Rare Siberian Tiger Cub Oct 12, 2008

Happy Sunday Everyone, Someone on the radio said it was going to be a lovely warm day in New York City, I believe they call this type of weather "Indian Summer." Well, as soon I finish getting dressed I will be out the door to take my run. Then I am off with my friend to Barnes and Noble to buy some books and maybe a couple of dvd's. Oh and I am starting my art class soon so I must pick up a few things. That is why my Lee's art shop gift certificate will come in handy. I'm pretty excited about my art class starting again I can't wait. Actually there are about three or four art stores where (like the huge one in Chinatown) I get my art supplies from but this time I will be going to Lee's in midtown. Also, there is something else I wanted to mention. I posted a photo that looks like this.. Now someone who likes to read this blog asked why do I like the photo. So here goes...That image is quite famous so I'm not alone when I say the divine Michelangelo was a brilliant painter. This painting is called, the Creation of Adam. I believe it is a Fresco by him that can be found on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In regards to this painting I think Michelangelo's artistic passion is clearly on display. And I find the "love and strength" depicted in the painting quite moving and beautiful. The Creation of Adam is one of my favorites because of the paintings' focal point. Which is "Man making contact with the Creator." That's it. You know what I find really interesting? I like when an artist does a self-portrait. When the artist does a self - portrait, I wonder are you getting a glimpse of their true selves or is the artist portraying, this is how I want you to see me. Yes, it is a bit of a mystery. laughs..

When I did my portrait in art class it was so much fun. And I was very happy that my teacher wanted to use my self-portrait as an example of 'how to paint one' for her new students. 

Lee's Art Shop

Anyway, I don't really have any news about singer Jason Wade and since I do have a new gallery "Love Makes The World Go Round" I have decided to post articles about world events (so to speak) that I find interesting. Like this one about Russia's Prime Minister who just got a rare Siberian Tiger Cub for his birthday. She's going to be all grown up in about 3 years. 

In addition I have placed two new photos in the gallery and have posted one photo of the tiger baby on the front page. She's beautiful. I wonder what name he's going to give her. Love and Kisses Shelley

Handle with care: Putin gets a rare Ussuri tiger cub for a birthday present

October 10, 2008

MOSCOW (AP) _ There's no doubt what Vladimir Putin's favorite birthday present is this year — a rare Ussuri tiger cub.

State television showed the Russian prime minister tenderly petting the 2-month-old female cub Friday at his residence outside Moscow. The cub, weighing about 20 pounds, was curled up in a wicker basket with a tiger-print cushion.

Putin said a good home will be found for the tiger, presumably in a zoo or wildlife preserve. He hasn't decided what to call her, but is leaning toward Mashenka or Milashka.

Putin refused to say who gave him the cub for his 56th birthday, which was Tuesday.

He called Russian journalists to his country home late Thursday without telling them why. Past midnight, after asking them "not to make noise, make a clatter or squeal," Putin ushered the curious journalists into the room where the tiger cub was waiting.

As president and now prime minister, Putin is known for his tough talk and macho image. But children and animals seem to bring out a softer side.

His dog, a Labrador retriever named Koni, is often with him, even during meetings with world leaders. He told journalists that Koni has not met the tiger cub.

In August, Putin had occasion to pet a full-grown female Ussuri tiger after shooting her with a tranquilizer gun. He was visiting a wildlife preserve in Russia's Far East and shot the 5-year-old tiger as part of a program to track the rare cats, also known as the Siberian, Amur or Manchurian tiger.

Once the tiger was asleep, Putin placed a collar with a GPS tracking system around her neck. Television footage showed him patting her cheek.

Fewer than 400 Ussuri tigers are believed to survive in the wild, most of them in Russia and some in China. They are the largest tiger species, weighing up to 600 pounds.