Thank you for this post and gently explaining your decision. It used to be just PETA crying foul on this issue but it's becoming more and more of a standard realization. I've got one friend - a hunter, no less - who refuses to attend Ringling for the reasons cited above. I say make the humans perform unnatural tricks, even if that means keeping the clowns around.

You, of all people, know that Karma is cyclical. The more you give, the more you get. It makes people happy to give because intrinsically they know it will come back tenfold. I'm so glad you have wonderful friends who will rescue you but you are a Ride-to-the-Airport kind of friend and those are hard to find. I'm more concerned with your car, which seems to leave you stranded too often for my comfort.

I love cooking but didn't always feel that way. It wasn't until my stint as a restaurant reviewer and food writer that I began to appreciate the creativity involved. It's basically art you can eat! Don't shy away from making something big or fancy for yourself - that's what freezers are for. If you really want to set a goal for yourself, throw a dinner party! I'll come - I'm really skilled at eating.

Wow. Incredibly beautiful song, Camille. I played it three times and only had to stop 'cause I was getting too sad for Neda, Iran and humans in general. Everyone should hear this.

Wait .... I'm adorable????? Speaking of adorable, you can come to Chicago in old potato sacks and your Maria-ness will charm the Jimmy Choos right off us BlogHers every single time. Just bring that famous winning smile, Niles, and you're good to go.

Wow. I am stunned by this beautiful and sad post. I cried hard! I feel like I miss Daisy now too! You had to make a very difficult decision and I know you did so with maximum love and respect for your beloved pup. We are so, so lucky to have the Daisys in our lives, aren't we?