. Second, PayPal uses this “information” for false advertising — advertising that gives people a false sense of security into thinking that they are protected by PayPal against fraud when they are not. PayPal defines fraud as a material loss due to fraudulent activities. If PayPal catches an unauthorized transaction, fraudulent use of a credit card, or detects fraudulent buyer or seller activity, and fixes it, PayPal does not consider that “fraud.”

PayPal’s fraud “statistics” are based on the ones that go away — PayPal and people who got scammed and were out some money.

But PayPal’s very system is designed to encourage fraud — and facilitate fraud. All with PayPal’s help.

Here is how criminals use paypal.com. One common scam is for the buyer to pay twice. They pay first with a e-check.  Then they claim something is wrong with the bank and they have canceled the payment. But they allow the money to go through, leaving their checking account. Then they pay with a debit card. The money appears in the sellers paypal account so the item is shipped.

Once they get the item, then they get a reversal from paypal for their credit card payment based on duplicate payments.  Then once the e-check clears, then they go to their bank and show them the evidence duplicate payments. Of course they don’t show the bank that one payment has been reversed.

It works and paypal.com simply lets it happen. Paypal.com will not protect the seller.

They advertise “seller protecting” but a street smart con-man can ALWAYS defraud you with paypal.com’s help.

The FBI and every state and local law enforcement that I’ve contacted about this scam, refuse to prosecute and (being lazy) essentially tell you it is the bank and paypal.com’s problem to workout.

The bank and paypal.com BOTH actively take the site of the con-man.

There isn’t any one to take this to once the seller has lost the item, shipping costs and paypal.com fees.

I would advise anyone selling items online NOT use paypal.

 http://www.texasitaliangreyhounds.com/?p=1774

 Paypal.com Scam

What do the following Bourne girls have in common?

Julia Stiles

Graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English (2005).

Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine’s “21 Hottest Stars Under 21″ [1999]

Has been in two films inspired by Shakespeare plays: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (The Taming of The Shrew), O (2001) (Othello), and one Shakespeare remake, Hamlet (2000) (Hamlet).

The outgoing daughter of an elementary school teacher (father) and a Greenwich Village artist (mother), she is the eldest of three children.

In 1999, Julia graduated from New York’s Professional Children’s School, which prepares students for careers in the arts.

During her hiatus from Save the Last Dance (2001), she signed up with Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that builds homes for the needy.

Voted one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. [2001]

Was a college classmate of Anna Paquin at Columbia University.

One of Teen People Magazine’s “25 Hottest Stars under 25″ [2002]

Julia Stiles began her career at the La Mama Theater and the Kitchen Theater in New York.

Won the 2001 Teens Choice Drama Award for her role in Save the Last Dance (2001).

No longer a vegan and when Conan O’Brien asked her what the first bite of a hamburger was like she responded, “The word orgasm comes to mind.” (December 2003).

Has dated the Prince of Denmark in two movies, Hamlet (2000) and The Prince and Me (2004).

Is of Irish (paternal side) and English and Italian (maternal side) descent. Her parents are John O’Hara and Judith Stiles.

Is a die-hard New York Mets fan.

After a 39-minute rain delay and dressed with a Mets cap, Julia Stiles threw out the opening pitch at Shea Stadium during the Memorial Day game of the New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks on May 29, 2006.

Considered for the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Girl in Fantastic Four (2005).

She and Liev Schreiber played siblings in Hamlet (2000). The pair later played husband and wife in The Omen (2006).

In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) her character, Kat Stratford, was reading the book “The Bell Jar” in a scene. Stiles starred in the movie version of The Bell Jar (2012) 10 years later.

Dyed her hair blond for Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

Grew up with Claire Danes and Zac Posen.

Franka Potente

Her last name “Potente” (pronounced Poe-ten-teh) means “powerful” in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Education: Otto Falckenberg School, Munich; Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, New York.

Her father is a teacher.

Graduated from high-school (German Gymnasium) in 1994.

Says she was discovered as an actress in a public restroom. She was in a bar when she noticed she was constantly stared at by some woman. She decided to leave but went to the restroom before. The woman followed her and again stared at her through the mirror. Suddenly she asked “How would you describe yourself in one sentence?”. Turns out she was a casting agent.

Has a brother who is three years younger and was very sick when he was born. She says she always was very jealous on the way he was cosseted and that was why she often behaved like a clown and arranged performances to get more attention, and that this was why she decided to become an actress.

Tom Tykwer wrote Run Lola Run (1998) specifically for her, with the intention of casting her as Lola.

In spring 2002, she broke up with longtime boyfriend Tom Tykwer.

Knows how to fence.

Disliked the strict fitness regimen and diet that were required for The Bourne Identity (2002).

Has occasionally shaved off her hair after filming movies because she has wanted time to get her “real” hair back (as it is dyed or bleached so often for roles).

Speaks fluent French, English and German.

Plays the violin and the flute.

Number 8 in ‘Neon’ Magazine’s list of 100 most important young Germans. (Issue 1, September 2003)

1998: Named as one of European films ‘Shooting Stars’ by European Film Promotion.

1/16th Italian by descent. Her great-great-grandfather was an Italian roof-tiler, who stayed in Germany.

Shares birthday with Danny Glover, Terence Stamp and John Leguizamo.

German citizenship.

Member of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005

Was director for the short movie Digging for Belladona (2006) (German title) for the first time 2005. She also wrote the script.

Wrote her first book “Los Angeles – Berlin. One Year.” together with her good friend, the actor Max Urlacher 2005.

She is of Sicilian descent.

During the shooting of Blow (2001), she was so impressed by Johnny Depp that she always blushed in his presence.

 What do the following Bourne girls have in common?

Julia Stiles

Graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English (2005).

Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine’s “21 Hottest Stars Under 21″ [1999]

Has been in two films inspired by Shakespeare plays: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (The Taming of The Shrew), O (2001) (Othello), and one Shakespeare remake, Hamlet (2000) (Hamlet).

The outgoing daughter of an elementary school teacher (father) and a Greenwich Village artist (mother), she is the eldest of three children.

In 1999, Julia graduated from New York’s Professional Children’s School, which prepares students for careers in the arts.

During her hiatus from Save the Last Dance (2001), she signed up with Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that builds homes for the needy.

Voted one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. [2001]

Was a college classmate of Anna Paquin at Columbia University.

One of Teen People Magazine’s “25 Hottest Stars under 25″ [2002]

Julia Stiles began her career at the La Mama Theater and the Kitchen Theater in New York.

Won the 2001 Teens Choice Drama Award for her role in Save the Last Dance (2001).

No longer a vegan and when Conan O’Brien asked her what the first bite of a hamburger was like she responded, “The word orgasm comes to mind.” (December 2003).

Has dated the Prince of Denmark in two movies, Hamlet (2000) and The Prince and Me (2004).

Is of Irish (paternal side) and English and Italian (maternal side) descent. Her parents are John O’Hara and Judith Stiles.

Is a die-hard New York Mets fan.

After a 39-minute rain delay and dressed with a Mets cap, Julia Stiles threw out the opening pitch at Shea Stadium during the Memorial Day game of the New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks on May 29, 2006.

Considered for the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Girl in Fantastic Four (2005).

She and Liev Schreiber played siblings in Hamlet (2000). The pair later played husband and wife in The Omen (2006).

In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) her character, Kat Stratford, was reading the book “The Bell Jar” in a scene. Stiles starred in the movie version of The Bell Jar (2012) 10 years later.

Dyed her hair blond for Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

Grew up with Claire Danes and Zac Posen.

Franka Potente 

Her last name “Potente” (pronounced Poe-ten-teh) means “powerful” in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Education: Otto Falckenberg School, Munich; Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, New York.

Her father is a teacher.

Graduated from high-school (German Gymnasium) in 1994.

Says she was discovered as an actress in a public restroom. She was in a bar when she noticed she was constantly stared at by some woman. She decided to leave but went to the restroom before. The woman followed her and again stared at her through the mirror. Suddenly she asked “How would you describe yourself in one sentence?”. Turns out she was a casting agent.

Has a brother who is three years younger and was very sick when he was born. She says she always was very jealous on the way he was cosseted and that was why she often behaved like a clown and arranged performances to get more attention, and that this was why she decided to become an actress.

Tom Tykwer wrote Run Lola Run (1998) specifically for her, with the intention of casting her as Lola.

In spring 2002, she broke up with longtime boyfriend Tom Tykwer.

Knows how to fence.

Disliked the strict fitness regimen and diet that were required for The Bourne Identity (2002).

Has occasionally shaved off her hair after filming movies because she has wanted time to get her “real” hair back (as it is dyed or bleached so often for roles).

Speaks fluent French, English and German.

Plays the violin and the flute.

Number 8 in ‘Neon’ Magazine’s list of 100 most important young Germans. (Issue 1, September 2003)

1998: Named as one of European films ‘Shooting Stars’ by European Film Promotion.

1/16th Italian by descent. Her great-great-grandfather was an Italian roof-tiler, who stayed in Germany.

Shares birthday with Danny Glover, Terence Stamp and John Leguizamo.

German citizenship.

Member of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005

Was director for the short movie Digging for Belladona (2006) (German title) for the first time 2005. She also wrote the script.

Wrote her first book “Los Angeles – Berlin. One Year.” together with her good friend, the actor Max Urlacher 2005.

She is of Sicilian descent.

During the shooting of Blow (2001), she was so impressed by Johnny Depp that she always blushed in his presence.

 What do the following Bourne girls have in common?

Julia Stiles

Graduated from Columbia University with a degree in English (2005).

Chosen as one of Teen People Magazine’s “21 Hottest Stars Under 21″ [1999]

Has been in two films inspired by Shakespeare plays: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) (The Taming of The Shrew), O (2001) (Othello), and one Shakespeare remake, Hamlet (2000) (Hamlet).

The outgoing daughter of an elementary school teacher (father) and a Greenwich Village artist (mother), she is the eldest of three children.

In 1999, Julia graduated from New York’s Professional Children’s School, which prepares students for careers in the arts.

During her hiatus from Save the Last Dance (2001), she signed up with Habitat for Humanity International, an organization that builds homes for the needy.

Voted one of People Magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People. [2001]

Was a college classmate of Anna Paquin at Columbia University.

One of Teen People Magazine’s “25 Hottest Stars under 25″ [2002]

Julia Stiles began her career at the La Mama Theater and the Kitchen Theater in New York.

Won the 2001 Teens Choice Drama Award for her role in Save the Last Dance (2001).

No longer a vegan and when Conan O’Brien asked her what the first bite of a hamburger was like she responded, “The word orgasm comes to mind.” (December 2003).

Has dated the Prince of Denmark in two movies, Hamlet (2000) and The Prince and Me (2004).

Is of Irish (paternal side) and English and Italian (maternal side) descent. Her parents are John O’Hara and Judith Stiles.

Is a die-hard New York Mets fan.

After a 39-minute rain delay and dressed with a Mets cap, Julia Stiles threw out the opening pitch at Shea Stadium during the Memorial Day game of the New York Mets vs. Arizona Diamondbacks on May 29, 2006.

Considered for the role of Susan Storm/Invisible Girl in Fantastic Four (2005).

She and Liev Schreiber played siblings in Hamlet (2000). The pair later played husband and wife in The Omen (2006).

In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) her character, Kat Stratford, was reading the book “The Bell Jar” in a scene. Stiles starred in the movie version of The Bell Jar (2012) 10 years later.

Dyed her hair blond for Mona Lisa Smile (2003).

Grew up with Claire Danes and Zac Posen.

Franka Potente 

Her last name “Potente” (pronounced Poe-ten-teh) means “powerful” in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Education: Otto Falckenberg School, Munich; Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, New York.

Her father is a teacher.

Graduated from high-school (German Gymnasium) in 1994.

Says she was discovered as an actress in a public restroom. She was in a bar when she noticed she was constantly stared at by some woman. She decided to leave but went to the restroom before. The woman followed her and again stared at her through the mirror. Suddenly she asked “How would you describe yourself in one sentence?”. Turns out she was a casting agent.

Has a brother who is three years younger and was very sick when he was born. She says she always was very jealous on the way he was cosseted and that was why she often behaved like a clown and arranged performances to get more attention, and that this was why she decided to become an actress.

Tom Tykwer wrote Run Lola Run (1998) specifically for her, with the intention of casting her as Lola.

In spring 2002, she broke up with longtime boyfriend Tom Tykwer.

Knows how to fence.

Disliked the strict fitness regimen and diet that were required for The Bourne Identity (2002).

Has occasionally shaved off her hair after filming movies because she has wanted time to get her “real” hair back (as it is dyed or bleached so often for roles).

Speaks fluent French, English and German.

Plays the violin and the flute.

Number 8 in ‘Neon’ Magazine’s list of 100 most important young Germans. (Issue 1, September 2003)

1998: Named as one of European films ‘Shooting Stars’ by European Film Promotion.

1/16th Italian by descent. Her great-great-grandfather was an Italian roof-tiler, who stayed in Germany.

Shares birthday with Danny Glover, Terence Stamp and John Leguizamo.

German citizenship.

Member of jury at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2005

Was director for the short movie Digging for Belladona (2006) (German title) for the first time 2005. She also wrote the script.

Wrote her first book “Los Angeles – Berlin. One Year.” together with her good friend, the actor Max Urlacher 2005.

She is of Sicilian descent.

During the shooting of Blow (2001), she was so impressed by Johnny Depp that she always blushed in his presence.

 Dalton Trumbo

“When we reds come to power the first merchants we are going to shot will be the greedy ones. And the second merchants we will shot will be the witty ones. And since you fall into both catagories, you can be the first.” Dalton Trumbo (1947).

“I’m asked ‘When did the end begin?’  Easy, it began the day Dalton Trumbo was allowed out in public. The end was when we stopped driving communists out of public life. Now they control the media, education and politics and here we are at the precipice of socialism and little chance of reversing it. Had the communists of the 50s and 60s been neutralized, America would be at peace and still prosperous.” — Lee Miller (Jan. 20th, 2009)

“What? Without Dalton Trumbo writing, equally entertaining movies would be written by decent freedom loving Americans. The idea that socialists have a monopoly on art is ludicrous. They are standing in line to write in Hollywood, any communist can easily be replaced.” — Lee Miller (Jan. 20th, 2009)

“If you want to preach socialism in school, or the screen or from the political rostrum, GO TO CUBA, sell it there and live in the conditions you create.”  – Lee Miller (Jan. 20th, 2009) 

“I used to be a libertarian and would say let them talk. But now faced with the end of America and socialist in control of virtually every institution, I’ve changed my mind. They should have been excoriated. It would have saved American the pain of socialism.”   – Lee Miller (Jan. 20th, 2009)

“Communism is a despicable system. If it ever came to California, I would move to Texas because I think most Texans would shot them on sight.”  Gary Cooper (1947)