Reaction: Perhaps the Ducks ought to discontinue the practice of tossing sticks to fans. This so-called fight was mostly just a struggle over a stick intended for a girl who might have been Vallely's daughter. Not to defend fighting among fans, but can you blame him if this was the case? That said, Mike V.'s rebellious acts have appeared in other videos and so have his fights -- the skateboarder/rocker is semi-famous for another fight video in which he takes on four people at once and beats them to a whimper. 

Were the Ducks right to yank Vallely's blog and will they be right if they also pull his season tickets, as they're reportedly considering? I wasn't there so I'll reserve judgment. If you were present or have any thoughts, please chime in.

Lexington, Texas, resident Wes O'Brien was hunting with a friend on private land in Richardson County, Neb., on Saturday when he spotted and shot the deer from about 100 yards.

O'Brien told the Lincoln Journal Star that his trophy has received a preliminary score of 281.

The rack's official score won't be determined for 60 days, the "drying period" during which the antlers will shrink a little.

Should O'Brien's buck be scored the new state record, it will beat a record held for 47 years by bow-hunter Del Austin of Hastings, Neb. Commonly called "Old Mossy Horns," the deer shot by Austin scored 279-7/8 non-typical, which was not only a Nebraska record but also a world record for whitetail taken by archery.

Tony Korth, aquarium director at Schramm Park and a certified Boone and Crockett scorer, said that he has never seen another buck like the one O'Brien shot in nearly 20 years of checking hunters' deer.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime buck," said Korth. "Remarkable is a really good word for it."

Should the deer break the state record, "Old Mossy Horns" will remain in the books as the top archery buck.

But O'Brien doesn't seem that interested in the possibility of making the record books.

"I don't care if he doesn't get any records. He's amazing to me," O'Brien said of his trophy buck with the impressive antlers.

-- Kelly Burgess

Vail Resorts, which operates Breckenridge, confirmed the news but did not release the name of the girl. The accident occurred on an intermediate trail called Spruce. The girl reportedly was wearing a helmet and might have struck a tree. 

She was administered to by emergency personnel and transported to Breckenridge Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

Breckenridge has issued a media release stating: "Breckenridge Ski Resort, Breckenridge Ski Patrol and the Vail Resorts family extend their deepest sympathy and support to the family and friends of the young woman."

-- Pete Thomas

Thirty-one campgrounds and recreational vehicle resorts have earned all-around "A" grades in the second annual consumer satisfaction survey of independent parks. But only one -- Meadowcliff RV Resort -- is in California.

Nearly 17,000 camping and RV enthusiasts participated in the online survey, which evaluated guest experiences at 1,840 independent campgrounds and RV resorts affiliated with the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds. The survey was for privately run locations only -- national and state parks were not included.

"Sixteen of the nation's 31 top parks in our survey also received 'A' ratings last year, but we also had 15 parks that received 'A' ratings for the first time," Bob MacKinnon, president and CEO of GuestRated.com said in a press release. The Murrieta, Calif.-based company conducted the online survey on behalf of the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

Consumers are invited to submit their own reviews of private campgrounds and RV resorts they have recently visited by logging on to www.gocampingamerica.com and clicking on the "Review a Park" tab. Survey results are currently posted for 265 parks on the website.

"The objective of these surveys is to help private campground, RV park and resort operators to pinpoint the improvements they need to make to provide their guests with the best possible camping experience," said Linda Profaizer, president and CEO of the National Assn. of RV Parks and Campgrounds.

The 31 parks earning "A" grades for 2009 are:

-- High Plains Camping - Oakley, Kan., www.highplainscamping.com*

-- Hocking Hills KOA - Logan, Ohio, www.hockinghillskoa.com

* Indicates parks that also received "A" ratings in last year's consumer survey.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A recreational vehicle parks by Yosemite Falls in May. Yosemite was not included in the survey because it is a national park and the survey was limited to independent parks. Credit: Los Angeles Times

The Lake Tahoe area is already feeling the effects of the season's first significant winter storm, and resorts in the region are expected to receive about a foot of fresh powder through tonight.

At Heavenly ski area, which overlooks the sprawling lake, today's planned opening is postponed until Saturday because of strong winds that arrived in advance of the storm. Light snow began to fall during the lunch hour.

Boreal and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe are already open. Northstar-at-Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA will open Saturday. Alpine Meadows will open Dec. 5. Kirkwood and Sierra-at-Tahoe will open when conditions allow.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in the Eastern Sierra also hopes to receive a boost from the storm. It has about 100 acres open with top-to-bottom runs and a 16- to 24-inch base. Mountain High in Wrightwood and Bear Mountain and Snow Summit in Big Bear are open. Mt. Baldy plans to open before Thanksgiving.

-- Pete Thomas

In what may be an effort to assure quotas are reached, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission has decided to extend the wolf-hunting season through March 31 in all zones.

This will lengthen the season in seven areas which previously had a Dec. 31 closure. Hunting was already set to end March 31 in two other zones.

Of course, if a zone limit is reached prior to March 31 that area will close to further wolf hunting. 

As of this morning, the number of wolves reported killed in Idaho was 111 -- just over half of the statewide quota of 220.

All other rules remain unchanged, and hunters are required to report a wolf kill within 24 hours, and must present the skull and hide to a regional office or a Fish and Game conservation officer within five days.

Also, those planning to hunt wolves after Dec. 31 must purchase a 2010 license and wolf tag.

Neighboring state Montana ended its inaugural wolf hunt about two months after opening the season, though the statewide quota was only 75 and large numbers of animals were killed during the early season back-country hunts.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A wolf watches biologists in Yellowstone National Park after being captured and fitted with a radio collar. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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The Virgin River squeezes through Zion Canyon's upper reaches, forming a gorge with walls up to 2,000 feet high and at points 20 feet wide. Depending on the season, about 60% of the Narrows hike is in water — the river is the trail. It can be hiked from top to bottom — 16 miles as a long day hike, or as a backpack. We decided to do the shorter "bottom up" hike. Back in May, we figured the water was too high, due to spring runoff. In early November, the water was low and a slow 54 cubic feet per second, but the temperature was a bone-chilling 50 degrees. With air temps in the upper 70s (before we knew how cold the water was), we'd planned on hiking in shorts and water sandals, but we fortuitously stopped at Zion Adventure Co., a shop in Springdale just outside the park that touted Zion Narrows hike outfitting. There we found out that: A. 50 degrees means hypothermia or bust; B. the shop rents cold-water gear. After the obligatory video (human waste must be hauled out in a special bag; acting like a jerk can mean slipping on the rocks and certain death and/or derision from fellow river hikers), we rented dry pants, fleece tights, neoprene booties, special river-hiking boots and a large walking stick. Considering how comfortable we were in the water, it was the best $25 we spent.

Our trek started at the Temple of Sinawava, seven miles north of Springdale. From there, a paved path follows the river for one mile. After that, it's wading time. Our basic strategy was to zigzag to dry banks along the shore. It's like hiking on slippery bowling balls, but the rental boots were amazingly grippy. The water was mostly ankle- to knee-deep but I was submerged to the waist at one point. You could definitely feel the water's chill and some does seep in through the pants, but it's bearable. If you do this hike, keep in mind that the sun barely hits the canyon floor this time of year. If you see sunlight hitting a dry shore, stop and enjoy a break because it won't be there on your way back. Also remember that bad weather means flash floods so (obviously) stay out of the Narrows if it's threatening.

In about two hours (and two miles) we made it to Orderville Canyon (photo above), a side canyon of soaring walls that was well worth the detour. A giant boulder and waterfall blocked our way, making this our turn-around point. Next time we may try the entire Narrows thru-hike. There are 12 designated campsites along the river and a shuttle is required (can be arranged through Zion Adventure Company). For more info on the Narrows, check Zion National Park's web page on it.

— Julie Sheer

Photo: Orderville Canyon, Zion National Park. Credit: Julie Sheer

In support of the California Department of Fish and Game and its effort to keep hunters and anglers informed, Outposts, on Thursday afternoon or Friday, posts marine biologist Carrie Wilson's weekly Q&A column:

Question: I am a resident of Northern California and have been an avid “crabber” for quite a while. For a new adventure I’d like to take up “shrimping” but need some information on where to go, when to go and how to catch shrimp. Is it legal to recreationally catch shrimp? If so, what are the seasons and bag limits? Is there still a viable population of shrimp in California? Thanks for any information to point me in the right direction. (Tony M.)

Q: I was traveling in my boat up Butte Creek (a public waterway) recently when I was prevented from continuing due to a tree that had fallen across the creek. I am wondering if I would be legally allowed to cut the tree or its branches so that I can pass through with my boat. I consulted two different friends who thought I could but for different reasons. One thought I could cut the tree out because it was disrupting the environment, and the other thought I could because I would be unclogging a block in a running stream of water.  Neither of their answers were persuasive so I figured I would ask somebody who would really knows the laws. (Tyler R.)

A: Although you may be traveling along a public waterway, removal of the tree blocking your passage is the responsibility of the landowner or the public agency managing the property that the creek flows through. According to Lt. John Laughlin, public waterways allow for boaters to float through public and private properties but all vegetation is the property and responsibility of the landowners. If safe passage requires more than just pushing the vegetation to the side to allow you through, you’ll need to contact the landowners to deal with it. Depending on the severity of the tree barrier and magnitude of the removal project, the landowner may be required to get a streambed alteration agreement (FGC 1600) from the Department of Fish and Game (DFG). A tree should not constitute a fish passage blockage, but if it did, DFG should be contacted.

Q: I read your answer regarding the loaded gun “on” cars issue and I was left wondering what the person should have done when approached by the game warden for inspection. Should she have told the warden to wait while she unloaded the gun? Should she have placed the gun on the ground? What is the proper protocol in this type of situation? Please advise. (Rheannon O.)

A: First of all, vehicles should automatically be considered a poor choice to place or to store a loaded weapon. According to Assistant Chief Mike McBride, when a game warden approaches, the first thing you should do is follow the directions that the warden gives you. Absent any directions, here are some good options:1) Some folks unload their weapon in a calm manner to show respect for what a loaded weapon can do and respect for the game warden. This shows the warden you are handing him a safe unloaded weapon.

2) Many folks simply hand the weapon to the warden and that is also acceptable.

3) Setting the weapon on the ground is acceptable but depending on the terrain (mud, sand etc), this may not be a prudent choice.

Q: I live in an apartment complex that sits on Seal Slough in the San Francisco Bay Area. Do I need a fishing license to fish off of the shore while standing on the apartment property with my child, who is under 16?

A: Yes, you will need a license but your child will not. Anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid California fishing license in order to legally fish the public waters of the state. The only exceptions are the two free fishing days offered each year by the state, and fishing from a public pier in ocean waters.

Photo: A fisherman holds a spot prawn he caught off the coast of Newport Beach. Credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times

A retention pond near West Palm Beach, Fla. was purposely poisoned earlier this week after red-bellied piranha were discovered living in it.

The piranha were discovered by a young angler, who hooked one of the fish last month. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission biologists followed up and discovered another one 10 days later.

So on Tuesday, FWC biologists pumped rotenone into the pond, effectively killing every living thing in the water.

"The only way to be sure all of the piranha are gone is to apply a safe-to-use fish toxicant to kill any piranha that might still be present in this pond," Scott Hardin, FWC exotic species leader, said in a news release.

Rotenone is an odorless chemical that occurs naturally in the roots of several plants. It breaks down quickly after use, leaving no harmful residue. The Environmental Protection Agency closely monitors rotenone, its use and effects.

Officials believe the fish may have been released from someone's aquarium. It is unlawful to keep piranha as pets in Florida, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine and a year in prison. 

"We can help anyone who has an illegal species, such as piranha," Hardin said. "We encourage folks to call us, and we'll help -- no questions asked."

The FWC will monitor the pond and nearby waterways, removing all dead fish to ensure that no piranha remain. Once clear, the waters will be restocked with native freshwater fish.

The deliberate poisoning of the pond may seem drastic -- the FWC has never found any evidence of a breeding population of piranha in the state -- but I suppose it is better to be safe than sorry.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: This red-bellied piranha, caught in a West Palm Beach retention pond on Oct. 13, measured a foot in length. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

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Whaling ships from Japan left today for Antarctic waters on an annual five-month voyage in pursuit of about 1,000 minke whales and a small number of endangered fin whales.

The seasonal hunts, during the Antarctic summer, are highly controversial. They're carried out in the name of research but the meat is sold in Japanese markets and restaurants and whatever research is conducted has been deemed questionable and unnecessary by many scientists outside Japan.

Australia and New Zealand, closest to the whaling region, have spoken out against the hunts, but to no avail.

Enter the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and its devoted captain, Paul Watson, who himself is controversial and labeled a terrorist by the Japanese. Sea Shepherd is making final preparations for "Operation Waltzing Matilda," its name for this year's harassment campaign against the whalers.

It will again involve a crew from Animal Planet for its popular "Whale Wars" series. The series has thrust Sea Shepherd into the spotlight and made a hero of Watson and his vegan crew, in the eyes of some. Watson has won many volunteer recruits because of the series.

It reports that a government review committee has proposed substantial cuts in subsidies to various programs, including the whaling research program. Without government subsidies, Greenpeace maintains, "the whaling program would be doomed."

Time will tell. Meanwhile, exploding harpoons will tear into the flesh of unsuspecting cetaceans, water cannons will blast from ship to ship, bottles full of rancid butter will be heaved aboard the whaling vessels, and collisions might occur.

Watson will again be hailed and chastised; people seem to either cherish or despise him. He routinely brushes aside the criticism, saying that he's only interested in costing the whaling fleet money and saving as many whales as possible each year.

My guess is that he has come to enjoy the "Whale Wars" spotlight, also.

Photo: Sea Shepherd crew members are hosed by crewmen aboard a Japanese harpoon vessel during last year's effort to harass the whalers. Credit: Stephen Roest / Sea Shepherd

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The November Nothin' But Sand beach cleanup is set to take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until noon at Will Rogers State Beach.

Hosted by Heal the Bay, the cleanups are held on the third Saturday of each month at different locales and are an opportunity to lend a hand helping keep our shores tidy.

Paid parking is available at a metered lot at Chautauqua Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway. Volunteers should plan to meet at lifeguard tower 18, just southwest of the Chautauqua / PCH intersection.

All cleaning supplies will be provided, so volunteers are welcome to just show up (those younger than 12 need to be accompanied by a parent).

Attendees should plan on bringing their own drinking water as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. More information on what to wear and bring is available on the Heal the Bay website.

Liability waiver forms will be available on-site and must be signed before pitching in. Participants 17 and younger must have a parent or guardian sign their form.

Groups of 10 or more are asked to call (800) 432-5229, ext. 148 to let organizers know they plan to join in.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: A beach-goer skips across the estuary at Will Rogers State Beach. Credit: Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times

Here's a Wednesday afternoon alert issued by the National Weather Service: 

THE FIRST WINTER STORM OF THE SEASON WILL MOVE INTO THE CENTRAL
CALIFORNIA INTERIOR FRIDAY AFTERNOON...AND PERSIST OVERNIGHT. SNOW
LEVELS NEAR YOSEMITE WILL DROP TO AROUND 4,000 FEET FRIDAY NIGHT.
TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS IN EXCESS OF 4 INCHES ARE LIKELY ABOVE
5,000 FEET...WITH UP TO A FOOT POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS.
 
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON FOR THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE
TO KINGS CANYON... 

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HANFORD HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM FRIDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH SATURDAY
AFTERNOON FOR THE SOUTHERN SIERRA NEVADA FROM YOSEMITE TO KINGS
CANYON.

SOUTH WINDS GUSTING TO 50 MPH WILL DEVELOP OVER THE SOUTHERN
SIERRA NEVADA AHEAD OF THE COLD FRONT. RAIN AND SNOW WILL BEGIN
LATE FRIDAY AFTERNOON...WITH THE HEAVIEST PRECIPITATION FRIDAY
EVENING. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS ABOVE 5000 FEET WILL BE 4 TO 7 INCHES
WITH UP TO A FOOT LOCALLY OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY OF YOSEMITE
NATIONAL PARK.

THE RAIN AND SNOW WILL CHANGE TO SHOWERS BEHIND THE COLD FRONT.
THE GUSTY WINDS WILL TURN NORTHWEST AND PRODUCE CONSIDERABLE
BLOWING AND DRIFTING OF SNOW...WITH LOCAL WHITE OUT CONDITIONS
POSSIBLE OVER THE HIGH COUNTRY NORTH OF KINGS CANYON.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
 
A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT
SNOW...SLEET...OR ICE ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.
CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS.

-- Pete Thomas

Here's this week's Irvine Lake fishing report, written by veteran angler Steve Carson and issued today:

The phenomenal action of Irvine Lake’s opening weekend just kept right on going this week, reported Jimmy Getty at the Pro Shop.

“The trout bite has been just insane,” quipped Getty. “The fish are biting on the troll, bait and plastics; and trolling is probably best of all right now. The few people not limiting-out are either using line that is too heavy or are not paying attention to what those around them are using.” 

Legendary trout expert Marlon Meade of Anaheim offered a technique that has worked consistently at Irvine Lake so far this season, using the 3-inch Power Trout Worm in 5 to 30 feet of water. “Use a size five or smaller split-shot and a small light-wire fly hook,” Meade said.

“Hooks that are too large make the worm sit on the bottom and will not be effective. When casting from a boat, shore or float tube, let the worm sink to the bottom and start popping or dragging it in. Another technique is 'dead sticking,' which means letting the worm sink and not moving it. The trick is to use a small fly hook for best results,” he said.

Meade also said that “the best colors are chartreuse, fluorescent orange, orange peel, pink shad and bubble gum.”

Best Power Bait colors for trout this week have been chartreuse, white, salmon peach and garlic. Most of the trout filling the stringers are in the 1- to 3-pound class, but a sprinkling of fish in double-digits is keeping things very interesting. 

Good locations include the west shore, red clay cliffs, mid-lake and near the dam. Decent numbers of incidental catfish in the 2- to 5-pound range are also being caught by trout anglers using night crawlers.
The Kids Lagoon remains very good for families with children age 12 and under. A group of 40 Boy Scouts had all nailed their limits (three fish) by 9 a.m. on Saturday. Both the main lake and Kids Lagoon will be restocked Thursday afternoon.

The Irvine Lake Pro Team will be conducting a free trout-fishing seminar at the lake Saturday at the Catch-Out Pond. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., allowing anglers to get in a several hours of fishing beforehand. Topics covered will include trolling, bait selection and mini-jigging. The seminar is free with a paid day-use or fishing permit, but advance reservations are required by calling (714) 649-9111.  

Outstanding catches of the week:

--Eric Takaki of Torrance, 13-8 trout on a Kastmaster at Trout Island.

--Jeff McGaha of Victorville, 12-4 trout on Power Bait at the west shore.

--Matt Wong of Irvine, 11-8 trout on a Gitzit in Boat Dock Cove.

--Paul McHon of La Habra, 11-2 trout on a Rapala at mid-lake.

--Ledell Edmedson of Corona, 10-8 trout on a mini jig at Trout Island.

--Danny Uematsu of Orange, 9-8 trout on a Rapala at mid-lake.

Photo: Matt Wong or Irvine displays 11.08-pound rainbow trout caught at Irvine Lake's Boat Dock Cove. Credit: Irvine Lake

In the Eastern Sierra, they're just trout. But at the handful of private, paid-entry lakes in Southern California, they need special qualities or catchy names to lure the crowds.

At Santa Ana River Lakes in Anaheim and Corona Lake alongside Interstate 15 near Corona, they're called Nebraska tailwalkers, Mt. Lassen Sierra ’bows and ruby red steelhead.

The lakes, which are run by the same concessionaire, are adding bonus plants for this weekend and the Thanksgiving holiday week. The Nebraska tailwalkers stocking will include fish to about 10 pounds and the Mt. Lassen 'bows will include fish perhaps upward of 20 pounds.

The Big Fish Bonanza begins the day after Thanksgiving. Click on the blue link for details, and check out some of the whoppers pouring into Santa Ana River Lakes in the video. If you're a trout angler, it should whet your appetite.

-- Pete Thomas

Montana's inaugural wolf-hunting season came to an end this week and has been deemed a success by state wildlife officials.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks called for the season to close half an hour after sunset on Monday after receiving word that the statewide quota of 75 was nearly reached.

"We hit 72 of the 75 wolf quota with two weeks left before the season was originally planned to close on Nov. 29," FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim told the Billings Gazette.

A total of 15,600 wolf hunting licenses were sold, generating $325,859 for the state license fund.

"It was a successful season. We learned a bunch, and we'll learn more as we evaluate it," Aasheim said. "We know where wolves where taken by county. We know sex. We know age. We'll know the days hunted. It's a pretty sound information base."

One thing that will be studied further is the sustainability of the hunt.

"Our prediction was that, even if we took 75, we'd have 100 more wolves next year than we have now," added Aasheim. "We were real conservative with the hunt. We wanted to maintain a healthy wolf population."

The hunts, however, are not without continued controversy and opposition.

Of concern may be the decimation of packs. In an L.A. Times article, Kim Murphy reported that Yellowstone National Park officials believe the Cottonwood Creek pack -- which utilized Yellowstone -- had four of its 10 wolves killed, including both the alpha male and female.

And conservation and environmental groups, which tried unsuccessfully to stop the hunts  in both Montana and Idaho, still have lawsuits filed that challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's de-listing of wolves from Endangered Species Act protection.

-- Kelly Burgess

Photo: National Parks Conservation Assn.

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Chances are slim that any male surfer will ever match Kelly Slater's nine ASP World Tour championships.

But Australia's Stephanie Gilmore might accomplish that someday. She's currently establishing a dynasty on the Women's World Tour. She won the world title in her rookie season in 2007, defended her title in 2008 and is in Hawaii going for a championship three-peat.

There are two Women's World Tour contests remaining: the Gidget Pro at Sunset Beach on Oahu and the Billabong Pro at Honolua Bay on Maui. Both are part of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, which is underway on Oahu's North Shore with a an ASP women's specialty event at Haleiwa. 

Mathematically, six surfers are in contention for the title. But it's Gilmore's to win or lose. If she wins at Sunset, Brazil's Silvana Lima would need to finish second to stay in the race, and the others would be eliminated.

If Gilmore finishes second, Lima needs to finish at least third, and Peru's Sofia Mulanovich and Hawaii's Coco Ho would need a victory to stay in the race.

So, essentially, the 21-year-old regular-footer, a powerful backhand surfer, needs to falter in both contests to give all but Lima a realistic chance.

Photo: Stephanie Gilmore, the reigning and two-time ASP Women’s World Tour surfing champion and current ratings leader, is going for a title three-peat. Credit: ASP/ CI/ Scholtz via Getty Images
 

I'm a longtime angler who occasionally kills a fish for dinner, but I would not be able to stomach eating a fish in the manner portrayed by Chinese diners in the accompanying video, which has been a popular draw on YouTube.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, as expected, has spoken out against the practice of eating fish from a plate while the fish is still alive and breathing -- which is increasingly common in some parts of the world.

A PETA spokesman called it "disgusting" and added:  "Every decent person should be shocked when anyone mocks or abuses a helpless dying animal."

It's just a carp, some might say. But frying the fish on its side while keeping it alive and breathing when it's placed on the plate seems cruel, and the giddiness of the diners makes it that much more unappetizing. Your thoughts?

-- Pete Thomas

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