Sunday, December 30, 2012

Happy 2013!

2012 was a year filled with great adventures and lots of good times with human and dog friends. He also misses a few very special friends who are no longer with us as of this year, especially his Auntie Betty.
Humphrey celebrated with his best pal Tigger and some "tiger tail" from BR, which seems eerily realistic!
 
Humphrey wishes the world a wonderful 2013 - hopefully it will be 365 days of wiggles for everyone!


Friday, December 28, 2012

On the Creative Class, Or, The Study of Hipsters

It's a hipster reference to James Joyce and Humph's namesake. Google it!

It had been a long time since Humphrey had seen his hipster West highland terrier friend, Sir Percival Puddles.

“Sir Percival Puddles?” Humphrey exclaimed, seeing him in the organic grocery store.

“It’s Dr. Sir Percival Puddles!” the dog exclaimed with delight. “How are you Humphrey?”

“Congratulations on the doctorate, Perce! What are you doing with your days now?”

“I now study the ‘creative class,’ quite fascinating really!”

“The what?”

“The ‘creative class’ as coined by Richard Florida – or some call it ‘creative industries’ – it’s a big deal these days, dontcha know! Like, policy to cultivate creative workers, how location can impede or cultivate creativity in economies, intellectual property, that kind of shizzle. My ‘thing’ is mapping that estimates the ‘significance’ of the creative industries to the modern economy in order to re-orient economic policy in accordance with that significance. My work totally extends beyond just the manifest production of cultural goods and employment of creative people. It has a more general role in driving and facilitating the process of change across the entire economy. It’s awesome.”

“Wow, those are a lot of air quotes you just used, man,” Humphrey replied. “Basically isn’t your work just, like, the academic study of hipsters?”

“Yes it is. But it’s more than that. It’s like, how can we create spatial communities for creativity, and how can we create and sustain ways for the creative people to do cooler and cooler work. ”

“Do you just hang around Parkdale and Ossington or something?” Humphrey asked, quite sure that Percival himself was a hipster, studying his own kind.

“Exactly, Humph!” Dr. Puddles said, nodding with exuberance. “That’s just where Toronto’s creative class flourishes! And they are leading edge, these artist-entrepreneurs. That is our future, their future!”

“But it’s really just the government saying, ‘hey, let’s promote these entrepreneurs, so people can be unemployed and not complain about it!’?”

 “They’re entrepreneurs, ergo they’re not unemployed, though. So, um, no.”

 “But they are unemployed, in the sense that they can’t rely on social safety nets like Employment Insurance or employer-sponsored retirement and healthcare programs.”

“Well, that’s what some of the policy can look at – like, their own collectives for those things. But who cares. They are the future.”

“Perce, are you sure you’re not falling into the trap of ‘irrational exuberance’?”

At that moment, Dr. Sir Percival Puddles wandered off, as dogs often do, nose wiggling following the scent of artisanal bacon coming from the store’s deli counter. Humphrey didn’t mind – he sniffed some heirloom cabbage, their vibrant greens and purples delighting his eyes as he thought about roasting some for supper.

The creative class, he thought. This reminded Humph of something. Aristotle elaborated three basic human activities, each corresponding to a type of knowledge. There is theōria (contemplation, what Humphrey was doing at that very moment) which corresponds to episteme (knowledge, know-what), whose end goal is truth. Then there’s poïesis (making) which corresponds to technē (method involved in producing an object, know-how), whose end goal is production. This seems to be what the creative class is concerned with. Finally, there’s praxis (doing) which corresponds to phronēsis (practical wisdom), whose end goal is action. Aristotle implied in Ethics that poïesis and praxis always precede any mode of theōria in that dealing with everyday needs and responsibilities comes before the non-productive activity of seeing and knowing.

So, human activity is making, doing, and thinking. But this new-found emphasis on the creative class is about the importance of making over thinking and doing. So, you do need people to do a bit of each for a society to function: but is all this excitement about “creative industries” a problem?
 
For example, philosopher Hannah Arendt called praxis the highest and most important level of the active life, arguing that philosophers need to engage in everyday political action by way of praxis, which she saw as the true realization of human freedom. Paulo Freire took the position that praxis as a central defining feature of human life and a necessary condition of freedom. So does all this attention to poïesis endanger the kind of action that is necessary for freedom?

Humph, of course, acknowledges that his questions imply a dichotomy – and that the three activities are not always separate. But, when he sees the kind of “irrational exuberance” that Dr. Sir Percival Puddles displays, it gives him pause about the nature of “creative industries,” the push for certain types of policies, and how all this will affect the public good.


He knows he's got a lot more thinking to do on this matter!

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Very Conjunctivitis Christmas: The Photo Essay and Modest Proposal for the Veterinary Industrial Complex

It all started in October...
"Humph, what's that on your eye?
Could it be a stye?
But then again, your lids are swelling -
What ever could it be telling?
Let me see your little head...
Oh my, your eyes look red."
After testing for lesions, glaucoma and tear production (twice each!), there seemed to be nothing obviously wrong! He was treated for conjuctivitis, then infection, and allergies.

Humphrey tried everything non-invasive! Conjunctivitis drops, allergy drops, cortesone drops.....
Everyone was stumped, including the vet and Humph's pack.
Hanukkah came and went, and there was no real change in Humph's eyes.
Humph made his way southwest along the 401 to get some answers, and had a scenic detour through Chatham when a strech of the highway was shut down.
He made his first trip abroad to see a specialist in Michigan! Obamadogcare meant a reasonaby-priced facility loaded with board-cerified veterinary dermatologists, opthamologists and more. Not to mention a fancy coffee bar on site. Wow. More tests to rule out mites, fungus and other things.
The diagnosis: idiopathic blepharitis. The treatment: Atopica, which the specialist described as "a special class of anti-inflammatory"...
Humphrey's guardian nearly hit the ceiling when she researched Atopica, which is the brand name for veterinary-grade cyclosporine. She learned it's not an anti-inflammatory, but an immuno-suppressant prescribed for lupus, organ transplants (anti-rejection) and severe cases of psoriasis in humans. And the side effects are frightening! Kidney damage! Vomiting! Increased suceptability to infection!
 

Meanwhile, Humphrey busied himself decorating the big Christmas tree...

...wrapping and guarding fabulous, shiny gifts for loved ones big and small...
...and of course applying his project management skills to the flawless execution of a Christmas meal.
It was a white Christmas after all!
Then came a Christmas miracle! With constant care and unfettered ocular hygeine and some cyclosporine, his condition improved a bit!


And the holiday ended with the entire pack together!


Humphrey also ended the holiday season with a modest proposal. The prescription of cyclosporine for what is essentially dermatitis of they eye (with no damaging consequences) seemed to him like killing an ant with a baseball bat.

Is it worth the increased risk of disease and cancer, the massive strain on the kidneys, and the high incidence of really bad side effects to alleviate a bit of itching that can be managed topically (in people, at least)? He began to wonder if the problem of veterninary clinics selling and dispensing (for profit!)  pharmaceuticals was a conflict of interst.

He considered the facts. There are about 21,000 pet-focused veterinary practices in the US alone according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. In the US, veterinary care spending increased by 40% between 2002 and 2007 – but the amount spent on pet drugs in that same timeframe increased by 52% (source: Fountain Agriculture). That amounts to about $3.5 billion dollars on pet (not agricultural!) medication in the US ! This figure does not include the additional, estimated $261 million in sales of over-the-counter, retail pet medication. No wonder Pfizer can count on pets for 40% of its revenue (as noted in a report from the Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration).  Again, that represents pet products - not including those from agricultural animals. Among the choices in its product line are Slentrol (for canine anti-obesity treatment) and Anipryl (for canine dementia). Of course, they are (luckily) the makers of anti-depressant Zoloft, which guardians might need in light of the costs and heartache associated with companion animal illness!

Of course treating a case of blepharitis with over-the-counter allergy drops and thrice-daily washing is not so good for big pharma's bottom line, nor the revenues of veterinary practices.

Herein lies the modest proposal: would it be such a bad thing if veterinary practices were forbidden from the sale of retail pharmaceuticals? Would that result in better "informed consent" (such as letting the patient know about potential side-effects and accurately explaining that cyclosporine is a powerful immuno-suppressant, not at all "its own class of anti-inflammatory")?

It might be time to take a regulatory page from that of the human healthcare industry.

Happy holidays to all...and best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!
Humph's big day at glam Willowdale hotspot, Bayview Village.

"Well behaved women rarely make history."
Thank you Humphrey!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

PSA and Last-Minute DIY Gift: Canine First Aid Kit

Christmas is fast approaching, so Humphrey thought it wise to remind his canine friends to have a first aid kit on hand in case of emergencies. It's also a great DIY gift idea! Assemble as many of these goodies as possible (with dosage and instructions) into a pretty box, and keep a dog safe.

Remember to always check dosage of any medication for your pet. And be certain to check for contra-indications if your pet is on any other medications before introducing anything new!
 
1. Children's Gravol (NOT adult Gravol!) can help with nausea and vomiting. Dose is 2mg to 4 mg per pound of weight.

2. Have at least one syringe (without a needle, of course) on hand. These ares useful for administering liquid Gravol, feeding a dehydrated dog by squirting water or boullion at the back of their mouth, and so on.

3. Pepto Bismol is useful for settling a canine tummy, and is even effective for some dogs who have the runs. Beware, though, that once they take it, their "output" will be very, very dark. It's not blood, though, but the bismuth making its way out. Pepto Bismol in its liquid form can be messy to administer, so Humphrey gets half a tablet when needed.

4. Hydrogen peroxide is  useful to clean and disinfect cuts. But, it can also be used to induce vomiting if a dog eats something toxic! Vomiting has to be induced within about 20 minutes of the dog injesting a poison, before it can make its way into the body. Dosages to induce vomiting vary by weight according to this vet, but don't start with more than a teaspoon - and use a syringe to administer it.

5.  Always have some Gas X (simethicone) on hand - it can save a dog's life if bloat starts. Humphrey always travels with it, because sitting in the car for long periods of time can make his tummy a little distended, and this breaks down the gas and can prevent dire problems.  Gas X comes in many forms, but the films (thin minty strips) are probably be the easiest to feed to a dog.

6. While Gas X can help with potentially deadly bloat, diazepam (Valium) is often used by vets when dogs are admitted with bloat, since it relaxes the muscles quickly. As well, diazepam (in liquid form, when adminstered in the "back door" with a syringe) can halt a seizure in an epileptic or older dog prone to them if given immediately. Diazepam is only available by prescription in the US and Canada, but when a dog is prone to certain conditions, the vet will make it available.

7. Lots of cohesive stretch bandages (along with gauze, not pictured) are very important to have on hand in case a dog gets a cut or some other injury that needs wrapping. Cohesive stretch bandages are kind of like velcro (without the needles) in that they stick to themselves without glue - so you can easily wrap a foot, leg or knee securely. In the case of (minor) ligament injuries, they can provide extra stability until you can get the dog to the vet.

8. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) - perhaps the most important item in the first aid kit, espeically for Humphrey who has insect allergies is Benadryl. For dogs, ONLY use plain diphenhydramine (an antihisamine), not some fancy version with additives or other types of medication mixed in with the diphenhydramine. Dosage is 1 mg per pound of dog weight. Benadryl can save a dog's life and buy time to get them to the vet for an injection in an emergency. Some dog guardians even bring Benadryl on walks, so it can be administered if the dog is stung by a bee or wasp.
 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Humphrey's Holiday Gift Guide, 2012

The holidays are almost here! Humphrey thought he would share some of his gift-giving and gift-getting ideas.

1. A one-of-a-kind treasure from The Nunnery Vintage


Humphrey knows he can count on Claudia's exquisite taste in editing the shop's collection, and by giving vintage, he can feel better about the ethical implications of his shopping choices.

2. Who can resist a holiday Toro?

In light of last year's Nylabone factory fire, these tasty treats have been in short supply! Nylabone re-branded the Toros, and Humphrey can't get enough of them. Too bad that distribution has not been restored in Canada.

3. Any proud Canadian knows HBC stripes are a must have!

A cheerful, colorful outfit on a dreary winter day can lift the spirit.
HBC seems to have actually thought about dog comfort and ease of dressing when you  don't have opposable digits in the design of their coats (but not sweaters).
Humphrey may have already received an HBC collar, lead and nylon coat to show off his Canadian pride!

4. Dogs and people with an interest in education, politics *or* cookies can't resist these fine publications

Curriculum Reform in Ontario (University of Toronto Press, 2012) tells the story of just that, including Harris "whiz kid" perspectives on the politics of education reform! And 95 Strategies for Remodeling Instruction (Corwin, 2012) offers just what it promises - 95 ideas for better, student-centred instruction - it's even a Corwin Best Seller! Both are available at all major retailers.
 
But Humphrey is featured in a number of books - ranging from author to model! You can see his work on Blurb
 
His major accomplishments include a fully-illustrated cookbook, Who's that Wiggling in my Kitchen, his thoughts on democracy in the watercolor-and-ink illustrated My Citizen and Me, and Beauty Fades, Smart is Forever featuring affirming rhymes for girls of all ages. But who can forget his holiday classic, The Saddest Dreidl, with it's Humphrey-centred surprise ending!
He hopes you'll read them for free online.

5. Paw-crafted gingerbread

Each year, Humphrey makes gingerbread poodles, dreidls, and of course, the infamous Little Shark of Bethlehem as tasty gifts with a personal touch. Decorating can be a lot of fun...if one has time to do it.

6. Customized postage stamps!

Canada Post's Picture Postage allows you to create your own stamps using any image!

7. An autographed photo from your fave celeb!

Humphrey enjoys celebrity culture, as readers know from his Parasocial Pups post earlier this year. Humphrey has experienced the surprise of receiving autographed swag from some of his favorite celebrities, including Amy Sedaris (ironically, the author of Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People), Vanity Fair editor and SPY Magazine founder Graydon Carter (who happens to believe women should run the world), Mel Brooks, and others.
Of course, the tone of autographs vary immensely, from Graydon Carter's impeccable etiquette (left), to Amy Sedaris' observational humor (right).

A final thought...




Humphrey always reminds people: "good things come in small packages."