Pusha - Part II

Pusha Part - II

The second part of pictures of Pusha, the best cat in the World, in the whole Universe, the great Pusha the Feline who knows that he is a lion.

We are all aware of the fact that cats have it all – curiosity, an endless sleep, company, and all, only when they want it. When a cat`s human friend isn't happy, the cat is not happy. Not because the cats care about our mood but because they're are thinking up ways to get even. Anyway, our understanding of cat’s intelligence is far from perfect, but they, the cats, wonder if we are conscious. We accept that they are clever and we like to think that they will treat us well when the day of their Kingdom comes.

The following pictures of small (domestic cat, lynx, bobcat and others) and big (tiger, lion, puma and other animals) felines depict some of these amazing wonders of nature.

All the pictures have been taken by Elena.

Pusha in blue.

Pusha in yellow.

Pusha surprised. Green eyed white cat (breed: Persian Silver Shaded, purebred).

Pusha, the Galaxy special forces soldier.

Domestic cat thinking (breed: Russian Blue). Siberian tiger, largest feline (panthera tigris).

Lovely kitty, up close.

White domestic cat sitting specifically designed cat toy (the 'tree' is found in most animal stores or pet shops). Breed: Persian Silver Shaded.

Members of the feline family have long fascinated the human race. 

Cats being revered as deities in Ancient Egypt represent an additional classic illustration.

Pusha reflecting about the future of the mankind and catkind who must live together and share the responsibility of the destiny of the planet.

Pusha posing as a great politician.

Although unrelated to cats, the name itself of famous American writer Tennessee Williams' play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and the derivative 1958 drama film, are just one example among many.

Pusha looking sideways.

See you, my friends!

Educational Cruises

Mind-expanding Voyages

Journey to the ends of the earth and to the center of the mind

”Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime. (Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad).

Twain's words are the credo of a rapidly expanding niche of the cruise business that caters to those seeking adventure, education, and comfort in equal measures. Instead of long, boozy nights at the gambling tables of the Love Boat, these travelers traipse through the ancient ruins of Pompeii or encounter primitive Indonesian tribes.

Educational cruise ships are usually smaller than the mega-ships used for ordinary cruises. Some carry 50 passengers or fewer: They generally have shallower drafts that enable them to anchor in ports that cannot accommodate bigger vessels. And on many trips, smaller specialized landing boats are taken along to carry travelers to more remote locations. On a New York Botanical-Gardens-sponsored trip down the Amazon River in Brazil, for example, voyagers spend four to six hours a day exploring the shorelines in motorized canoes. Accommodations may not be luxurious, but most ships are perfectly comfortable.

Only the most adventurous travelers would venture unaccompanied to many of these destinations. Take heart: University professors and other experts lecture nightly onboard most cruises.

What makes an educational cruise really interesting and exciting is gaining access to culture and places that would otherwise be quite inaccessible, explain experts in alumni travel.

With the guidance of an expert, educational cruises allow passengers to retrace the Mediterranean voyage of Odysseus, follow the Nile, explore Antarctica and visit some of the primitive island cultures of the South Pacific. Many colleges and universities now sponsor trips for alumni, and various museums, organizations and environmental groups have teamed up with cruise lines and travel agencies to offer trips to exotic locations.

There are so many choices, in fact, that you will need to do your homework to match the right destination to the right cruise line. One factor to consider: the lecturer who's coming along with you. Like college tuition, passage isn't cheap. Costs range from 1,0000 to 5,000 per person per day. You can save by skipping alumni – or museum-sponsored trips and booking directly through an education cruise company. Alumni associations often provide world-renowned members of their university's own faculty for the cruises, but the cruise companies through which the museum or alumni association has been chartered often have their own knowledgeable experts for much less.

Educational Cruises are mind-exploring voyages. Photograph by Elena.

Following are some of the more popular trips offered today be leading outfitters. To get you into the spirit of the journey, we”ve also included a list of recommended reading:

The Voyage of Odysseus

Recreate the ancient sailor's struggle against the plans of Zeus with a voyage (sans sea monsters) around the Mediterranean. Begin at in excavation site in Turkey believed to be where the ancient city of Troy was located, then travel on to Malta, Pompeii, and Tunisia. Though you most likely won't be seduced by the goddess Calypso, you will be transfixed by the beauty of this ancient sea.

Classical Cruises, Swan Hellenic – The Odyssey. Homer: Gods, Graves and Scholars by C.W. Ceram. The spirit of Mediterranean Places, Michel Butor.

The Nile: Cradle of Civilization

Cruise the 600 miles from Cairo to Aswan and see the famous step pyramid of Djoser at Sakkara, the temple of Luxor, the botanical gardens on Kitchener Island, and the Temple of Horus – the best preserved temple in Egypt.

Swan Hellenic: The Rediscovery of Ancient Egypt, Peter A. Clayton. Egypt in Late Antiquity, Roger S. Bagnall.

A Crusade through the Dark Ages

Cruise up the Rhine, Main and Danube Canal to visit the perfectly preserved medieval town of Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber. Stop at Duernstein to see a Benedectine Abbey, then on to Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Don't miss the thousand-year-old cathedral city of Bamberg on the Regnitz River.

Classical Cruises, Swan Hellenic: The Danube, Claudio Magris. The Viennese: Splendor, Twilight and Exile.

The Unspoiled Wild of Northwest

Follow the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver up the coast of British Colombia to historic Wrangell and on to Jumeau (accessible only by sea or air). Don't miss Haines, which has the world's largest concentration of bald eagles, or Glacier Bay, with its breathtaking fjords. Last stop: Victoria, the City of Gardens.

Special Expeditions, World Explorer, Clipper Cruises: Alaska by James A. Michener. A  Naturalist's Guide to the Arctic, by E.C. Pielou.

Whale-Watching off the Baja Strip

Sailing along the Baja peninsula off Claifornia and Mexico offers an opportunity to see dlophins, sea lions, and finback and blue whales. You can sometimes get close blue whales. You can sometimes get close enough to whales to touch item. Strap on a mask and snorkel for an op-close look at the wildlife and beautiful coral reefs.

Special Expeditions: Log from the Sea of Cortez, John Steinbeck. The Forgotten Peninsula, Joseph Wood Krutch.

The Ever-Evolving Galapagos Islands

Just off the coast of Ecuador are the islands where Charles Darwin did his ground-breaking studies in the nature of evolution. Here's a great chance to observe the fauna that inspired him; many of the island's animals will let you walk right up to them.

Adventure Associates: Voyage of the Beagle, Charles Darwin. The Beak of the Finch, Jonathan Weiner.

The Dragons of Indonesian

Cruise to the Indonesian isles of Bali, Komodo, and the lesser Sundas. Stops include visits to the palace of the Sultan in Rabu Dompu. During an afternoon on the Komodo islands, you will probably encounter a 10-foot long Komodo dragon, the last of the prehistoric giant monitor lizards. And on the island of Sumbwa, the Duo Donnggo people continue to live as their ancestors did more than a thousand years ago.

Abercrombie & Kent: South Pacific Handbook, David Stanley. Indonesia: Paradise on the Equator, Karl Mulller and Paul Zach.

The Sacred Cities of Southeast Asia

Journey down the Mekong River past the ruins of Angkor, the temples of Borobudu, and on to the island of Bali. An unusual experience for Western travelers, but it doesn't have to be an apocalypse or journey into the heart of darkness it it is planned properly.

Classical Cruises: Southeast Asia, Past and Present, D.R. Sardesai.

Out of Antarctica

Cruise from the Argentine coast down to the final frontier at the bottom of the world: Antarctica. Try to score a cruise with Sir Ranulph Fiennes, one of the world's great explorers and an authority on the area. Look for whales, sea elephants, penguins, and fur seals along the way.

Abercrombie and Kent: The Epic Crossing of the Antarctic Continent.

Victoria Park in Toronto. Photo by Elena.

Cruising with the Kids

Cruising with the Kids

Some ships are theme parks that cater to children of all ages

There have alwasy been reasons to take kind on a cruise, of course. Exotic new ports daily will intrigue children with even the shortest of attention spans, and such exposure can be an educational introduction to new cultures. But cruise lines seeking boomer business have been upping the family ante in the last few years with a whole new slew of services that roll summer camp, theme park, and sophisticated island resort into one package – and then sweetening the pot with third- and fourth-person discount rates for families on a budget.

A typical approach is that of Premier's Big Red Boat, otherwise known as the Starship Atlantic. There's a batting practice on the sports deck, games and crafts at the children's center, a ping-pong tournament, karaoke singing, and even rehearsals for children's theater productions at the Premier theater. And, in keeping with the theme-park theme, crew members dress as Loony Tunes characters.

Spending your vacation with Bugs Bunny or Tweety Bird probably isn't your idea of a good time, so the ship also offers dawn-to-dusk baby-sitting service and the usual cruise activities for adults. Everyone has a good time, and parents can rest assured that it is exceedingly difficult to lose a child on a cruise ship.

Of course, some ships would rather the kind did get lost, or at least were kept quiet. Even some ships that do welcome children are not as well prepared to deal with their needs as others – the playroom may be no more than a corner in a public area with a few toys and children's programs may be offered only in the summer, if at all. When you book a cruise, always ask what their child policy is.

Nassau Cruise Ship. Photo by Elena.

Among the mega-cruisers that welcome children, Norwegian's Norway, Carnival's Fantasy, and Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Seas stand out for their facilities for kids. If a classic cruise is more your style, try the Queen Elizabeth II. It offers the best of both worlds : first-class dining and entertainment for mom and dad, and top-notch care by English nannies (of course) for the kids. Other first-rate family ships are availiable, of cores. We recommend ships that part in three to four-day cruises to the Bahamas, with spacious public areas, large recreation centers with group baby-sitting, tasteful furnishings, children programs with focus on learning, with lessons in ship navigation, marine life and the various ports of call. It is preferable that a ship boast large libraries, drop-off children's center. Better if the decor is pleasant but doesn't detract from festive atmosphere. Kids will love the newness of it all. Activities exclusively for kids could include hula dancing lessons, lei making, lessons in playing the ukulele.

Monuments of Toronto - Part I

Monuments of Toronto - Part I

City-owned historical monuments and artistic installations enhance public spaces all over Toronto. The earliest monument dates to the beginning of the XIXth century while new acquisitions are added each year through commissions and donations.  Monuments and sculptures enliven municipal spaces, City parks, transit infrastructure, even bridges and underpasses. Here are some of the samples of Toronto's monuments and sculptures.

All the photographs have been taken by Elena.

A statue at the corner of Huron and Bloor streets.

Anadyomene. Sculpted in 1983 by Maryon Kantaroff. Donated by Senator Nancy Ruth. In honour of the women who walk here.

Crucifed Woman. Almuth Lutkenhaus. 1976.

A Reading Man with books

A Reading Man and his books, detail

This sundial is dedicated to the memory of Katie Anne MacTavish (1963-1993) by her classmates at Victoria University and the many friends whose loves she touched.

Sundail's base.

Dedicatory text on the Sundail's base.

Two fats ladies.

Al Purdy, celebrated Canadian poet (1918-2000).

Equestrian statue of King Edward VII. Originally standing in Edward Park, Delhi, India, this statue was erected on the present site through the generous subscriptions of the citizens of this area. This gift to the City of Toronto was made possible by the Government of India and the former Canadian High Commissioner to India, His Excellency The Right Honourable Roland Michener, C.C., C.D. Governor General of Canada, and brought to this City through the personal generosity of Henry R. Jackman, Esq., Q.C.. May 24, 1969. William Dennison, Mayor

Sir John. A. MacDonald (1815-1891). Canada's first prime minister was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated with his family to Kingston, Upper Canada, in 1820. A successful lawyer, he was elected to the provincial elgislatuer inm 1844 and became leader of the conservative party. He played a leading role in the effort to achieve a federal union of Britain's North American colonies which restulted in the Formation of the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. MacDonald served as Prime Minister, 1867-1873 and 1878-1891, and under his administration large territories were added to Canada, a transcontinental railway built and settlement of the West encouraged. At his death Canada's autonomy, based on rapid economic development and a close Brithis-Canadian relationship, was assured.

Erected to the memory of the officers and men who fell on the battlefields of the north-west in 1885. Dulce et Decorum est pro patria mori.

Monument in the campus of the University of Toronto.

The 48th Highlanders of Canada Memorial. This regiment is a Canadian Forces Primary Reserve infantry regiment based in Toronto, parading out of Moss Park Armoury. The 48th Highlanders regiment is part of 4th Canadian Division's 32 Canadian Brigade Group. Hill 70, Passchendaele, Amiens, Drocourt-Queant, Canal du Nord. Ever since its formation in 1891, the 48th Highlanders have had a longstanding tradition of participation in the life of the city of Toronto. Landing in Sicily, Assopo, Campobasso, Optona, Liri Valley, Hitler Line, Gothic Line, Rimini Line, Lamone Crossing, Apeldoorn.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Graves Simcoe (1752-1806). First Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada between 1791 and 1796. Founder of the City of Toronto on July 30th, 1793.

What to Do If You Are Bumped from a Flight

When Bumped from a Flight

How to turn bad news to good news when your plane is overbooked

The departure lounge is overflowing. The gate attendant announces the flight is overbooked. Should you accept the airline's offer for another flight? The International Air Passengers Association offers some counsel:

What is overbooking?

For any given flight, a certain percentage of people will not show up for whatever reason. Ariline companies track the average no-show rate for specific routes and overbook accordingly. If the no-show rate is usually about 10 percent, the airline then books the flight at 110 percent capacity.

How do I avoid being bumped from an overbooked flight?

You should get to the airport early, check in early, and get to the gate early. But watch out : sometimes just checking in at the gate doesn't necessarily count – your options change from airline to airline. Your best bet is to actually be on the plane as soon as possible. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.

If I volunteer to be bumped, what should I expect in the way of compensation?

Usually, the airlines start with the minimum that they can get away with, which is about a few hundred dollars. You're at the mercy of the lowest offer from other bidders though, so if the airline offers a free ticket, you should grab it. Be warned: the savvy traveler will ask when the next guaranteed tip to his destination is available at risk being stranded on stand-by. Also, ask yourself what out-of-pocket expenses you will incur in waiting for the next plane, and if the airline will cover them.

What are my rights if I end up being bumped against my will?

When you buy a ticket, you've made a contract with the airline/ Before you do anything, you have to make sure you've held up your end. Did you check in on time, for instance? Also, if the airline can get you to your destination within an hour of your originally scheduled time, it is free of any liability. Between one and two hours, though, it has to pay the amount of a one-way ticket to your destination. After that, the compensation doubles.

In all cases you get to keep the original ticket to use on another flight or can turn it in for a refund. Also, the Supreme Court has said that you can sue for compensatory damages to recoup whatever loss the delay might have cost you. If, for instance, being bumped forced you to miss a cruise, that was paid for in advance, you can sue for the amount of that cruise, through the airline will probably try to get you to the cruise late rather than have to pay for the whole thing.

Turn bad news to good news. Photograph by Elena.

Getting in Touch with Airline Watchdogs

To find out more about different airlines, lodge a complaint, or educate yourself about passenger rights, consider these organizations:

U.S. Department of Transportation – Consumer and Community Affairs Office: Specializes in problems with baggage handling, overbooking, and delayed flights. Also releases monthly statistics based on consumer complaints and airline reports.

Federal Aviation Administration – Consumer Hotline: An FAA watchdog, the hotline is for complaints about problems with airport security, carry-on baggage, or the FAA itself.

Federal Aviation Administration – Safety Hotline: To report violations of federal airport and airplane regulation or unsafe situations. Often the first stop for insider whistle-blowers.

Aviation Consumer Action Project – Founded in 1971 by Ralph Nader, ACAP researches consumer issues and publishes the brochure Facts and Advice for Airline Passengers. Will advise you about passenger rights and safety issues over the phone.

International Airline Passengers Association: Like members of the American Automobile Association, IAPA's 150,000 members can buy travel accident insurance or participate in the lost luggage retrieval assistance programs. Their bi-monthly travel-safety alert is a good resource for international travelers worried about airline safety and other travel problems.

American Society of Travel Agents: A travel trade organization, ASTA represents some 25,000 airlines, hotels, travel agents, rental car agencies, other travel businesses around the world. Their consumer office can provide info about packing or preparing to travel aboard and also can informally mediate consumer disputes with ASTA members.