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Uganda’s new family of mountain gorillas
KAMPALA: A new family of mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species, is ready for interaction with tourists, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) said on Friday.
“There is a new group of 13 members that has been habituated,” UWA spokeswoman Lillian Nsubuga said.
Wildlife experts began habituating the family, headed by a silverback named Nduhura, in October 2006 when one of the already habituated families in Uganda showed signs of moving into the bordering Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Nduhura’s family completed its two-year habituation process, designed to gradually allow them to become used to a limited human presence, the day the other group crossed the border. “The timing was really perfect,” Nsubuga said.
The endangered primates draw foreign visitors to Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest at a cost of $500 per visit and are a cornerstone of Uganda’s renascent tourism industry.
There are around 350 mountain gorillas currently living in Uganda, half of the world’s population. The remaining half is found in the Virunga park which straddles the DRC and Rwanda.
“The population in Uganda is stable and can even increase,” Nsubuga added.—AFP KAMPALA: A new family of mountain gorillas, one of the world’s most endangered species, is ready for interaction with tourists, the Ug... more -
Animal free!
The escalating costs of corn and soybeans and the current credit crunch are forcing widespread cutbacks in the number of animals raised for food.
For the animals and caring consumers, such cuts are long overdue.
The 10 billion animals killed for food in the U.S. each year are caged and crowded, deprived and drugged, manhandled and mutilated. At the slaughterhouse, they may be scalded, bled, skinned and dismembered, while still conscious. Although 93 percent of consumers condemn such abuses, no law prevents them.
On Oct. 2 (Gandhi’s birthday), 400 communities in all 50 states and two dozen other countries observe World Farm Animals Day with public education events (see www.WFAD.org.) The purpose is to expose and memorialize the cruel treatment of animals raised for food and to promote an animal-free diet.
It’s a great opportunity for each of us to embrace a cruelty-free, healthful, cost-saving, plant-based diet. The escalating costs of corn and soybeans and the current credit crunch are forcing widespread cutbacks in the number of animals raise... more -
Rescued baby gorilla fuels campaign to save a species
LOS ANGELES, Sept 24 (Reuters Life!) - The cold-blooded murder of about 10 of Congo's endangered mountain gorillas last year horrified author Craig Hatkoff until one glimmer of hope emerged -- the rescue of an orphaned baby gorilla.
The baby, named Miza, was feared dead as her mother was among the gorillas killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Virunga National Park, home to 380 of the world's 720 mountain gorillas.
But after several days lost in the jungle, Miza was rescued by her father, silverback gorilla Kabirizi, and brought back to live with her family to be raised by her sister and half-brother.
The story inspired New York-based Hatkoff to write "Looking for Miza: The True Story of the Mountain Gorilla Family Who Rescued One of Their Own", along with his daughters Isabella, 9, and Juliana, 13, as the centrepiece of a campaign to help save the gentle giants that range across the borders of Uganda, Rwanda and of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is not the first animal story by Hatkoff. He has previously written books about the polar bear Knut who became an icon for global warming and about the friendship of a tortoise and hippo, Owen and Mzee, after the southeast Asian tsunami.
"Miza's true story is a life-affirming tale of hope and courage. I think the appeal of this story is that gorillas are about 98 percent human from a genetic standpoint and it is like we are looking into a mirror at ourselves," Hatkoff told Reuters.
"My guess is you could put a name, face and nose print to every mountain gorilla left on the planet and it becomes a powerful metaphor because if we can't save the mountain gorillas what does it say about the other species we have to save."
CAMPAIGNING FOR GORILLAS
Hatkoff wants to use the book, released this week by Scholastic, as a centerpiece of a campaign to raise awareness about the endangered mountain gorillas and help the people living in the Great Lakes area of Africa.
"This is a war-torn area of the world and the loss of habitat and economic problems like the charcoal mafia have created a crisis," said Hatkoff.
"This is not longer just about saving the gorillas but we have to save the people there too who need clean water, food security, education and health care. These are complicated problems but they are solveable."
His company Turtle Pond Publications has joined forces with Scholatic, Wildlife Direct, the Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative founded by Bill Clinton to raise awareness about Africa's endangered mountain gorillas.
The book will be at the core of the campaign with a children's summit on gorillas with U.S.-wide webcast planned and websites to get people involved and show how they can help.
"These true stories can create an emotional connection to real animals and the idea here is to say what you can do about it and you can become part of the story," said Hatkoff.
"Mountain gorillas must be the most magnificent species on the planet and if this campaign works, it will work for tigers, for people as well." LOS ANGELES, Sept 24 (Reuters Life!) - The cold-blooded murder of about 10 of Congo's endangered mountain gorillas last year horr... more -
Paul Newman - Hole in the Wall Camps Tribute
A Tribute To Our Founder Paul Newman
“I wish I could recall with clarity the impulse that compelled me to help bring this camp into being. I’d be pleased if I could announce a motive of lofty purpose. I’ve been accused of compassion, of altruism, of devotion to Christian, Hebrew, and Moslem ethic, but however desperate I am to claim ownership of a high ideal, I cannot. I wanted, I think, to acknowledge Luck; the chance of it, the benevolence of it in my life, and the brutality of it in the lives of others, made especially savage for children because they may not be allowed the good fortune of a lifetime to correct it.” - Paul Newman.
Two decades ago, actor Paul Newman’s dream of opening a camp for children with serious medical conditions became a reality. His endless passion and commitment to help those less fortunate, especially children, was enormous. Children whose lives are interrupted by illness are able to put their worries aside and enjoy a carefree camp experience thanks to Paul’s tireless efforts and boundless enthusiasm.
Indeed, Paul lived a life informed by his recognition of luck – but greater than that was his motivation to act on that acknowledgement, and truly make a difference. His vision helped found the first Hole in the Wall Camp in 1988, and has since grown into the world’s largest family of camps for children with serious medical illnesses, operating in Connecticut, New York, Florida, California, North Carolina, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, France, the United Kingdom and regions in Africa and Asia. Paul's kindness and generosity has touched more than 135,000 children and it was Paul’s dream that the camps continue to thrive, providing a place filled of warmth, compassion, laughter and most of all acceptance. Paul’s liveliness, energy and dedication will be missed by all who knew him, worked with him and who were touched by his kindness.
For Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/holeinthewallcamps/33828
Link to 'Hole in the Wall Camps' : http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org/tribute.htm A Tribute To Our Founder Paul Newman ... more -
Thich Nhat Hanh: On compassion + forgiveness
"When there is a mature relationship between people, there is always compassion and forgiveness." -Thich Nhat Hanh
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Shocking New Bearskins Video
Bears Are Still Slaughtered for the Royal 'Headgear'
Ms Widdecombe and PETA are calling on the Ministry of Defence and HRH Queen Elizabeth to end the use of bear fur for The Queen's Guards' caps.
The Ministry of Defence has spent more than £321,000 on bearskin caps in the past five years alone.
More than 200 MPs signed a recent Early Day Motion calling on the government to switch to a modern and humane synthetic fabric.
Celebrities including Sir Roger Moore, Mary McCartney and Sadie Frost have also called on the government to "go faux".
Please take a moment to contact Secretary of State, Des Browne today; tell your friends and family and urge them to do the same for the sake of the bears!
Instead of financially supporting the shameful slaughter of black bears, Great Britain should set a compassionate example by switching to a humane and progressive alternative and committing to stopping the needless killing.
PLEASE SAVE THE BEARS! Sign the petition in support of bears today!
Petition:
http://www.unbearablecruelty.co.uk/petition.asp
Main Webpage:
http://www.unbearablecruelty.com
VIDEO:
http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/ukawbearvideo?qp_sou... Bears Are Still Slaughtered for the Royal 'Headgear' ... more -
Hilda the elephant killed trying to escape circus
MEXICO CITY – A five-ton elephant escaped from a circus and wandered onto a busy highway, where it was hit by a bus and died on Tuesday.
State officials say bus driver Tomas Lopez, 49, also was killed and at least four passengers were hospitalized after the pre-dawn collision in Ecatepec, just north of Mexico City.
Mexico State police spokesman Juan Sanchez said the elephant escaped from its cage at the Circo Union, but he declined to give any other details. He said officials were investigating.
The state-funded Notimex news agency reported that the elephant named Indra escaped as its keeper arrived to feed it, knocking down a metal door that led to the street and wandering through two neighborhoods before trying to cross the highway.
Small circuses have used the name "Circo Union" in Mexico and it was not immediately clear which was involved.
Last month, a 500-pound lion escaped from a private zoo owned by a local lawmaker in southern Mexico. The animal killed two dogs and a pig and attacked a woman and child on a donkey before it was sedated and caught.
For more information on elephants... please visit:
http://www.elephant-news.com/linkto.php
http://tinyurl.com/4lpe36 MEXICO CITY – A five-ton elephant escaped from a circus and wandered onto a busy highway, where it was hit by a bus and died on Tuesda... more -
Do other animals feel emotions?
Moving images of a female gorilla holding the lifeless body of her baby has left many asking whether animals feel similar emotions to humans. Ian Redmond, from UN's Great Ape Survival Project, and Miranda Stevenson, director of BIAZA, discuss Gorilla Gana, who appeared to mourn the sudden death of her three-month-old baby.
VIDEO: http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_7571000/757... Moving images of a female gorilla holding the lifeless body of her baby has left many asking whether animals feel similar emotions to ... more -
Defenders of Wildlife Endorses Obama-Biden: Release of 1st TV Ad on Palin's E...
For TV ad Defenders Action Fund's 2008 endorsement: www.defendersactionfund.org
McCain-Palin campaign studiously avoids most environmental issues and offers energy proposals based largely on Big Oil's wish list, the Obama-Biden campaign is offering solid positions in nearly every environmental area, including forward-looking energy solutions.
Defenders Action Fund underscored its endorsement by launching a new TV ad about Palin's environmental record, focusing on her support for the aerial hunting of wolves, a cruel practice she actively champions in Alaska. The program licenses private citizens to fly airplanes and shoot wolves from the air or chase them to exhaustion before landing and shooting them point blank. The gunners then sell the pelts of the animals they kill for profit. The program also targets grizzly and black bears, which are chased by air and then shot on the ground. The ad, which will air in presidential swing states, shows a new and extreme side to the Governor, which has yet to be fully explored in the media.
"Sarah Palin not only condones the aerial hunting of wolves and bears, she actively promotes it," continued Schlickeisen. "She has even gone so far as to propose a bounty of $150 for every severed left foreleg of a wolf the hunters can produce. Her promotion of this ghastly and unscientific program - which she pursues while simultaneously suing the federal government to eliminate protections for the imperiled polar bear - offers voters a glimpse of her values and character that is quite different from the picture carefully crafted by the McCain-Palin campaign's professional speechwriters. It should also provide voters with a good idea of what a McCain-Palin administration's approach to stewardship of our nation's natural resources would be like. Americans deserve to know about this real side of Sarah Palin before they make up their minds about her.
"Put simply, if voters care at all about the environment, about protecting our air, land, water and wildlife for future generations, then they should look past the misleading rhetoric of the McCain-Palin campaign and support Obama-Biden," concluded Schlickeisen. For TV ad Defenders Action Fund's 2008 endorsement: www.defendersactionfund.org ... more -
No Country for Horses |
Latest News on Horse Slaughter: 'No Country for Horses'
With slaughterhouses closed in the U.S., Canada is now home to a growing horse slaughter industry. Undercover video exposes some disturbing methods.
WARNING: While the producers have tried to be sensitive about the footage used in this feature, please be advised that some people may find some of these images disturbing.
PLEASE NOTE: THERE ARE 6 DIFFERENT VIDEOS ON THIS WEBPAGE:
http://www.cbc.ca/national/blog/special_feature/no_coun...
PLEASE SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO AMERICAS HORSES! Latest News on Horse Slaughter: 'No Country for Horses' ... more -
view from inside an alien orphan
This short made me wonder about myself. I had a memory from childhood, of feeling that i was'nt really my parents child ...
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Insite works
Here's what more than 20 studies --all by independent evaluators, published in prominent journals -- have found: Insite has reduced instances of needle sharing and drug injecting in public places, and there has been a decrease in the amount of injection related litter. In the Insite neighbourhood, there have been no increases in drug trafficking or assaults, and instances of vehicle break-ins and car theft have decreased. Despite almost 900 overdose events at Insite -- a common hazard of drug use -- no overdose deaths have occurred at the facility, compared with an average of 60 a year in Metro Vancouver. Additionally, since Insite began, the number of drug addicts who have entered detox programs, addiction counselling and drug-addiction treatment has increased by over 30%. Here's what more than 20 studies --all by independent evaluators, published in prominent journals -- have found: Insite has reduc... more
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Photos by American Photographer Sage Paisner - Oppression/Tradition Portraits
Young American Photographer Sage Paisner portrays the experience of the Oppression Tradition in black and white portraits and directorial self-portraits.
Paisner is a Photography Grad Student at CalArts and a 2006 graduate of the University of New Mexico, B.F.A., summa cum laude in Photography.
Artist statement
"My work stems from tradition and is inspired by historical and contemporary events addressing literal or metaphysical confinement. The oppressed are fearful. Terror stems from the thought of oppression or actual physical captivity. Minorities are oppressed and controlled. My Jewish, French Canadian Indian, history is filled with subjugation. During my early childhood, I lived on a Navajo reservation where my family practiced Judaism and Native religion. My father represented the Navajo Relocatees, helping them to obtain land and homes. For me, these experiences were seminal influences.
My ideas are rooted in the Holocaust, the Inquisition, the European Conquest of America and other countries in which Jews and Native people were persecuted. Fear of capture, persecution and torture forced them to hide or live in small secret places. In these confined places, religious practice, ritual, and the fight to preserve traditions continued. This body of work combines photography and sculpture to express the idea of confinement including contemporary events such as the conflict in Israel, Abu-Graib and Guantanamo Bay. These horrific events of the past and present are connected to my childhood and families history and evoke strong emotions. I am overwhelmed, and frustrated by the state of oppression. I am trapped. I hope there is some way out."
Sage Paisner
www.myspace.com/burningsagepress
sagepaisner@aol.com
_______________________________
From TouchArt.net and OneEarthBlog.blogspot.com Young American Photographer Sage Paisner portrays the experience of the Oppression Tradition in black and white portraits and director... more -
Help to shut down Guatanamo Bay
This could quite possibly be the greatest WORLD OPINION tragedy in American history.
World opinion of America has now sunk to an all time low. Help bring it back up to pre-bush blunder level.
Thanks This could quite possibly be the greatest WORLD OPINION tragedy in American history. ... more -
Dalai Lama in Seattle
The Dalai Lama is attending a 5 day conference on compassion in Seattle, WA. Yesterday he spoke to an audience of nearly 55,000 people at Qwest Center. The Dalai Lama said he has compassion for the world's $6 Billion people, including his enemies. "Six billion human beings are ultimate source of my happiness," he said, so it's in his interest to be concerned about all of them."
He urged world leaders to come together for a family picnic where they set politics aside and watched their children play. If they realized each others humanity, they would no longer be enemies.
Washington's Governor Gregoire said she wanted the government to be compassionate but that it was the responsibility of the people to make compassion work.
"Isobel came with her mother, Erica Jorgensen, because they're members of the intergenerational choir that performed at the event.
Asked how she's practiced compassion in the past 24 hours, Isobel said she gave her brother a chance to hold Pebbles, the hamster she got on her last birthday.
Asked what compassion means, she thought for a moment, then said: "When somebody skins their knee or something like that, I remember when that happened to me, and it really hurt. I feel compassion for them and try to help them." The Dalai Lama is attending a 5 day conference on compassion in Seattle, WA. Yesterday he spoke to an audience of nearly 55,000 people... more -
Who's on First? Typography
Funny! We all remember this dialog from back then. Putting together with typography is hilarious funny. Good Job! Who's First?
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Pre-planned recession....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrL6IhVKQGw
The World should know,hey,it's no leak,it's nothing new...The Banks of the world the demon's who started out honest,Turned into Greedy Filth who have no Respect for TRUTH, LIBERTY AND HAPPINESS they start wars and we fight against each other(nation's)for OIL,GOLD,AND RESOURCE'S but they don't SUFFER We do,US,and now these TYRANT'S wanna make US and our Political leader's and the media,SUFFER,And maybe wanna police us/Control us,how by MONEY,they are Asshole's who look's at everyone and I mean everyone From the President of Good Glorious America to The Chinese Communist's,the Media,Even everyday average joe's and jane's...And laugh cause as we struggle DAY 2 DAY to make end's meet, they wipe there Meglomanic asses with Stock's and bond's and flush US overall down the Wallstreet toilet...And you see it's pretty Messed up cause they Have our cash we made them they did'nt make us...We are just a game to these Meglomanic's...In the future I don't wanna have to scan my wrist to purchase thing's or use a new form of currency,Us as american should kick the shitout these Demonic evil satanist who try to Play Muppet Master and it's not our fault's,it's not our World Political Leader's fault's(Even they do make bad choice's from time to time.)But You see everyone MONEY IS WHAT BLINDS THEM AND THE TRUTH...But I am just one person...Who just wanna see Happiness,Love and truth not just for myself but for everyone,Especially my parent's who Struggled all there life Everyday gettin up before daybreak and didn't get home until nightfall,just to provide food,and smile's...Well God(whoever you praise to as well) bless us all...that we have a more optimistic and positive,Happy,bright future.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da1TUeuLIaE The World should know,hey,it's no leak,it's nothing new...The Banks of the world the demon's who started out honest,Tur... more
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Psalms
Psalms7:8-17,Who do you believe in?,I put my faith in God,Please bless the one's who are going through the suffering and grievein,Stay Positive,There's much strength in Kindness and an abundance of great intelligence that comes with it as well, pass it on ,ooh And remember I just look like this,I think there might be a brain in that hat somewhere..oh well,i'll check later = )... WNWD Hx m. Psalms7:8-17,Who do you believe in?,I put my faith in God,Please bless the one's who are going through the suffering and grievein... more
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America need to succed...
They(as in NAFTA/the government) wanna give OUR job's to other countrie's and they aren't concerned,they probablly think that's it's o.k., that were giving up OUR money,the american people's hard earned cash,Why the F**k do they wanna hurt US like that?..For one thing we are in a money crisis where the American dollar is turning into S**t,and Not only american's but Our friendly Neighbor's up in Canada as well is Hurting to,...FFFFFFF**kkkkk,the only way to stop this problem is to Provide job's and Not giving them to our fellow folk's oversea,If this problem continue's,America is gonna go into another recession,And this is a sad thing...So please we as a "FREE" independent Country need to Make OUR voice's heard,America belong's to US,so OUR tax money should go to US...The American People..The American Consumer,job's need to be keeped here....Much Love and Respect...to THEM 2nd Timothy Chapter 4:16...For US 2nd Timothy Chapter 4:18...thank you : ) They(as in NAFTA/the government) wanna give OUR job's to other countrie's and they aren't concerned,they probablly thi... more
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Quote of compassion..
Morrissey of the smiths(brit band) -Once said in the lyric of one of his many,heartfelt song's-(I know it's over)-Quote's-"Love is natural and real,but it take's witt to be gentle and kind,Love is natural and real,but it take's strength to be gentle and kind"........We as people should have more compassion,love and forgiveness with other's and especially yourself...with those three Element's Positivity is relavent...."Love is a Flower let it shine on thru".."Bless you brother/sister God is watching you"..."Think it over,Ooo,life is a four leaf clover"..Quoted from the song(Flowers)...by:The Emotion's....Think about it everyone no matter what...Hhhhmmmm.. Morrissey of the smiths(brit band) -Once said in the lyric of one of his many,heartfelt song's-(I know it's over)-Quote'... more
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Compassion
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Compassion
