Minx, the Magazine - Issue Four, Volume Two

Hello Animals and their Humans, and Animal Lovers in general!
Here are a few tidbits of interesting information for you to think about...stuff I wanted to include but to which I didn't want to dedicate an entire article. This month we have a tidbit on animals who paint, and another sandwich, in addition to the recipe of the month. I have also added a Web site recommendation.

If you have some goodies you'd like to share with the world, send 'em to me at tidbits@theminx.com, and I'll consider 'em for publication.

This month's bitch is a male - I won't name him, but let's see how many of you know of whom I am speaking. He tends to attract attention in a pathetic manner by stimulating dissention. Unfortunately, it's usually everyone else against him. This only feeds his "everyone hates me" paranoia, which at this point in time is probably a truth. He loves to criticize other's physical imperfections as well as create rumors about one's sexual preferences, eating habits, and drug use. He has diarrhea of the mouth (and keyboard) and will drone on and on on any topic, especially if he thinks he is right....and that's all of the time.

This recipe comes from my friend Kate, who makes it for lots of pot-luck occasions. It's absolutely delicious, but the best part is the crust on top!

Kate's Apple Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an angel food tube cake pan, or spray with Baker's Joy (which works great for this cake).
2 Cans SLICED Apples, drained (NOT apple pie filling!)
5 T Sugar
1 Tsp Cinnamon

Drain apples and combine with sugar and cinnamon; set aside.

Batter Ingredients:
3 C Flour
2 1/2 C Sugar
3 Tsp Baking Powder
3/4 Tsp Salt
1 C Vegetable Oil
4 Eggs
2 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
1/3 C Orange Juice

Combine all batter ingredients. Pour half of the batter into the tube pan. Top with half of the apples. Add the remaining batter, then the remaining apples.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool in pan.
You cannot test this cake for doneness. However, if you make sure the oven has reached 350 before you put the cake in, and bake it at EXACTLY 350 for EXACTLY 1:45, it will come out perfect every time.

Web Site of the Month
Need to research a topic on the web but are disappointed with what search engines dig up for you? Try the Mining Co. Many different topics have been thoroughly researched for you, with feature articles by Mining Co. "guides" and also lists of informative links. I use this site to find lots of interesting and sometimes important information.

Animal Art
Apple the Painting

The picture on the left is an abstract portrait of a dog named Apple; on the right is a photo of Apple. Uncanny resemblance, no? (It's abstract, remember?!) I happen to think it's a pretty decent likeness, especially when I take into account that the painter was Michael, Apple's owner. What makes Michael so different? Well... he is a gorilla! He is a part of the Gorilla Foundation, along with Koko, who I am sure you all remember from much media exposure regarding her pet kitten, All-Ball. More of his paintings are posted on the gorilla.org site.

Gorillas aren't the only animals who paint, apparently. According to the Museum of Non-Primate Art, some cats possess artistic flair as well. I have also read accounts of painting elephants and dogs.

I attended the MD Institute, College of Art, where many artists of lesser talent were allowed to graduate. Perhaps they should think of starting a scholarship for animal artists - would give the students some more attractive classmates at the very least!

Things People Can Learn From Dogs

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
Take naps and stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Never pretend to be something you're not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends.
Be loyal.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk, fresh air, and new adventures.

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A Sandwich from a Reader with a Bizarre Sense of Humor:
Tuna and Creamy Peanut Butter on White Bread. The sandwich that really thinks it matches everything, but really is so nasty only a goat would eat it. The kinds of people that could be described using this sandwich think they should be best friends with everyone, and have a way of lingering around odiferously when you don't want them there. A dish native to parts of Ohio, it may seriously offend the sensibilities of your guests when served to those from New York, who really prefer their peanut butter to be crunchy, and be served with strawberry jam (a little tough on the palate, but if you don't like it, don't mess with it, very sweet when you get to the middle).