tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43176818430754857962024-03-05T15:44:35.627-08:00Sand-Dollared CataractFiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-28055126352782668392011-07-05T15:50:00.000-07:002012-12-08T08:00:08.208-08:00Farewell Halo: The Kitten Who Disappeared At The Crack Of Dawn<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<b>Halo's disappearance June 23, 2011</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is Achoo</td></tr>
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I saw a small shadow outside my bedroom window near the bowls of cat food. A quick glance and my heart raced. Could it be Halo, the fragile sick kitten I've sought for a couple days now? As I focus my glance, and the shadow takes form, I realize I've mistaken a pigeon for Halo. Maybe it's the pigeon's brown feathers. Halo's coat was a darkish gray but with a hint of orangey-brown that made her seem to glow in the sun. Her coat was lighter than her siblings' and made her stand out more so I named her Halo. </div>
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My longing has allowed my mind to play tricks on me. The night after her disappearance (a Wednesday) I searched outside for her tiny emaciated form. I walked near a small trailer usually attached to the back of my step-father's jeep. I remember Halo hiding underneath, near the wheels. I always tried to lure her out so I could give her treats, or just simply to clean her face. I hoped that in time she would become comfortable enough with me so I could catch her and take her to the vet. I bent down to take a look beneath the trailer. Light from the porch hardly penetrates the pitch black of the night. For a moment, I thought I saw her. I looked again. It was just the tire. A trick of light and darkness, shame on me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Halo family at play</td></tr>
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I wanted nothing more than to help this sick kitten. I was going to take her to the vet. Two nights ago (a Tuesday), I saw she sought warmth. I found an old towel and brought it to her. She was curled up in a ball on the soft cushiony lounge chair. I wrapped it around her, and she leaned her little head on top of the towel and continued to sleep.I was so touched by how angelic she looked as she slept. So peaceful, and yet I knew she was ill and on borrowed time. I knew that there were days she hardly moved and would stay in one position for so long. As I gently wiped her faced clean of mucus (which was no simple task since she kept trying to hide), I noted that she was far too weak to draw out her claws. I thought she would get better. Her brother Achoo was the first sick kitten from the litter, but now he's mischievous and energetic, always meowing for treats. But Halo seemed to share a different fate. As simply someone who has watched over strays trying to help them, despite being very allergic to cats, I understand that not all will survive. Speeding cars have taken many of their lives, some of which were vaccinated and neutered/spayed. Yet, it always pained me. Attachment makes all the difference. I've tried my best to train them to stay near. It demands a lot of patience and time, but those I've taught to stay near are alive. Now it's just a matter of finding them a home just as loving and sweet as they are.</div>
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The next morning I decided to check on Halo, because that was the day I would prepare her to take her to the vet. I knew that to keep a sick kitten, that was already frightened, in a cage over night would only stress her, and that's not what I wanted. I saw spots on the ground and a small trail. The trail took me down the stairs but disappeared once it reached the grass. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The siblings always slept together</td></tr>
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They say that cats know when they're about to die and go far away. Almost as if they never existed. And Yet...</div>
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I look out my window hoping she will appear. I search the bushes and different hiding places. If she has passed away, then I know she's no longer suffering. If she's alive, then I hope she finds the strength back to me because I vow to get her the help she needs. </div>
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A part of me thinks she wouldn't have made it, even if she was taken to the vet. But there's always that, "What if?"<br />
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But for now, I'll just believe that Halo is now in Kitty Heaven where she belongs.<br />
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Halo was sweet and enjoyed treats. She would randomly appear a short distance away from the other cats. She was abandoned along with Achoo and Winky at a very young age by her mother. I thought she would grow into a very lovable cat.</div>
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Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-36842332571047461202011-06-29T18:36:00.000-07:002011-06-30T16:31:51.892-07:00Walk by faith, not by sight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ2tBp5MdISuAR9watqHKIYwph8tKj6IrZ94Y5ZM7oa1vxMB79v9V4O3v4TebeVFE_d5SdSAP2CwdyR2vgSsGQ4mDGXjJoBhwDc1f1MmK89CtojlEzvYWoWrfhh5_Tuu4UmqDoHqROk0O/s1600/faith1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQ2tBp5MdISuAR9watqHKIYwph8tKj6IrZ94Y5ZM7oa1vxMB79v9V4O3v4TebeVFE_d5SdSAP2CwdyR2vgSsGQ4mDGXjJoBhwDc1f1MmK89CtojlEzvYWoWrfhh5_Tuu4UmqDoHqROk0O/s320/faith1.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>My papabuelo handed me a book called "Supernatural Healing" by Sid Roth and Linda Josef and asked that I read it. It's a book that highlights the power of faith and its ability to heal. The entire book consists of testimonies from people suffering from different ailments (Lupus, cancer, paralysis, etc) or simply those who had lost their way ( one story told of a wealthy drug lord who one day overdosed and nearly died) and how through faith in God they recovered. Some completely recovered from cancer, and not even doctors could explain how it was possible. It was just a miracle. Even more interesting was how a couple stories revolved around doctors who realized the power of believing (one doctor was told that his unborn daughter would be born without half a brain, rendering her mentally challenged. Through faith and prayer, his daughter came into this world as a healthy child). Not all initially believed in God, but later realized the saving grace of believing.<br />
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When I first started reading the book, I was a bit skeptical. Honestly, it wasn't my kind of book. Despite attending 10 years of Catholic school and being raised as a Christian ( even though we never go to church, the faith is in our hearts), I had read plenty enough to know the various interpretations of the bible as well as criticisms. In college I learned more about the bible's historical background and studied the bible as a piece of literature. I had seen many documentaries that simply led me to alter my perception of the bible and religion in general.<br />
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Some believe they are healed through the Holy Spirit. Often I have read of the power of Qi (Chi) and its healing properties. I have read about and seen many miraculous encounters in documentaries, books, and in my life. There is no denying that many miracles have occurred. Maybe it's the power of the mind, a higher power, our energy, deep faith, but whatever it may be, it intrigues me and it exists.<br />
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The book harbors sentimental value to me because after I finished reading it and told my papabuelo, he told me, "That book saved my life." Although I didn't say much in response, I couldn't help but take to heart what he told me. As someone who suffered from kidney cancer a couple years ago which left him with one kidney, it terrified the family when this year cysts were found on his remaining kidney. Constantly he told us that he was ready to go "home." So often I laughed aside what he said, scolded him even. I told him that he was going to be okay (as I always do, because I truly believe so). Looking at the scans with him, I admit that a part of me was fearful, but I wouldn't show it. Someone had to be strong. Prior to visiting the doctor, he read that book.When he visited his doctor, he was told he would have to be monitored for half a year, but that he looked fine. What he said to me clicked once more, "That book saved my life." Those words meant so much to me because it was coming from someone who had lost faith. The one who wanted to give up and go home. The one who told me he was going to heaven. Suddenly, he had regained faith. That's why that book is important to me.<br />
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Even more recently, my aunt's friend was diagnosed with cancer. She was undergoing dialysis due to kidney failure. My aunt gave her the book to read. She called my aunt and told her she is cancer free (I found out today that she's cancer free, but I'm not exactly sure when she told me aunt). There's something about faith that keeps us going. When you believe in something, when you have something to live for, then even the impossible is possible.<br />
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A cousin of mine shared a very touching story with me, but which I won't disclose. It was a beautiful story that allowed her daughter a chance to live. Truly there is something beyond complete comprehension at works out in the universe and in us.<br />
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Never lose faith...Believe in something...Live for something...but never ever give upFiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-18648335165001580122011-06-24T13:40:00.000-07:002011-06-24T16:31:11.779-07:00There's no sense in giving to a black holeI came up with that quote during a discussion with a friend regarding selflessness. A black hole is an empty void that pulls in all light and all that enters it (planets, stars, etc), and nothing can escape from it. Now imagine continually making sacrifices for someone to the point that you lose yourself. Never be so selfless that you become a self less (or less than yourself). Now imagine that this person is apathetic and shows little appreciation for the sacrifices made. I explained to my friend that there's a point where you have to stop and realize that as sweet and thoughtful as it may be to harbor that level of consideration for anyone, there are some people who simply take it for granted and people who, quite frankly, don't deserve it.<br />
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When you make a sacrifice, you're not doing so with the hope that the other person will kiss your feet and shower you with praise, but you'll just have to be careful of who you choose to be selfless with. It's a terrible sensation to constantly give to someone who is selfish, to someone who sucks out all (correction, who pulls out) the light in you, leaving you feeling empty and insubstantial. At some point, you'll realize that your sacrifices have all been in vain.<br />
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So, like I said, there's no sense in giving to a black hole.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-29662204077744608862011-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:002011-06-24T16:31:35.515-07:00Congo: 'The Worst Place on Earth for Women"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"Congo’s child death rate is twice that of sub-Saharan Africa, which is already the highest in the world. Fifteen hundred people continue to die every day as a result of the war. In fact, less than one-half of one percent of the war-related deaths in Congo are violent. The vast majority of the deaths are due to the war’s aftershocks, primarily easily curable illnesses. Almost half of the deaths are children under the age of five." - Lisa Shannon</span></span></blockquote><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #262626;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In 2005, Lisa Shannon is shocked after watching an episode on </i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oprah</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> about Congo. Determined to make a difference, she runs 30 miles to raise money for Congolese women and begins the movement, Run for Congo Women. She leaves everything behind, (her </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>fiancé, job, house, family) to help Congolese women. She truly is a munificent woman that has touched the hearts of many and is beloved to Congolese women.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRScUYtcAcTGXRKpPN2zK3XQnzQdSwcCqdsjygIhYiMZFHYay9F1TEggE0qaGjrIRMgo11UFavyH67D4R4K1C1AxNDySI4xlWcBFlE4PdKtHMCvqn59hTekggjU53jXQ9HuVkZh635tAD/s1600/Thousand+Sisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirRScUYtcAcTGXRKpPN2zK3XQnzQdSwcCqdsjygIhYiMZFHYay9F1TEggE0qaGjrIRMgo11UFavyH67D4R4K1C1AxNDySI4xlWcBFlE4PdKtHMCvqn59hTekggjU53jXQ9HuVkZh635tAD/s320/Thousand+Sisters.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>So I read "A Thousand Sisters" by Lisa Shannon that details her courageous journey into Congo to help women who suffer from the various atrocities committed by rivaling militias that raid villages indiscriminately killing women, children (even babies), and men, burn down houses, loot the villages, and rape a majority of the women (to the point that one individual in the book said rape was cultural).<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“You don’t consider rape a security threat for returning refugees?”</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Rape here is so common,” she says. “It's cultural.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><br />
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Truly the barbarity that occurs in Congo are appalling. In Shannon's account, one woman, Generose, saw her husband shot to death, had her leg chopped off with a machete, and saw her son refuse to eat a piece of her and he was, thus, shot. There are many horrors permeating throughout their lives, and yet...<br />
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<despite in="" (fiance,="" 2005,="" 30="" a="" after="" against="" all="" although="" amount="" an="" and="" behind="" by="" care="" children="" committed="" community="" congo,="" congo="" congolese="" crimes="" despite="" determined="" difference.="" enlightening.="" episode="" epitome="" everything="" family,="" filled="" for="" forge="" have="" help="" her="" home,="" hopes="" in="" is="" job)="" leaves="" lisa="" losses,="" love.="" magnanimous="" making="" manage="" many="" miles="" money="" movement="" nothing,="" of="" on="" oprah="" orphaned="" raises="" regarding="" run="" running="" she="" shocked="" starting="" still="" story="" take="" the="" their="" them,="" them.="" them="" they="" to="" touching="" tremendous="" truly="" was="" watching="" with="" woman.="" women,="" women."="" women.=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">Despite all the crimes committed against them, despite all their losses, despite all their fears, they manage to forge a community filled with love. Many women, although they have nothing, still take in orphaned children and try their best to care for them. They push forward and make the most of what they have, share what little they possess, and value what matters most: one another.<br />
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Please watch this short video. It's remarkable.<br />
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Also visit: <a href="http://athousandsisters.org/">http://athousandsisters.org/</a><br />
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On the site, you can learn more about the sisters, a bit about the history of what's transpiring in Congo, about what you can do to help, read news articles, and even read her blog! Definitely check it out.<br />
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Note: I had some amazing quotes I hoped to shared but since my kindle is now defective, apparently none of my highlights registered online (wonderful). In any case, please check out her book. It truly is inspirational.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Congo is one of my favorite places on Earth. You have the worst of humanity, and the best of humanity." -Zainab Salbi, Women for Women International Founder</span></span><br />
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</div>Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-4500466442802433732011-06-08T14:31:00.000-07:002011-06-08T17:33:07.979-07:00Bon Appetit?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While watching a BBC documentary discussing the Kombai's unique treehouse building skills, they also mentioned that the tribe, at times, they eat sago grubs. I. then, recalled watching a show, of which the name escapes me, where the host tastes various exotic foods from around the world. Here are some that I've read about and wondered if I would ever eat. Would you?</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdV9i3KvglT2ugdDxgsd0bT8shNyazNFv2X9memVavbJvAEJo9psjOcr28zMKGrA7moCArRDRKVTRV8mibI_gSR6AlAEZ5jd9RkaRN9VrC8wWTMdextV1x6xqChM2LyhxeQBcEaDf5ih7/s1600/sago+grubs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIdV9i3KvglT2ugdDxgsd0bT8shNyazNFv2X9memVavbJvAEJo9psjOcr28zMKGrA7moCArRDRKVTRV8mibI_gSR6AlAEZ5jd9RkaRN9VrC8wWTMdextV1x6xqChM2LyhxeQBcEaDf5ih7/s320/sago+grubs1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodq1wpxM-6dTU-9JvRuXRATnBChvJo3KJLb7DAO9RAvT34BAGPTomjFeRxaA7aNw8uOM1wTQrvsNIEoB9mgun1Qgin2vkT99fsJyfJ3rxjcac-oDzqKMQlVl5sVjWtR37PO9J_Wc0t_Rf/s1600/sago+grubs+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodq1wpxM-6dTU-9JvRuXRATnBChvJo3KJLb7DAO9RAvT34BAGPTomjFeRxaA7aNw8uOM1wTQrvsNIEoB9mgun1Qgin2vkT99fsJyfJ3rxjcac-oDzqKMQlVl5sVjWtR37PO9J_Wc0t_Rf/s320/sago+grubs+2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Sago Grubs- </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">These juicy and plump grubs-- a delicacy in some regions, such as Papua New Guinea (location of the Kombai tribe) and Malaysia (where sago grubs can be found nicely packaged)--are found in the rotten trunk of the sago palm. They are in the larva stage of the Red Palm Weevil. If eaten raw, it is recommended that you bite the head off first (the dark area of the grub) because they have teeth. They become a bit feisty if you touch their head and can bite you. However, you may also enjoy them slow-roasted over a warm fire or fried. Apparently, they taste like crab, but some say they are slimy and a bit salty.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dcAQj6BuRhqSqCGm9iwyqtk62xJLlPnfUsIpft8Ppq9fUa5F1Wfvxe51hYPjo0SInJ9r8RdE0yQkfUYY8k-u9Yojhe5txNnK057jvHMsaPNfqaZgVasr6dVjW_4pV1n7R9UcT52Gr68h/s1600/cazumarzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2-FgUx4XSPCU36Ss10_OA75k6MEJrDoI4A-CjaI6rwBY-rLAda_CHFW-XtfjcXoREuqI8i1VDJLWp_am60fep6iOItJw0gkvhijmVfmnyBAgSYjjK0IKbb3WViZjpPgdOUQ_ydSzzNvM/s1600/maggot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2-FgUx4XSPCU36Ss10_OA75k6MEJrDoI4A-CjaI6rwBY-rLAda_CHFW-XtfjcXoREuqI8i1VDJLWp_am60fep6iOItJw0gkvhijmVfmnyBAgSYjjK0IKbb3WViZjpPgdOUQ_ydSzzNvM/s320/maggot2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dcAQj6BuRhqSqCGm9iwyqtk62xJLlPnfUsIpft8Ppq9fUa5F1Wfvxe51hYPjo0SInJ9r8RdE0yQkfUYY8k-u9Yojhe5txNnK057jvHMsaPNfqaZgVasr6dVjW_4pV1n7R9UcT52Gr68h/s1600/cazumarzu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dcAQj6BuRhqSqCGm9iwyqtk62xJLlPnfUsIpft8Ppq9fUa5F1Wfvxe51hYPjo0SInJ9r8RdE0yQkfUYY8k-u9Yojhe5txNnK057jvHMsaPNfqaZgVasr6dVjW_4pV1n7R9UcT52Gr68h/s1600/cazumarzu.jpg" /></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Maggot Cheese (Casu Marzu, formaggio marcio)</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Who loves Italian food? I do! But would you try this? If you want to enhance the flavor of cheese (because the maggots release an enzyme that helps the cheese ferment), try adding some maggots into the mix. Maggot Cheese is quite popular, and illegal, in Sardinia, Italy.The recipe is quite simple. Place the cheese, made of sheep's milk, to rot in the hot sun, and then allow insects to lay their eggs. You'll know it's ready once it is covered with lots of maggots. These little guys soften the cheese. You can remove the maggots or enjoy this delicacy with some extra nutrition! </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Warning: </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you choose to eat with maggots, maggots may try to jump in your eyes so it is recommended that you cover your eyes. Also, be mindful that the maggots live in the cheese and so will also defecate in it...just some food for thought :) If the maggots are dead, then it should not be consumed as it is dangerous and toxic.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8yMJZWIchcJLrmicxEICaqDskvH0Fd2AN88-FAu1EP8Dnnw6mVNhVEZzh22uruMu6SdYUunqZ8DL4CDiSsp7W7Xksaqp-VDxzVhU8kCeVlg22mPj0gdGjEUC_IklZPw46vgSeV4NaX9G/s1600/baby-mice-wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8yMJZWIchcJLrmicxEICaqDskvH0Fd2AN88-FAu1EP8Dnnw6mVNhVEZzh22uruMu6SdYUunqZ8DL4CDiSsp7W7Xksaqp-VDxzVhU8kCeVlg22mPj0gdGjEUC_IklZPw46vgSeV4NaX9G/s320/baby-mice-wine.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8yMJZWIchcJLrmicxEICaqDskvH0Fd2AN88-FAu1EP8Dnnw6mVNhVEZzh22uruMu6SdYUunqZ8DL4CDiSsp7W7Xksaqp-VDxzVhU8kCeVlg22mPj0gdGjEUC_IklZPw46vgSeV4NaX9G/s1600/baby-mice-wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48pLrL2UTpaozPEFNRF7uTD4Xv1f4rda5I8F6Krp18ciRc5YBY7fUJyuJaAXD-4ves_3aySv-BelttmB2sBDGTxwNOj_AQE_5X6evzNXbC0MVO-1izOIhCqnUJfENw2EkZScG-ulM-uNA/s1600/mice+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48pLrL2UTpaozPEFNRF7uTD4Xv1f4rda5I8F6Krp18ciRc5YBY7fUJyuJaAXD-4ves_3aySv-BelttmB2sBDGTxwNOj_AQE_5X6evzNXbC0MVO-1izOIhCqnUJfENw2EkZScG-ulM-uNA/s1600/mice+wine.jpg" /></span></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Baby Mice Wine -</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span>When I read " A Hundred Secret Senses" by Amy Tan I recall her mentioning baby mice wine as well as balut (fertilized duck embryo). The wine, typically found in Korea and China, is so fresh that actual baby mice lie, visibly, at the bottom of the bottle for your viewing pleasure. Newly born mice (no more than 3 days old) are torn away from their mother's teat, drowned <span style="color: #262626;">in rice wine, and left to ferment for about a year. Some say it tastes like gasoline. It is believed to have healing properties, possibly curing liver problems and asthma issues. <b>Warning: You may swallow a mouse.</b></span><br />
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<b>4. Balut ( Fertilized Duck Egg)</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdJ6evXpu_b1yVpXZ4cem4CVgNQvIpXf-tHHsegHug1ty0_DKzP_aYDjAwzZA3S-Gltfa_0sTJy_agwmM86twVIyvChqv-0eimaCyGhCnbBVT-ugmr6N7i9W9kZ1Zf2XpeXpP9vJkTbnk/s1600/balut1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdJ6evXpu_b1yVpXZ4cem4CVgNQvIpXf-tHHsegHug1ty0_DKzP_aYDjAwzZA3S-Gltfa_0sTJy_agwmM86twVIyvChqv-0eimaCyGhCnbBVT-ugmr6N7i9W9kZ1Zf2XpeXpP9vJkTbnk/s1600/balut1.jpg" /></a>Who doesn't yearn to one day try an almost fully developed embryo? Apparently, this dish--popular mostly in Asia--is very delicious and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. In order for the fetus to develop, it's essential to keep the eggs warm. For this reason, the eggs are placed in the sun to absorb heat and then transferred to baskets to keep the eggs warm. About 9 days later the embryo is revealed upon shining a light on the egg, meaning that in 8 days it will be ready to be boiled and consumed. Enjoy the feathery goodness of soft-boiled duck fetus.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeXhQO0uXXwLi2o2cJRVxkJoaEVn_IEFpjc_ktQsbXT0QpuVdO1WgOxXOfQhkTPKW7CR4DyG4czRsW3MHmgGFCEyrvwyTVI_rqOwUweozzf2vHfqjkzL2JQYrkZMrFFY6isImy0936I0s/s1600/disgusting-delicacies-12-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjeXhQO0uXXwLi2o2cJRVxkJoaEVn_IEFpjc_ktQsbXT0QpuVdO1WgOxXOfQhkTPKW7CR4DyG4czRsW3MHmgGFCEyrvwyTVI_rqOwUweozzf2vHfqjkzL2JQYrkZMrFFY6isImy0936I0s/s320/disgusting-delicacies-12-1.jpg" width="320" /></a>First of all, I have to admit that I am glad to know that we can eat almost anything and survive. The creamy texture of the codfish sperm dish melts in your mouth. It is believed that it boosts one's stamina. There are plenty of photos that show that it can be prepared in a manner that looks appetizing. Dismiss the brain-like appearance, because it is is a delicacy in some parts of Asia, and you might actually enjoy it. Don't knock it until you've tried it, right?</div><br />
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</div>Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-30236917882235946752011-05-25T10:27:00.000-07:002011-05-25T11:55:03.192-07:00Ancient Futures: Ladakh<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" bgcolor="#000000" height="461" id="main" name="main" quality="high" src="http://www.videonger.com/second/player.swf?config=http://www.videonger.com/second/conf_embed.php?vkey=70821" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="530"></embed><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken from Project Himalaya</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Helena Norberg-Hodge author of "Ancient Future: Learning From Ladakh"spent years in Ladakh (since 1975) during which she witnessed the beauty of their culture as well as its slow decline caused by the pressures of modernization. The documentary above is based on her book.<br />
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Ladakh (Little Tibet)--located on the Western border of the Tibetan Plateau in a desert-like place that seems almost inhospitable--is a culture (over a thousand years old) centered on traditions and strong family values. They foster the virtues of unity, equality, and respect for one another and the earth (which provided them with precious natural resources). Despite the lack of a monetary system, they lived peacefully, happily, and without greed. Before assimilation into Western culture, neither waste nor poverty existed in Ladakh's small community. The magnetic pull of the Western dream of wealth and power disrupted their peaceful way of life. While it works for us, their environment demands a different type of knowledge. For instance, a Western education does not provide them with the means to survive in their own society that demands intricate knowledge of their land. In Helena Norberg-Hodge's 'The Pressure to Modernise" she describes the specific type of knowledge the Ladakhis need that the newer generation lack:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3AdxfwRlbGmjF5crD0KaB4CmcZYuOAOoNM5TD1N5ufp8EG7oBGlRIQSD7lVIl9Acxcn9VkUJS4vOkJSfZtVDIzMT-AorFrqVFVwKS11yUuThluWt9aPmQ9t0ZuHz-RqENkmm-6Y8gTS/s1600/4-Ladies-Ladakh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGf3AdxfwRlbGmjF5crD0KaB4CmcZYuOAOoNM5TD1N5ufp8EG7oBGlRIQSD7lVIl9Acxcn9VkUJS4vOkJSfZtVDIzMT-AorFrqVFVwKS11yUuThluWt9aPmQ9t0ZuHz-RqENkmm-6Y8gTS/s320/4-Ladies-Ladakh.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">For </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">generation after generation, Ladakhis grew up learning how to provide themselves with clothing and shelter; how to make shoes out of yak skin and robes from the wool of sheep; how to build houses out of mud and stone. Education was location-specific and nurtured an intimate relationship with the living world. It gave children an intuitive awareness that allowed them, as they grew older, to use resources in an effective and sustainable way.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">None of that knowledge is provided in the modern school. Children are trained to become specialists in a technological, rather than an ecological, society. School is a place to forget traditional skills, and worse, to look down on them...</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They learn from books written by people who have never set foot in Ladakh, who know nothing about growing barley at 12,000 feet or about making houses out of sun-dried bricks.</span></span><br />
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Once a community that ate together, built homes together, and shared all they possessed, certain members fell prey to the Western dream, slowly losing their sense of traditions that led to deterioration of the closeness between neighbors and families. As modernization took over, a division of classes evolved along with a high degree of unhappiness. Eventually, respect for land vanished, proven by the contamination of the once pristine rivers and the smell of diesel fuel. Living is not a matter of community, but of competition. There is no denying that modernization aided them in profound ways, but Helena Norberg-Hodge is saddened to see the decay of crucial relationships, between their fellowmen and the land, in order to embrace a less sustainable way of life.<br />
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You can view excerpts from her book at the following site:<br />
<a href="http://www.survival.org.au/books_ladakh.php">http://www.survival.org.au/books_ladakh.php</a><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> or</span></b><br />
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You can read her article, "The Pressure to Modernise" here:<br />
<a href="http://www.localfutures.org/publications/online-articles/the-pressure-to-modernise">http://www.localfutures.org/publications/online-articles/the-pressure-to-modernise</a><br />
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<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0;" /></a><br />
<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-11951712280040604182011-05-18T12:23:00.000-07:002011-05-20T20:21:03.037-07:00The Galapagos: An Evolutionary Wonder<b><i>Check out the BBC documentary at the end of this entry. </i></b><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4UIpKoCJ8pgtHTNwPN7Jl5fvy9q0AC97tC61TS2y0D3HAxM1N5YqTJyT09GFK8kKC8BstOZh43fiu933IW0QBAtjefLRhqu02zgzZe6BU4vR44HdlCGWbC9cvyrooQJl6_ediDEvUO8A/s1600/galapagos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4UIpKoCJ8pgtHTNwPN7Jl5fvy9q0AC97tC61TS2y0D3HAxM1N5YqTJyT09GFK8kKC8BstOZh43fiu933IW0QBAtjefLRhqu02zgzZe6BU4vR44HdlCGWbC9cvyrooQJl6_ediDEvUO8A/s320/galapagos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galapagos (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><br />
</b><br />
<b>The Wasteland of Life: The Origins of the Galapagos Archipelago</b><br />
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From a fiery pit burst forth the world of the Galapagos Islands. In the Pacific Ocean, a volcanic hotspot boiling at over 2,000 degrees gave birth to the layers upon layers of lava, becoming<b></b><br />
barren rock inhospitable to life that, ironically, is responsible for a biodiversity found nowhere else. This chain of 13 main islands demonstrates a natural phenomenon that drastically alters our perception on nature. Here is a world of extremes where each island varies in species diversity, environmental conditions, and means of adaptations. <o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pt1C0aItdTWChjaGNz95Ab5fpvyiQlsJxmSN6rTeYoKXaUnKnoxHtuffws3ozT2P75Nw4sw2LU9B1QJoEbTsencjwlPOR8cAY2AwX31_MzhApjvZgycMgB4OTUniXeYRhdmbAa9-heTN/s1600/Marine+IGUANA+NG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pt1C0aItdTWChjaGNz95Ab5fpvyiQlsJxmSN6rTeYoKXaUnKnoxHtuffws3ozT2P75Nw4sw2LU9B1QJoEbTsencjwlPOR8cAY2AwX31_MzhApjvZgycMgB4OTUniXeYRhdmbAa9-heTN/s320/Marine+IGUANA+NG.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Marine Iguana underwater</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Over 500 species are possible because of the hot and cold undercurrents that allow for such high diversity. From high and low, wildlife inhabits the Galapagos creating a complex ecosystem with an elaborate food web. Garden eels, Eagle rays, and Scalloped Hammerhead sharks swam in, while seabirds— attracted to the high level of fish— made this place home. The most miraculous occurrence is the arrival of and evolution of land animals. Those animals that survived the flashflood were abandoned on a wasteland. One type that adapted well was the <b>marine iguana</b>. They were able to take on the temperature of their environment and thus are used to the heat extremes. The reptiles that were once endothermic evolved to a higher level of amphibian/reptiles; they are now exothermic and can swim underwater for up to fifteen minutes to catch food with its new food resource being algae. No other iguana on this planet shares this unique capability. Such evolution further took place in the diversity of interactions.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Different Island, Different Story of Interactions<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr-3HagNgDBgmCDGCDLKOVmrvY1Z1Sw1cpYcCLDKZU3ijovsXIvCR8RZ-gvVPeG6vowkQSW1hiXjmTCIWvPjJuaNwZr3Uafn6-nT3AOQ3KiF_9hXOn_2BliiNGptx1g3NUjvvIOFySRjJ/s1600/crab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpr-3HagNgDBgmCDGCDLKOVmrvY1Z1Sw1cpYcCLDKZU3ijovsXIvCR8RZ-gvVPeG6vowkQSW1hiXjmTCIWvPjJuaNwZr3Uafn6-nT3AOQ3KiF_9hXOn_2BliiNGptx1g3NUjvvIOFySRjJ/s320/crab.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sally Lightfoot crab (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Where nothing existed, life came to be along with an abundance of species-habitat interaction and species-species interactions. On each island the habitats and interactions are different among species. The different types of soil (textures and depth) and vegetation determine the animals that will live in that habitat. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Each island is a world of its own, a characteristic resulting from the distance and age among them. When tectonic plates glide over a hotspot, a new island dawns and eventually they move away from each other becoming dormant. From West to East exists a chain from young to old impacting the diversity of life that thrives on the islands. Of these, Fernandina is the youngest and most volcanically active. Fernandina is home to the marine iguanas that can be seen sunning on the rocks. Twelve times older is the largest island, next to Fernandina, Isabella, which was named after the Queen of Spain. It also has a wider range of diversity. Since it has more vegetation, reptiles can be found roaming around. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq3qpeYFbtRCsxYdLrGVoOlCsczz1HKKdioNz-0o7tX0unl4LdwFX7CS-0iXkNcZuiVnTyWz2ogjJDmDhF6fdR2rNZ2Ik4vDhGsOVMfjSeb8rb_CrY1bhpJxZXZlHYR8ApEAtVPoZOwcM/s1600/galapagos-tortoise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkq3qpeYFbtRCsxYdLrGVoOlCsczz1HKKdioNz-0o7tX0unl4LdwFX7CS-0iXkNcZuiVnTyWz2ogjJDmDhF6fdR2rNZ2Ik4vDhGsOVMfjSeb8rb_CrY1bhpJxZXZlHYR8ApEAtVPoZOwcM/s320/galapagos-tortoise.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Giant Tortoise (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Examples of interactions are prominent throughout both islands. The iguanas befriend the <b>Sally Lightfoot crabs</b> (parasites that groom them), while tortoises and finches develop a mutualistic symbiotic relationship. The<b> Galapagos finch</b> stands before the <b>Galapagos giant tortoise</b>, and the tortoise stretches out its neck to be cleaned of ticks. In this way, the tortoise is no longer beleaguered with the parasites and the finch has received a scrumptious meal (“<span lang="EN">Galapagos Tortoise”</span>). While such peaceful interactions are ideal, predators are no strangers to the Galapagos Islands.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb9MUnnQNVr6hl1U2AgoRQ0EoJblFRzYqyR4hM9bIlSIZVOOCE1aXynzXx4w71qCBWPbNNeBy5_5B1e2T3X0bE_sJLw5Oa1oLtJkKfRE2sNurpmZ7BnpiVIoe5CrlenQX8Ds8sAekQivz/s1600/50393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmb9MUnnQNVr6hl1U2AgoRQ0EoJblFRzYqyR4hM9bIlSIZVOOCE1aXynzXx4w71qCBWPbNNeBy5_5B1e2T3X0bE_sJLw5Oa1oLtJkKfRE2sNurpmZ7BnpiVIoe5CrlenQX8Ds8sAekQivz/s320/50393.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawk feeding on marine Iguana (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Santa Cruz, the second largest island of the Galapagos, the <b>Galapagos hawk</b> preys upon seabirds, insects, and female marine iguanas. One prime example of this interaction is that of the marine iguana and the hawk. In a burrow, the female iguana lays her eggs, a process that weakens her ability to guard herself and the burrow. From afar the hawk patiently waits for the moment she decides to return to the marina. The moment she abandons her safe haven, he attacks her by pressing her firmly against the hot sand, which results in heat exhaustion, killing the iguana. While the marine iguana cannot safely breed in this area, the <b>Waved Albatross</b> has found a safe habitat to do so.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Espanola further exemplifies the uniqueness of the Galapagos. The clumsy Waved Albatross breeds nowhere else. Upon arrival, the male awaits the female for several weeks. Once both are present, a dance ensues consisting of beak fencing, fake preening, and lastly a bow. Nowhere else can the pristine beauty of the Galapagos be found, and yet this only first became acquainted with history in 1535.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">How History Embraced the Galapagos<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQoej_cb23DQRToFp_qQBx5pRZSC1fjpxBvmW9ye7wE1V0dTPAmufFHwpuKxwLZqzVOHo6W1uwve7e4ArAl8bv2RkNYzzoudQK6Hx3PZKvbxPIVqPYm3uUoVF4cNY6EsKigjQ1QGC9HXU/s1600/Waved-albatross-courtship-Galapagos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQoej_cb23DQRToFp_qQBx5pRZSC1fjpxBvmW9ye7wE1V0dTPAmufFHwpuKxwLZqzVOHo6W1uwve7e4ArAl8bv2RkNYzzoudQK6Hx3PZKvbxPIVqPYm3uUoVF4cNY6EsKigjQ1QGC9HXU/s320/Waved-albatross-courtship-Galapagos.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waved Albatross Courtship (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>History was graced with the presence of the Galapagos in 1535 in a letter from father Tomas Berlanga, addressed to the King of Spain. While the Bishop was sailing to Peru, the ship was swept off course and thus the crew came upon a place that resembled hell. Through his description, Galapagos was transformed into the underworld of a fantasy novel. His letter referred to the island as “a place where it seemed as if God had showered stones.” It was deficient of the resources they needed to survive, such as fresh water. Despite his complaints, the creatures dwelling in this foul land fascinated him: the turtles, iguanas, and birds. This discovery fascinated the Spaniards and eventually became a hideout for pirates as they attacked the Spanish. However, the knowledge of its existence endangered several species.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Humanity’s Inhumanity: Species Endangerment<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> At one point in time the Galapagos harbored pirates, and although their reign ended in the 17<sup>th</sup> century, their impact upon the population growth was drastic. In their desperate search for oil, they preyed upon the majestic sperm whales. Their over hunting proved profitable for them but was costly to biodiversity. The sperm whales were wiped out but are now returning. However, such catastrophic events do not remain in the past and this issue is currently a growing environmental concern.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYCpHVJ6JNaO-WsN-wE6ATwUe6DvZt3T3FkwlOezrkd4nQpnEW50nTosMA-VQhaEReSPL7skqFwOW4yCf5bDm-SFKYsT745f1JpiimmB8eKnplEd9trrNJ0fdCJxVJejQVIMRuZjh3TOA/s1600/Galapagos-Sea-lion-and-pup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpYCpHVJ6JNaO-WsN-wE6ATwUe6DvZt3T3FkwlOezrkd4nQpnEW50nTosMA-VQhaEReSPL7skqFwOW4yCf5bDm-SFKYsT745f1JpiimmB8eKnplEd9trrNJ0fdCJxVJejQVIMRuZjh3TOA/s320/Galapagos-Sea-lion-and-pup.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Image</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: black;"> The<b> fur seals’</b> “thick luxurious coat” is attracting the greedy eye of hunters. Such greed has devastating consequences upon the seals, and thus they are at the brink of extinction. Giant tortoises share a similar misfortunate fate. Their meat was valuable for ship travel and as a result their species was almost eradicated. The cruelty persists in the 21<sup>st</sup> century through migration of people, tourism, and overfishing (“Environmental Issues of the Galapagos”).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> In search of better professions, the islands are being invaded at an alarming rate.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">The current population that lives on the island is “more than 20,000” and they are “doubling every eleven years, which means that there will be 40,000 people on the Galapagos Islands by 2014</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 8.5pt;">” </span><span style="color: black;">(“Environmental Issues of the Galapagos”). The environment is thus being plagued with garbage which especially pollutes the environment once burned. Furthermore, the people are beginning to exhaust the natural resources. The bleak future of the Galapagos is propelled by the influx of tourists. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> Drawn to the mystery and exoticism of the Galapagos, tourists flood the islands. The joint pressures of residents and tourism lead to “u</span>nknown numbers of invasive plant and animal species driving out native species…and habitats are degraded at alarming rates” (“Conservation”). The population growth has had <span style="color: black;">severe effects on the islands’ ecosystem. Their needs grow in congruous with their population, if not faster.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;"> The growing population’s insatiable hunger for more has led to overfishing. The fishing industry provides innumerous jobs to migrants. Sea cucumbers and sharks are in imperil, “</span><span class="textnegro111">both popular in Asian markets for their aphrodisiac or medicinal qualities” (“Environmental Issues of the Galapagos”). While the National Park attempts to enforce their regulations, their good intent is met with opposition from the fishermen. The strife between the two parties is far from over. Fortunately, “</span>the Galapagos Islands are still home to most of the species that lived there before the arrival of humans” (“Conservation”). Furthermore, their everlasting contribution to science is priceless.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And the Theory of Evolution is Born<o:p></o:p></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: .5in;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnJa7Py0PaA5pzxj2yGFbekDPKQW1UeB97IynTTOq3JHzwn18Na4gFWgcFN4xGSiQKzrViJC-Quh1zyphm9x-aqGsKmlzs3VWvXhNw0-kv6pSggr2WhLLqtsx_3H62QzP31mc2OV__T2Vg/s320/Finch_Galapagos_md.jpg" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finch (Google)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">In 1835 the ship’s naturalist, <b>Charles Darwin</b>, was thoroughly immersed in his fascination with the Galapagos. He made the “conviction that the entire earth is in flux.” He began questioning his perception on nature and began collecting specimens from different islands in hopes of understanding the mysteries he encountered. During his exploration he noted that different islands varied in climate and species. On Floriana Island, Darwin met an English man who informed him that the shapes on the shell o f the tortoise show their origin; Tortoises, thus, are an incontestably strong example of evolution in the Galapagos, since the most successful at survival are the ones that “spread throughout the island.” Not only did the tortoises intrigue him, so did the diversity of finches. He collected several finches and took them back to this ship to study. <o:p></o:p></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;">Tortoises, he noticed, varied in size and shape according to their habitat (or which island they were on). For example, the lush places were home to the Domeback tortoises, the largest of the races, and the Saddledback tortoises were smaller and are located in the drier islands. As for the finches, there were thirteen different species with different sized beaks for specific purposes, each related to their niche. For example, the ones with a pointy beak needed it to get small insects. Overall, tortoises and finches led him to his famous evolutionary theory.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black;">Galapagos: A World in Itself<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="color: black;">The Galapagos is a tapestry of life, interwoven with a diversity of species encountered nowhere else on Earth. It is “a natural laboratory for evolution” and the place accredited by Charles Darwin for inspiring his Theory of Evolution. However, the Galapagos is victim to mankind, raising important environmental issues. Overfishing and the influx of tourists and local inhabitants are increasing the degradation of the region and species endangerment. Hopefully, with stringent regulations and education of the masses on the importance of the ecosystem, the lives and habitats of these species will be safe from extinction.</span><br />
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References:<br />
Note- Most of the information I garnered from watching documentaries.<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><div class="MsoNormal">"Conservancy." <u>Galapagos Conservancy</u>. 9 Apr. 2008 <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">"Environmental Issues of the Galapagos." <u>Galapagos Islands</u>. 2007. Ecuador <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> Explorer.Com Guide to Ecuador, Quito,. 8 Apr. 2008 <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">"GaláPagos Tortoise." <u>Wikipedia</u>. 9 Apr. 2008. 9 Apr. 2008 <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black;">"Santa Cruz Island." <u>Encyclopædia </u></span><u>Britannica</u>. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"> Online. 9. Apr. 2008 </div></span></div><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-16950366923021739822011-05-14T15:04:00.000-07:002011-05-20T20:21:59.300-07:0014 Exotic Animals<a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license"><img alt="Creative Commons License" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" style="border-width: 0;" /></a><br />
<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.<br />
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When I was younger I believed that some of the most fascinating animals stemmed from the imagination. While that is true, in our world exists astonishing marvels. While there are countless of amazing animals, here are some that intrigued me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1. Barreleye Fish: </span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlNL2TSEEarVkjjQYruSUz6CyzB3UXRgPvqUhVHX4yD-vz6E3K_ye8y-ElvrAYUJYFCiiovOjbjm7JKI66bzDqGg0KyrTFE5aahtoG7ZAOmWk7j6aX8BrDN6FfgizpOCzq-gR3Vt8LPfO/s1600/barreleyefish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlNL2TSEEarVkjjQYruSUz6CyzB3UXRgPvqUhVHX4yD-vz6E3K_ye8y-ElvrAYUJYFCiiovOjbjm7JKI66bzDqGg0KyrTFE5aahtoG7ZAOmWk7j6aX8BrDN6FfgizpOCzq-gR3Vt8LPfO/s1600/barreleyefish.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google Image</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> Its eyes are in its transparent head, which are the green orbs protruding at the top of its head. Since barreleyes live in the deep ocean, the transparent dome-like head helps collect more light to help them maneuver their way around the dark ocean depths. Also, their eyes look upward, allowing them to detect the movements/silhouettes of prey above them. Studies suggest that they are able to look forward as well to see what they're consuming. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcWG_3oZlp-ZnYSptOsHifoe_SX8EjXkDqLjg8JeX5Oc9HS3ELDPN2GmjPdnU6kjD9_FH56phzy1kZN9ghBp_FPVK4SG_N_qTiC2gcYNzWJCiGDGEel_7QcFNIF4TAJ8emj0ROYif95gH/s1600/fish-transparent-head-barreleye_10442_600x450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcWG_3oZlp-ZnYSptOsHifoe_SX8EjXkDqLjg8JeX5Oc9HS3ELDPN2GmjPdnU6kjD9_FH56phzy1kZN9ghBp_FPVK4SG_N_qTiC2gcYNzWJCiGDGEel_7QcFNIF4TAJ8emj0ROYif95gH/s320/fish-transparent-head-barreleye_10442_600x450.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Geographic</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdBGIZNHwly1pFAfoX7BMwRmZ2jErVLBuageousYkLdZvKWEocjX2HkYFTCTv54aF17u-kC1dpIzgdIJt4X6bzkCmqmNzc45fJsYWE1Sjb_xeiGOMCFfiC_RyQdhokYpBivIdiYHmlF3/s1600/yoda-bat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rdBGIZNHwly1pFAfoX7BMwRmZ2jErVLBuageousYkLdZvKWEocjX2HkYFTCTv54aF17u-kC1dpIzgdIJt4X6bzkCmqmNzc45fJsYWE1Sjb_xeiGOMCFfiC_RyQdhokYpBivIdiYHmlF3/s320/yoda-bat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoda (Google)</td></tr>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2. Tube-nosed Fruit Bat: Yoda-Bat</span></b><br />
So a flying Yoda was discovered hiding out in a rainforest in Papua New Guinea in 2009. It shares the same characteristics of the typical fruit bat, ingesting fruits and dispersing the seeds throughout the rainforest to help new plants grow.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">3. Encantado Dolphins: Pink Dolphins!</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMok7G4NG45UHJ64g-NHichYILaLHMm1ytM4SQ5Fs3df14HLFN0nNQjuEpj4vnppJHa7ZF4QIFQKPoRdS-JVW8czzK6pQli5znGRGVAuXx68sy90PuBnsdL1XhJR0fXqHiu-0RHQaTkb1/s1600/4e26bf5587c81934953e19f6e5884722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMok7G4NG45UHJ64g-NHichYILaLHMm1ytM4SQ5Fs3df14HLFN0nNQjuEpj4vnppJHa7ZF4QIFQKPoRdS-JVW8czzK6pQli5znGRGVAuXx68sy90PuBnsdL1XhJR0fXqHiu-0RHQaTkb1/s320/4e26bf5587c81934953e19f6e5884722.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKN9teDRAoTV6_V56iz9KulG5juIDApJQ75YUGwiWYBQdOmUUxlGKSYLVvgfZXW4SPs9whDSuRLgNm_aJhyphenhypheny1JLCikpfISNZel3Ey49KbKZaTspTpUT7QH1HZ3X2z0hRNGB9Au_XjDGJR/s1600/pink_dolphin_1358282c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXKN9teDRAoTV6_V56iz9KulG5juIDApJQ75YUGwiWYBQdOmUUxlGKSYLVvgfZXW4SPs9whDSuRLgNm_aJhyphenhypheny1JLCikpfISNZel3Ey49KbKZaTspTpUT7QH1HZ3X2z0hRNGB9Au_XjDGJR/s320/pink_dolphin_1358282c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Google</td></tr>
</tbody></table>These dolphins live in the Amazon river. Not all are pink, some are white or gray. Their pink color is due to the expansion of their blood vessels, which helps them release body heat. In other words, the red blood vessels make them appear pink! They can turn their necks 180 degrees due to an unfused vertebrae. Unlike other dolphins, they have a hump on their back, instead of a dorsal fin. They are called Encantado or "Enchanted One" because according to legend the pink dolphin transformed into a handsome young man at night and came ashore to seduce girls using music. Their love affairs often resulted in illicit children.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">4. The Mexican Axolotl</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY-Rv3NKHJzNzuxqCuBEWZJPCq7lB2MP9RLQjAjGDJQzzXNL5agGfMAnIMxxefYpFi7Wk7YPkngeXxp8GOe0kHaToS3r5CD54SMXTICbOgVxcD1NDDVrbwVo5elwPrXwWhPHH4necuFb8/s1600/0100a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY-Rv3NKHJzNzuxqCuBEWZJPCq7lB2MP9RLQjAjGDJQzzXNL5agGfMAnIMxxefYpFi7Wk7YPkngeXxp8GOe0kHaToS3r5CD54SMXTICbOgVxcD1NDDVrbwVo5elwPrXwWhPHH4necuFb8/s320/0100a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I read the short story "Axolotl" by Julio Cortazar a few years ago, it led me to research what exactly an Axoltol is. I found their faces adorable (ok, some are pretty creepy) because they seem to have a tiny cartoonish smile. In any case, this mole salamander remain in the larval stage meaning they never fully become a salamander. They can grow back body parts torn away or bitten off by predators (making them neotenic) Some people keep them as pets. So who wants one?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdjggAbRZJP2T6wnZrdiPFVtLkGNzylIwZhwGQkneZPtv66L7ytVCwHFyhKYsAy6B0l0Z0bMtKa8Ip_VjhtqK-2q3vthxttCR_1UkE1bGW5SVNCEwnb1yznlimLT_PJP8KT6D7nN8WsNK/s1600/Axolotl_KimmyM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdjggAbRZJP2T6wnZrdiPFVtLkGNzylIwZhwGQkneZPtv66L7ytVCwHFyhKYsAy6B0l0Z0bMtKa8Ip_VjhtqK-2q3vthxttCR_1UkE1bGW5SVNCEwnb1yznlimLT_PJP8KT6D7nN8WsNK/s320/Axolotl_KimmyM.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5. The Golden Tabby Tiger a.ka. Strawberry Tiger</span></b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAuvj7dBIcGgk5mHdXFCr5tFsZh2sdfAIxC0RmB0yyxD3QBbGsBY06fmmxnBXFk9jdrXkA8QzvyxBlGcQCEnn2hbop1ljwjn_6MBTaIruy7mfmUcNy8-zSlmmKNE-deJ7JjlXPoygVyoC/s1600/34ovord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDAuvj7dBIcGgk5mHdXFCr5tFsZh2sdfAIxC0RmB0yyxD3QBbGsBY06fmmxnBXFk9jdrXkA8QzvyxBlGcQCEnn2hbop1ljwjn_6MBTaIruy7mfmUcNy8-zSlmmKNE-deJ7JjlXPoygVyoC/s320/34ovord.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovwR9V_VEYRfEZ514OPc3LMdb0G5UcmyAZeiOu1WDSlugKqa-EFr5y0uy9JA3n23-uyxI72UrHKf9m4dHd63WEQAhgowcCKq6-O_Fj-K63Q3kNS9177otYycaPdt0TnKwd0s7BrtJoDs1/s1600/golden_tabby_tiger_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovwR9V_VEYRfEZ514OPc3LMdb0G5UcmyAZeiOu1WDSlugKqa-EFr5y0uy9JA3n23-uyxI72UrHKf9m4dHd63WEQAhgowcCKq6-O_Fj-K63Q3kNS9177otYycaPdt0TnKwd0s7BrtJoDs1/s320/golden_tabby_tiger_03.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Their unique coloration is caused by a recessive gene. Strawberry tigers are extremely rare, even rarer than the white tiger. Apparently less than a 100 exist in the world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">6. The Dumbo Octopus</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlSv4oP353DKn9S1Tie1F03Bfs_2Y0wC8qeeshOu_oZkYCpk8Dqitxn1o29jy9NiybCb9pUAYBOzeaw7enHRVWPVAPdVqpWTnQOFhMnKnMtVqCRKLmPfz-cmgheiYnePV-OeDFLOy4N8j/s1600/dumbo_octopus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHlSv4oP353DKn9S1Tie1F03Bfs_2Y0wC8qeeshOu_oZkYCpk8Dqitxn1o29jy9NiybCb9pUAYBOzeaw7enHRVWPVAPdVqpWTnQOFhMnKnMtVqCRKLmPfz-cmgheiYnePV-OeDFLOy4N8j/s320/dumbo_octopus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unlike other octopuses, the Dumbo Octopus swallows its prey whole. It earned its name due to the tiny fins on the side of its head that resemble ears, which it uses, along with its arms, to swim.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">7. The Anglerfish: A Courtship To Envy</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdeyN7-A-ov-1X9joT0YzzaWcm62CpLfFfUNqGBrOZClUQzeBPBEn90jkqIynvrGonklzJjg6pPS_7ITQfrm8Xvc-A3M_fwHw7-z2eScKItB0FYRrVyC4DIqnsrrQhTmSPy1HzOi2-I2t/s1600/male-deep-sea-anglerfish4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkdeyN7-A-ov-1X9joT0YzzaWcm62CpLfFfUNqGBrOZClUQzeBPBEn90jkqIynvrGonklzJjg6pPS_7ITQfrm8Xvc-A3M_fwHw7-z2eScKItB0FYRrVyC4DIqnsrrQhTmSPy1HzOi2-I2t/s200/male-deep-sea-anglerfish4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Male Anglerfish</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaofDZTWPSUtRhabuvArl-aM8X06ed9WrXAr_kvFEu07afnmkXfWkKkryFB217_7mmgVb8Cxxsf0-e0-dP2ek52zoqF8bosk2OD2DcAaErP7audvZfFn2u29kg_-9HJk4kgjSTpP5ZU5w/s1600/Anglerfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaofDZTWPSUtRhabuvArl-aM8X06ed9WrXAr_kvFEu07afnmkXfWkKkryFB217_7mmgVb8Cxxsf0-e0-dP2ek52zoqF8bosk2OD2DcAaErP7audvZfFn2u29kg_-9HJk4kgjSTpP5ZU5w/s320/Anglerfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female Anglerfish</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrQrfXO4_jSgJidOLwtSz90Xwm3MLoLxAepmioVO8tjKolrEFld9gH4aXzSuUwCXltrITWDMFJxdiKLJChisZVpmRQCz6cixDnQO0iT2Jsg0_3QCQNxXj4IbKrHxbNUc4fe6LEL1O7-6f/s1600/finding_nemo_dory_marlin_angler_fish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrQrfXO4_jSgJidOLwtSz90Xwm3MLoLxAepmioVO8tjKolrEFld9gH4aXzSuUwCXltrITWDMFJxdiKLJChisZVpmRQCz6cixDnQO0iT2Jsg0_3QCQNxXj4IbKrHxbNUc4fe6LEL1O7-6f/s400/finding_nemo_dory_marlin_angler_fish.jpg" width="400" /></a>Have you seen <i>Finding Nemo</i>? Then chances are that you've seen an anglerfish. The lovely overly attractive fish to the right is actually a female. The glowing fishing rod-like object on her head is used to attract prey. Hence, they are called the Fishermen of the sea. The male anglerfish is attached to this Aphrodite, but he's so tiny you hardly notice him. Not sure what he sees in her, but beauty lies in the eye of the beholder no matter how questionable it may be at times. When mating, he attaches himself to the back of the female, biting deeply into her skin and releasing an enzyme that slowly consumes the male as he loses his internal organs and life. His eyeballs, heart, brain and all that is him are sacrificed to fuse the pair together, thus leaving behind a pair of gonads that release sperm. Truly the most romantic of courtships, right?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg5eoxoF2K-Q5Xm1BPtpOlTi0iiTqOEX2zT5SuOFuPTsYDJC-lKqmBN9vTXEmShoAuy3U9B4_ryK3YQM0qwrjES-Mgv7T234f0oaY_aYBA2_d2JoXbm4QMdwrwAzsWL48BNjA7HfW-Ey_/s1600/deep_sea_anglerfish-male-and-female1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUg5eoxoF2K-Q5Xm1BPtpOlTi0iiTqOEX2zT5SuOFuPTsYDJC-lKqmBN9vTXEmShoAuy3U9B4_ryK3YQM0qwrjES-Mgv7T234f0oaY_aYBA2_d2JoXbm4QMdwrwAzsWL48BNjA7HfW-Ey_/s400/deep_sea_anglerfish-male-and-female1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spot the male?<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Star-nosed Mole</b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">10. Angora Rabbit</span></b><br />
"It's so fluffy I'm gonna die! It's so fluffy!"- <i>Despicable Me</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6oq8jBsQXy2YgCfZQOS3cFWUAVbsm7-BlHpcUcYrPiHAuKaPZcwEeQFs5gejMpvkQS94eavMdqOEd8BLqauFT2DVoHGmLNR6CqXb_JAdSWIpkdwSVEs4M6xveKXun1SBFWXidBdgHUxI/s1600/Angora-Rabbit6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk6oq8jBsQXy2YgCfZQOS3cFWUAVbsm7-BlHpcUcYrPiHAuKaPZcwEeQFs5gejMpvkQS94eavMdqOEd8BLqauFT2DVoHGmLNR6CqXb_JAdSWIpkdwSVEs4M6xveKXun1SBFWXidBdgHUxI/s320/Angora-Rabbit6-1.jpg" width="320" /></a><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;">They make great pets, have extremely soft, silky, fur that require a great deal of brushing. Good </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>11. Narwhal</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 14. Rosey-lipped Batfish</span></b><br />
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Pucker up, because the rosy-lipped batfish is ready for a kiss :) Off the coast of Costa Rica on Cocos Island this red-lipped beauty awaits. Do not confuse with the<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-Lipped Batfish<br />
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]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>red-lipped batfish found on the Galapagos Island. The Rosey-lipped batfish does not swim. Instead it uses its fins to walk.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-89883155080606025712011-05-10T14:30:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:12:06.459-07:00The Venus Project: Designing the FutureSo my boyfriend introduced me to the idea of the Venus Project, which centers on the vision of a resource-based economy that does not depend on money to thrive. While I've read into the various oppositions towards Jacque Fresco's idea (when isn't there an opposition? Part of the many dichotomies of life, right?), and it's not a flawless plan, I'm drawn to it.<br />
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Check out my boyfriend's research paper. It's pretty awesome.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Through this research paper I intend to explore and critically analyze the ideas proposed by Jacque Fresco in his Venus Project initiative. I will study and interpret his motives and reasoning for launching such an endeavor. Through examining conflicting perspectives, I will assess the general feedback so that I may objectively evaluate its legitimacy as a proposed solution to our social and economic hardships. I believe that the ideas proposed in the Venus Project would by no means cure all the problems in the world, but would serve as a significant step in the right direction.</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 9px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7LeOVi307bjEwAbc3N2fiue4hH9oh_TSz6ImSi9lAyzw6GGZusjhHLVWo9H4HV8jyGN0nFYs2khTvETSpmY5x_THQohzAnNS9e7CXvLpaL3TX5fhyphenhyphenPeS1JlLHjc1FzwFqmSII0Cyv0m2/s1600/77.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7LeOVi307bjEwAbc3N2fiue4hH9oh_TSz6ImSi9lAyzw6GGZusjhHLVWo9H4HV8jyGN0nFYs2khTvETSpmY5x_THQohzAnNS9e7CXvLpaL3TX5fhyphenhyphenPeS1JlLHjc1FzwFqmSII0Cyv0m2/s320/77.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: -67.5pt;"><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> I want you to take a walk with me. The purpose of which is for us to achieve a greater understanding of events transpiring right before our eyes. To achieve such an understanding, we need not do more than look. Look around. Look at our island. What do you see? Do you see the corruption, the poor infrastructure, the violence? Now look at our nation. The games politicians play, the deception, the lies, do you see them as well? Look at our beautiful earth, the mother to all life and our home. Do you see the poverty, the pollution, the war? Open your eyes and tell me if you witness the multitude of atrocities gone unanswered and the utter lack of consideration for human life. Now, close your eyes and look inside. Look inside and ask yourself, “Is this right? Is this the way the world should operate? Is THIS God’s plan?” I take this walk with myself every day and I look. I see the injustices, the famine, the untruths, the greed, the mistreatment of my people, of our people, and I feel their pain. I feel the pain of those in need and denigrate those who knowingly put them in such deplorable conditions. Corruption, desolation and despair spread as far as the eye can see and beyond, and still no sign of salvation. No sign until now. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Enter the Venus Project.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.5in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">What is the Venus Project?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7jBA74L-erpcWq6-1BJvSWunXP8ydJw4W3dk0y49a-youdmr_uVGCr9TyMKiQfyKeFJTIahnSOp2rVaz3dQvO96IKZlESXzw6xEAAw3kNlhLAXoX767JmZoTt5FxtVbUacmYsgZTaW9x/s1600/venus-project1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7jBA74L-erpcWq6-1BJvSWunXP8ydJw4W3dk0y49a-youdmr_uVGCr9TyMKiQfyKeFJTIahnSOp2rVaz3dQvO96IKZlESXzw6xEAAw3kNlhLAXoX767JmZoTt5FxtVbUacmYsgZTaW9x/s320/venus-project1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Austerely put, the Venus Project is nothing more than a proposed solution to the issues that have plagued humanity from its existence to the myriad of problems found at all social levels today. It is not only a solution to address the enslavement of our people via a system geared only towards increased profit, but also a solution to help protect and sustain our Earth so that she may prosper along with all her inhabitants. Creator Jacque Fresco suggests that, “The Venus Project offers a comprehensive plan for social reclamation in which human beings, technology, and nature will be able to coexist in a long-term, sustainable state of dynamic equilibrium.” The way the Venus Project plans to tackle these problems is by the complete re-haul of our culture and social structure. Fresco believes that through modifications, such as the replacement of the monetary system with a resource-based economy (which will later be explained in greater detail), the ousting away of current political systems, the implementation of clean, renewable, self-sustaining energy, and a careful, more precise approach to infrastructure, we can all see a dramatic rise in the quality of life for everyone. To better grasp the emergence of the Venus Project it is crucial to first take a look at the man behind the plan, Jacque Fresco. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Biography of Jacque Fresco (founder of Venus Project) </span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> Note: I wrote this part to help him out.</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9T6kavQ1klbcPwpqlm7qMI2ZrhrpnVvDsdSWmKzzX_-OoArxphRCU_Ry4ehciHXXvV_gC9OWnSOapyzrgNHSKm8Xe8ZCeIrILXOYmTckFf-klWH7lgoybuDiQn-dYrnoZLmgpYQ4zACR/s1600/jacque+fresco3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9T6kavQ1klbcPwpqlm7qMI2ZrhrpnVvDsdSWmKzzX_-OoArxphRCU_Ry4ehciHXXvV_gC9OWnSOapyzrgNHSKm8Xe8ZCeIrILXOYmTckFf-klWH7lgoybuDiQn-dYrnoZLmgpYQ4zACR/s320/jacque+fresco3.jpg" width="256" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Jacque Fresco was born on March 13, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York City to Issac and Lena Fresco. From a young child, Fresco found freedom from the constraints of a formal education through teaching himself and spent much of his time at the library. His interests lay not in the typical subjects offered at school, but in subjects pertaining to the studies of Einstein, Darwin, and the future. He also possessed a creative spirit, which he fostered by indulging himself in painting, acting, and sketching. These skills, sketching more specifically, would assist him in designing and developing his vision of an economy free from the entrapment and suffering brought about by a monetary system. He noted the flaws of society’s current economy most strongly when he experienced the Great Depression’s crippling affects. The Great Depression ignited Fresco’s curiosity regarding the function of society and mankind’s fate, much of which he later explores in his book Looking Forward that details the errors of mankind’s way of thinking and describes all that will have to change in order to secure a better future. Determined to learn more about society, Fresco studied technocracy, a type of government where decisions come from scientists and engineers, instead of politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Fresco studied structural design in Los Angeles and began designing alternative aircraft designs while working for Douglas Aircraft Company. He honed his design skills further when he joined the army during World War II and transferred to the Air Force where he worked in a special unit, Wright Feld, that handled futuristic designs. There he created about forty designs a day. His advanced ideas earned him a reputation in the aircraft industry that highlighted him as “a man twenty years ahead of his time.” Eager to continue his futuristic designs, he later encountered, in the mid-1940s, Earl Muntz and Michael Shore, who he worked with in creating inexpensive modern homes. He spent much of his time lecturing and teaching technical design while working as the director of Scientific Research Laboratories. During this time, roughly between the late 1940s and early 1950s, he researched and worked on various inventions, even creating model designs for science-fiction movies.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Eventually, Fresco moved to Miami, Florida in the mid-1950s where he conducted various lectures on society and conjured up a ten-year, social change plan called, “Project Americana.” Project Americana took the form of a circular machine-operated city that included a means of helping other nations as well as introducing a new school curriculum. The plan led him to establish, in 1971, Sociocyberneering, Inc, now known as the Venus Project, which utilized “the most sophisticated forms of science and technology toward problem solving…an approach at the restructuring of society in humanistic terms.” The Venus Project embodies his vision of a better more sustainable future for mankind.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> C.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Reasons for Implementation<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Jacque Fresco was not the only person to understand the dire situation our current economy is in and the ominous ramifications it could have if continued unchecked. Companies and corporations leading the global economy are driven solely by the motive to increase profit, neglecting the pursuit of proper morals and the well-being of humankind. The blame does not fall solely on them, however, for they are just trying to excel in a system that is designed to allow such corruptions that start as high up as the Federal Reserve.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; text-indent: 27.0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7N8RfkzBOmhj7oXVPXcr1uGCJkhjcfvOu9lekhWceYby3lW5GurkV_7Ce9KPBCWYfhqjYGnKgkejnzN-vXbBwjWe-teebBBc0wn4az0vpyqXW7zRZS0zfYPDX4AjhOvsTTnx7Y-yA3ze/s1600/venusproject5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7N8RfkzBOmhj7oXVPXcr1uGCJkhjcfvOu9lekhWceYby3lW5GurkV_7Ce9KPBCWYfhqjYGnKgkejnzN-vXbBwjWe-teebBBc0wn4az0vpyqXW7zRZS0zfYPDX4AjhOvsTTnx7Y-yA3ze/s320/venusproject5.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The last time in American history when the debt was completely paid off was in 1835 when President Andrew Jackson shut down the central bank that preceded the Federal Reserve. Jackson warned of the dangers of implementing another central bank when he stated, “The bold efforts the present bank has made to control the Government…are but premonitions of the fate that awaits the American people should they be deluded into a perpetuation of this institution, or the establishment of another like it.” His warning would be short-lived, however. In 1913, international bankers managed to install another central bank:the Federal Reserve, assuring the enslavement of the American people through a system of perpetual debt for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span></b></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b> </b></span></span> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Specifics of Project<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> 1.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Resource-Based Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUGDpFxCiYYqSjLu1RQLlTHXbeoVl2tpme6w219vKxVLZRJ5ve9w9HXBYR5-rs2RIyLj7K98LlFzXLQ0_Wuz_GWNP_Fe1cg1E09Qw-qPDU9ag8C42NsGmdShmk8Fi2UcyM3iiQ_6thze0/s1600/venus+project2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUGDpFxCiYYqSjLu1RQLlTHXbeoVl2tpme6w219vKxVLZRJ5ve9w9HXBYR5-rs2RIyLj7K98LlFzXLQ0_Wuz_GWNP_Fe1cg1E09Qw-qPDU9ag8C42NsGmdShmk8Fi2UcyM3iiQ_6thze0/s320/venus+project2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The fundamental concept at the heart of the Venus Project is the transformation of being a monetary-based economy to that of a resource-based economy. A resource-based economy is an economic system in which all of the resources of the earth become the shared heritage of all its people. This concept relies on the notion that technology and society have evolved to the post-scarcity era. Post-scarcity suggests that we have the means to produce enough resources to provide for everyone, whereas they are no longer scarce. Accomplishing tasks in a resource-based economy prove much easier for the fact that it is not a matter of having the appropriate funding, but rather, simply having the resources.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> 2.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Technology & Government<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5JKEbZrJfB2TY6an_0XUcqyI3ISsAaU-X-v2hAnfHSmvcBaAWxLcrVpxZXqbTyARqhy9JlPk4uEy9JfsICN460FmkRaci589kzwI5ka4LPBtG1qRUZSrICc_2f8zlW9tN85j-eTYVB_r/s1600/VP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5JKEbZrJfB2TY6an_0XUcqyI3ISsAaU-X-v2hAnfHSmvcBaAWxLcrVpxZXqbTyARqhy9JlPk4uEy9JfsICN460FmkRaci589kzwI5ka4LPBtG1qRUZSrICc_2f8zlW9tN85j-eTYVB_r/s320/VP3.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">It may seem peculiar to have technology and government grouped within the same category but once we take a closer look at what Jacque Fresco had in mind, it becomes a little less obscure. Fresco suggests that technology is the leading contributor to the betterment of the quality of life for people. He states that “It is not politicians who solve problems; they have no technical capabilities…It is the technicians that produce the desalination plants, the technicians gives you electricity. It is technology that solves problems, not politics.” However, technology cannot progress without the investment of money, and unfortunately, those with the money seldom find profit in such ventures. For example, the last thing an oil company would want is for the utilization of an alternative means of energy. Thus, bent towards self-preservation of their own interests, the oil company would do what it can for it to stay relevant resulting in the stifling and asphyxiation of technology. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Alexander Hamilton once wrote, “Why has government been instituted at all? Because the passions of men will not conform to the dictates of reason and justice without constraint.” While this has truths to it, our apparent solution was to appoint equally as passionate men to dictate and govern the masses, and we have all seen where this road leads. If we have the resources to provide for everyone and people are encouraged to remove themselves from their selfish motives and seek a more communistic approach to our society, would people still need governance?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> 3.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Infrastructure<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Jacque Fresco uses his background in (see bio) to utilize a very effective means of city planning. He says that it would be more effective to build new, sophisticated cities rather than trying to improve the outdated ones we have today. The idea of these new cities is to “to operate with minimum expenditure of energy using the cleanest technology available, which will be in harmony with nature to obtain the highest possible standard of living for everyone.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn35exi9mTImqORMqlZzl-aE0RZuu6-ZOqAoXB1CDyOPoQNYDZQfLP_F_LQBL5iv3_83uMKME1DpqLYKo37Q3OjWgqeGxhEGDu-fm4YqWWhaZftlQGIqv8U5CFnXv2NQh4dWr7VTI4tvXU/s1600/vp6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn35exi9mTImqORMqlZzl-aE0RZuu6-ZOqAoXB1CDyOPoQNYDZQfLP_F_LQBL5iv3_83uMKME1DpqLYKo37Q3OjWgqeGxhEGDu-fm4YqWWhaZftlQGIqv8U5CFnXv2NQh4dWr7VTI4tvXU/s1600/vp6.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The cities are circular shaped with a central dome at the center that contains the cybernated systems used to maintain core automated city functions. Also included in the central dome are educational facilities, health and child-care facilities, and computerized communications networking systems. Moving away from the center of the city, encompassing the central dome are the centers for cultural activities such as arts, theater, exhibitions, concerts and various forms of entertainment. Following the outward pattern comes the design and development center for research and city planning, then the dining and amenities section. The greater the distance away from the center of the circular city, the more area is obtained which makes the next vast area ideal for residential living. On the outskirts of the city, are indoor hydroponic, outdoor agriculture, and clean energy facilities, surrounded by a circular waterway for irrigation and filtration.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;"><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">4.<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Energy<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6zzuBqHfIRSQzT0Q57QvzDOJp_ajT-jVec26JISGGNURHJp0VtfTDRKhen8x62giIeqLfyZ_M88YcpE1KFtuIks9qK4Xhes4zEvy65Og9oO8Xq8Wqmn5vVczRs83xhCDCgJWSexWN5e5/s1600/vp9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6zzuBqHfIRSQzT0Q57QvzDOJp_ajT-jVec26JISGGNURHJp0VtfTDRKhen8x62giIeqLfyZ_M88YcpE1KFtuIks9qK4Xhes4zEvy65Og9oO8Xq8Wqmn5vVczRs83xhCDCgJWSexWN5e5/s1600/vp9.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Without our earth, we have nothing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">To this point we have been too preoccupied with monetary gain to really take into consideration and act on the negative effects of our energy uses.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The issues must be addressed soon before we not only destroy our motherland, but in turn ourselves through our own selfish disposition.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">There are many alternative forms of clean, renewable energy that we have yet to even begin to tap into the huge mass of potential.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Fresco says, “At present, we don’t have to burn fossil fuels, we don’t have to use anything that will contaminate the environment there are many sources of energy available.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Solar and wind energy are arguably the two most popular alternative sources of energy but are nowhere near reaching their true potential.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">One hour of solar energy at high noon, contains more energy than what the entire world consumes in an entire year.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">While wind and solar energy are well known there are many other forms of energy given directly to us from the natural flow and rhythms of our planet. Geothermal energy, wave and tidal energy are all capable means of supplying us with great amounts of energy. A 2006 study conducted at Massachusetts Institute of Technology on geothermal energy showed that 13,000 ZJ of power are available within the Earth with a possibility of 2,000 ZJ able to be utilized with improved technology. Given that the entire world uses roughly 0.5 ZJ of power in a year, we currently have the means to power the entire world for the next 4,000 years. So here you can see that we have total energy abundance without the need of pollution or a price tag.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Reaction</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"></span></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><b> </b></span></span> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Personal Reaction</span></u></i><br />
<i><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"></span></u></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"><u> </u> I took a great liking to everything this project was about from the moment I learned of it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">It is painfully obvious to me that the world, as a whole, is not being guided in the right direction for the benefit of the few.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The sad thing is that if the Earth itself continues to be the butt of the exploitation, no one will win.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">While I do believe that some of the ideas proposed may seem far-fetched and quite a bit of a reach from where we are today, my eyes have been open to the horrors and corruption of our current system far too long for me to not fully support such a noble attempt at an alternative.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Negative Reaction<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Jacque Fresco and his proposed plan for salvation faces three main types of opposition; those who are comfortable with the current social structure, those who find his plan too idealistic and those who fail to get involved due to his lack of credentials.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Anyone content with their role in the current social design may not see the reason for packing up shop, turning in the chips and starting, basically, from scratch.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">This is why I urge that people take the time to really look around.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Although you’ve managed to secure you and your family’s well-being, does that mean you turn a blind eye to the other suffering families?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">With a system of built-in, perpetuating debt, the better you are doing for yourself, that means the worse the other person is doing.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTNzxKhFaO9QnzLdQKs-KtFN0T7fSElbChwAuD8SxP4hBIduLVEAuBJVJp8fkvPT9lNR-rvAdpdurFdxo7PFI9gb2SZgXC9NdMVfpWLzwuvgdtpddxSzr9_gtMfSTyKn9iHDMA020OUXR/s1600/vp4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTNzxKhFaO9QnzLdQKs-KtFN0T7fSElbChwAuD8SxP4hBIduLVEAuBJVJp8fkvPT9lNR-rvAdpdurFdxo7PFI9gb2SZgXC9NdMVfpWLzwuvgdtpddxSzr9_gtMfSTyKn9iHDMA020OUXR/s320/vp4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Others argue that Fresco’s ideas are too far into the future, saying that he “has no sensible plan to achieve it and is totally irrelevant to today’s problems.” Many who share this viewpoint may or may not necessarily agree with what he proposes but think that there will be no effective means of achieve such unrealistic goals. Those turned off by Fresco’s lack of credentials, are usually the sentiments of investors that choose not to support due to the fact that while Fresco has a wide base of knowledge and understanding of many subject areas, his lack of formal education is a major deterrent for people coming aboard.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><i> </i></span></span> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Social Significance<o:p></o:p></span></u></i></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 9.0pt; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The Social Significance of the Venus Project, I feel goes without saying.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The complete reformation of our social structure so that humankind, technology and nature can live together in equilibrium without the negative aspects of our current social systems, will only be the most significant undertaking in human history. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The systems and institutions of today are outdated and not on par with the level of which we can create, build and plan in this day and age.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">Once given the chance to really open their eyes and see the possibilities of greatness that lie ahead for mankind, then I feel people will be more inclined to get involved and support the cause.</span><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">CONCLUSION</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIn2Yw43AsIsnSPpq1mj1ww6hWwMg-MzjwkpGVsETX1W3CgPBp_wFsfvq6KxWdM4u_N9nptxPH350bp73AN5cj8Gb_X03y5Y89022QYaSkBxtNcgpVYz0odnCCsInwdt377u6C_MXGtxO/s1600/VP3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIn2Yw43AsIsnSPpq1mj1ww6hWwMg-MzjwkpGVsETX1W3CgPBp_wFsfvq6KxWdM4u_N9nptxPH350bp73AN5cj8Gb_X03y5Y89022QYaSkBxtNcgpVYz0odnCCsInwdt377u6C_MXGtxO/s320/VP3.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px;">The main objective of my research was to thoroughly investigate the mechanics of Jacque Fresco’s proposed Venus Project, through which I believed that I would find that the project would not completely remedy all of society’s ailments, but make sufficient strides in addressing issues that are in desperate need of reform. Based on my findings, I would have to agree, for the most part, with my hypothesis. Although all of Fresco’s ideas could work in theory, they lack the support and more importantly the funding for his dream to be realized anytime soon. Many skeptics argue that his views are far too idealistic to work, but then I ask, what is the alternative? Are we to continue conformed to a system proven to be corrupt? Are we to humbly comply with a world that takes its people for granted and continues to exploit us for the sake of increased profits? At the beginning of my paper I asked you to take a walk with me, and I am very grateful you chose to do so. Through our walk we opened our eyes to the fraudulent nature of how our society is really set up and ran. We managed to obtain a greater understanding of steps that can be taken towards a more righteous, unified, communistic path. Unfortunately, everyone is not willing to take that walk. For some, it is easier to keep their eyes closed and to live their entire lives having never looked at all. Although it is often said that ignorance is bliss, I feel that the deliverance from ignorance is the far greater pleasure. I have confidence in time however, and feel that slowly but surely, people will come around and choose to open their eyes and take that walk with me. I only hope that eyes are opened before it is too late.</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; text-indent: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><br />
</span></span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0.75in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><o:p></o:p></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span></span> </span></span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">REFERENCES</span></b></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Designing the Future by Jacque Fresco, c. 2007<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Venus Project Website - http://www.thevenusproject.com/index.php<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">The Best That Money Can’t Buy: Beyond Politics, Poverty, & War by Jacque Fresco<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Looking Forward by Jacque Fresco and Ken Keyes<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1; text-indent: 0in;"><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt;">Zeitgeist: Addendum directed and produced by Peter Joseph<o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div><br />
<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-78015836283438270042011-05-06T21:55:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:12:48.368-07:00May: Lupus Awareness Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-l5bud1DSXuHDkIgIHS5DYp-YApbHReM0SU-GVI69gTSvXRWM_YjM8BamsjNDoZ2_9erGXNnHZtxKgIi_hMMGoLDpgTZoIFxBfoHOmGd4T7C8EMy5q_lFP55llAQkDjKib8Zx2g_GCVI/s1600/lupus-awareness-ribbon.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-l5bud1DSXuHDkIgIHS5DYp-YApbHReM0SU-GVI69gTSvXRWM_YjM8BamsjNDoZ2_9erGXNnHZtxKgIi_hMMGoLDpgTZoIFxBfoHOmGd4T7C8EMy5q_lFP55llAQkDjKib8Zx2g_GCVI/s400/lupus-awareness-ribbon.png" width="400" /></a></div>My step-sister has had systemic lupus for several years (starting when she was about 15-16 years old). I'm trying my best to learn more about lupus and hope to raise awareness of it as well. Please check out my step-sister's blog where she details her experience with lupus as well as provides excellent information on it:<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://littlelivinglupie.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow me" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><b>http://littlelivinglupie.blogspot.com/</b></a></span><br />
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<b>What is Lupus? </b><br />
The chronic autoimmune disease, Lupus, occurs when the immune system--instead of protecting the body from germs and other infectious invaders-- fails to recognize the difference between the bad and good tissue, thus becoming counterproductive by producing autoantibodies that harm healthy cells and tissues, which can be damaging to:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>joints</li>
<li>skin</li>
<li>kidneys (Note: Serious kidney damage could lead to kidney failure. Luckily there is effective treatment)</li>
<li>heart (higher risk of cardiovascular disease)</li>
<li>lungs (painful breathing, pleurisy)</li>
<li>blood vessels (for example, vasculitis which is the inflammation of the blood vessels-very serious)</li>
</ul><div>Essentially, the immune system is attacking itself. For this reason, Lupus makes one more vulnerable to other illnesses and creates numerous complications (anemia, pregnancy complications, etc). Lupus may even impact the <b>Central Nervous System</b> (primarily the brain, which causes cognitive dysfunction, such as dizziness, hallucinations, memory problems, seizures, headaches).</div><div><br />
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Note: Lupus is not contagious and it is not a cancer.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>What causes Lupus?</b></div><div>Although the cause of Lupus remains unknown, it may be linked to the following factors:</div><br />
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<ul><li><i><b>Hereditary/Genetics</b></i></li>
<ul><li>While genes are a possibility, no specific gene group has yet been identified. However, research revealed that those with lupus <u>may</u> have family members with an autoimmune disease. </li>
</ul><li><i><b>Environmental Stimuli</b></i></li>
<ul><li>Certain environmental factors may trigger the disease, such as the sun's ultraviolet rays (photosensitivity), smoking, exhaustion, emotional stress (divorce, illness, loss of a loved one) and physical stress (surgery, even pregnancy), exposure to dangerous toxins (trichloreothylene found in well water and dust), flu or other illness, an injury, drugs associated with sulfa and penicillin ( Bactrim and Septra), </li>
</ul><li><b><i>Hormon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">es </span></i></b></li>
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The hormone estrogen is believed to influence lupus in some way. According to the Lupus Foundation, "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Many women have more lupus symptoms before menstrual periods and/or during pregnancy, when estrogen production is high. This may indicate that estrogen somehow regulates the severity of lupus." So, indeed, a connection exists, it's just a matter of understanding specifically how and why.</span></span></li>
</ul></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><br />
</b></span></span></div><b>What are the symptoms?</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevScpaBtCVrhBgvAEL0-NDLzGXsy12pbeyxKwm4biVwJORHCNnYa4akYUIS4QrOk8T7TxA50rQvimUpNpRSg6SDxLjPkadNiw3kkEF3MWXLVXQDxRlpM5xlCykACxo8cbvkU0DmwSKVdA/s1600/lupus-erythematosus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevScpaBtCVrhBgvAEL0-NDLzGXsy12pbeyxKwm4biVwJORHCNnYa4akYUIS4QrOk8T7TxA50rQvimUpNpRSg6SDxLjPkadNiw3kkEF3MWXLVXQDxRlpM5xlCykACxo8cbvkU0DmwSKVdA/s320/lupus-erythematosus.jpg" width="320" /></a>Since there are different forms of lupus (systemic lupus, cutaneous lupus, drug-induced lupus, and neonatal lupus) and not all cases are alike, there are a wide range of symptoms ranging from mild to severe:<br />
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<ul><li>extreme fatigue</li>
<li>the swollen and painful joints (mostly swollen wrists, hands, knees and elbows)</li>
<li>chest pain on deep breathing (pleurisy), which can make breathing painful</li>
<li>headaches</li>
<li>fever</li>
<li>red skin rash (known as butterfly rash or malar) that can be found on the face, arm, chest, etc.</li>
<li>muscle pain</li>
<li>hair loss (alopecia)</li>
<li>anemia (low red blood cells count)</li>
<li>sensitivity to the sun (which can exacerbate the rashes)</li>
<li>pale toes and fingers that turn blue/white when cold (Raynaud's phenmenon)</li>
<li>mouth/nose ulcers</li>
<li>swollen eyes and legs</li>
<li>seizures </li>
<li>dizziness</li>
<li>faint spells </li>
<li>depression</li>
<li>Confusion</li>
</ul><div><b>How is Lupus diagnosed?</b></div><br />
Since the symptoms associated with lupus are not unique to lupus alone, there is some difficulty in diagnosing patients with lupus. Doctors perform different tests, such as a <b>skin biopsy,</b> <b>blood tests</b> (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and Complete Blood Count (CBC), conduct a k<b>idney and liver assessment</b>, <b>urinalysis</b>, and <b>syphilis test</b>. They also abide by a certain set of guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology that pay attention to the combination of 11 specific abnormalities, of which a patient must have at least four. I found the information regarding diagnosis on the following website:<br />
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<div><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/">http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/lupus/</a></div><div>I urge you to visit it and learn more about the various tests and symptoms.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>How is Lupus treated?</b></div><div><b></b>Despite the lack of a cure, there are ways to treat and manage the disease to help minimize the symptoms. Treatments vary from person to person and their specific problems.</div><div><ul><li>Maintain close contact with your healthcare team (which may include doctors in various fields, but for the most part a rheumatologist (handles joints and muscles) is typically the one who treats lupus, unless there are complications with other organs).</li>
<li>Follow treatment plan designed according to one's age, symptoms, lifestyle in an effort to help cope with the symptoms, reduce inflammation, reduce damage to other organs, etc. Take medications as prescribed. Don't prescribe your own dosages (not safe. but this is common sense, right?)</li>
</ul><div>Here are the FDA approved medications for Lupus as listed on the Lupus Foundation site:</div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">corticosteroids, including prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and hydrocortisone; the antimalarial, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil®); and aspirin.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>To learn more about Lupus and what YOU can do to help, visit:</b></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">http://www.lupus.org/newsite/index.html</span></span></div><br />
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<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-37814263967720765142011-04-27T18:42:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:14:02.633-07:00You are what you....Think?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffqHU7Lfmk0DSypFmW798N3p0kbMCtsQN_xIVmrucUZZfPF5AkHws4J_UyYjZeLki2YAWOvO_AsA_68FcVirCmRqLPq-FOYLyxlcqt8faj507BqJ6fbtE4ghW7MQK99jMahD1tmokuzzO/s1600/thoughts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiffqHU7Lfmk0DSypFmW798N3p0kbMCtsQN_xIVmrucUZZfPF5AkHws4J_UyYjZeLki2YAWOvO_AsA_68FcVirCmRqLPq-FOYLyxlcqt8faj507BqJ6fbtE4ghW7MQK99jMahD1tmokuzzO/s1600/thoughts.jpg" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit"</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So during one of my idle moments I started to wonder, wonder a little too much, about the power of the mind. I decided to read "As Man Thinketh" by British philosopher James Allen to give me better insight into what I struggled to articulate to myself.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have the power to control our thoughts and the direction our lives take. Only we can determine our reaction. No one else can dictate our thoughts. Therefore, the consequences that befall us are due, in part, to our thoughts (mind that I did not say circumstances, although that, too, is mostly true. Remember, there are always exceptions). In a more convoluted manner, Allen states this message as such, "</span><b><span class="highlight"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and suffering are its fruits; thus does a man garner in the sweet and bitter fruitage of his own husbandry."</span></span></b><span class="highlight"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Thoughts indeed are very much like a garden that we tend to, and it will flourish as we desire it to, or wilt when we neglect it. How many times have you tactlessly made a statement in the fury of anger? That, reader, is an example of neglecting one's garden. </span></span><br />
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<span class="highlight"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While your environment to great degrees influences your behavior, you are in possession of yourself and have the ability to inspire change. If you so choose to wallow in the abyss of depression or foster the traits of a degenerate, what can anyone do for you? They can advise you and guide you, but the change begins with YOU. No one can force you to be anything different than you aspire. In truth,</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "</span></b></span><b><span class="highlight"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Man is made or unmade by himself; in the armoury of thought he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself." </span></span></b><span class="highlight"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I mention this solely because some people are very quick to blame others for who they are, when, in reality, you can at any moment change. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the master and maker of yourself, as Allen states, it's up to you to utilize these roles of empowerment. That second chance, that glimpse at the transformative power you harness, that forgiving glint reverberating within all of humanity, sits awaiting the moment you decide to use it. Your environment, your destiny, your experience, is connected to you, and it's up to you what you contribute. What you give is what you shall reap. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Indeed, your thoughts help develop your state of being. According to Allen:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thought and character are one, and as character can only manifest and discover itself through environment and circumstance, the outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man's circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought-element within himself that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What does all this mean? It means that your environment does not control you. There's a great freedom in gaining self-control of your thoughts and emotions. Until one learns that they are in control, and not all the pressures and temptations present on a daily basis, then one discovers true mastery. Circumstance is not to be credited with making the man, but with revealing man to himself. After all, "</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">no</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">such conditions can exist as descending into vice and its attendant sufferings apart from vicious inclinations, or ascending into virtue and its pure happiness without the continued cultivation of virtuous aspirations." </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In short, who you are, your actions, may be spurred on by external factors, but your inclinations belong to none other but yourself. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Once you </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"cease to whine and revile, and commence to search for the hidden justice which regulates [your] life. And as you] adapt [your] mind to that regulating factor, [you cease] to accuse others as the cause of [your] condition, and [build yourself] up in strong and noble thoughts; [cease] to kick against circumstances, but [begin] to use them as aids to [your] more rapid progress, and as a means of discovering the hidden powers and possibilities within [yourself]." </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Sadly, with all the distractions blockading progress, it seems many miss the opportunity to cultivate this truth.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In life, you </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">do not attract that which [you] want, but that which [you] are. [Your] whims, fancies, and ambitions are thwarted at every step, but [your] inmost thoughts and desires are fed with [your] own food, be it foul or clean. The "divinity that shapes [your] ends" is in [yourself]; it is [your] very self."</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> You can choose to imprison yourself or free yourself</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is common sense, right? You know you CAN do this. But why don't you? </span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Much happens in life that leaves us simply flabbergasted. We often wish and pray, but wishing and prayer is only facilitated through some effort on your part, because</span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "</span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">UNTIL thought is linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment.</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In agreement with Allen, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"wishes and prayers are only gratified and answered when they harmonize with [your] thoughts and actions." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moreover, nothing will improve for us if we refuse to improve yourself. So while it's okay to have visions of your house with the white picket fence, to become a head chef, a teacher, or president of the United States, those desires will never be realized unless we pursue it with a passionate ambition and relentless determination. Every time we fall and get back up means that we are one step closer to overcoming a weakness. Always, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></b></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all, heavenly environment; of these, if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built."</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> That ideal, no matter the sacrifice, will be achieved if your heart is set on it. Nothing is without sacrifice.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In order to achieve great things, a great sacrifice must be made. The sacrifice of time, the sacrifice of a night out on the town, the sacrifice of not buying those really nice pairs of shoes, the sacrifice of not playing your favorite sport for how ever long, the sacrifice of living somewhere intolerable when you'd rather live on a raft in the middle of the ocean surrounded by hungry sharks, haha, at this point you get what I mean. As Allen states, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" </span></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The man who does not shrink from self-crucifixion can never fail to accomplish the object upon which his heart is set... Even the man whose sole object is to acquire wealth must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object." </span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sacrifice makes that journey worthwhile. Not everyone may realize all the tribulations you underwent to achieve all you possess. These are your battles. The scars you bear, none will ever fully know the wound before the scar. Indeed, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"c</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">ircumstances, however, are so complicated, thought is so deeply rooted, and the conditions of happiness vary so, vastly with individuals, that a man's entire soul-condition (although it may be known to himself) cannot be judged by another from the external aspect of his life alone."</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Your experience is yours and none, not even vicariously, can know it well. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What many do not realize is the power of thoughts to manifest itself into habit. Take for instance certain fears. I often catch myself hoping that something doesn't fall, and while worrying so much, it happens, haha. That actually happened to my aunt the other day. She kept worrying that she would stain her shirt to the point that her shirt got stained with her food, haha. Remember, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"</span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thoughts of doubt and fear never accomplished anything, and never can," </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">at least nothing good. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now this won't always be the case, but without your realizing it, your thoughts can lead to both fortunate and unfortunate circumstances.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A couple months ago, I was having a conversation with my boyfriend about the connection between your thoughts and your health. It began like this:</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Me: baby, when will you rescue me from my tower?</span></span><br />
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</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Boyfriend: When pigs fly. I'll jump on a pig and rescue you. That would be sick, huh?</span></span><br />
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</span> That conversation was a great segue way into how much our emotions impact our health. People commit suicide over a broken heart, experience extremely high stress levels and severe depression that cause their body to emotionally shut down, and, a lot of the times, people get sick. Well, as much as the internal tends to be ignored, it's not out of sight, out of mind. The article below asserts that repressed anger and other negative emotions that remain unexpressed could potentially lead to cancer. Obviously there are exceptions. There always are. Even Allen stated that:</span><br />
<div style="color: black; font-family: Times; line-height: normal;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Disease and health, like circumstances, are rooted in thought. Sickly thoughts will express themselves through a sickly body. Thoughts of fear have been known to kill a man as speedily as a bullet, and they are continually killing thousands of people just as surely though less rapidly. The people who live in fear of disease are the people who get it. Anxiety quickly demoralizes the whole body, and lays it open to the entrance of disease; while impure thoughts, even if not physically indulged, will soon shatter the nervous system.</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Still, it's nevertheless an interesting concept to consider.</span></b></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Emotions are part of the body. They're not as tangible as a body part, but they're just as important and should not be ignored. </span></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.alternative-cancer-care.com/Cancer_Anger_Hate.html">http://www.alternative-cancer-care.com/Cancer_Anger_Hate.html</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My point is, strive to live a healthier life, try to control your emotions, do the little things that make you happy. Don't let envy, anger, malice and other negative emotions control you and wear you out. If you need an excuse to tell your boyfriend/girlfriend/brother/best friend/other significant person in your life, to stop harassing you, now you can say, "Stop it, you're going to give me cancer...literally." Alright, let's not guilt trip anyone and it's not something to joke about, but I think you get the gist of what I'm saying. Ultimately, one seeks serenity. When </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"[we become]</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> calm in the measure that [we understand ourselves] as a thought evolved being... such knowledge necessitates the understanding of others as the result of thought, and as [we develop] a right understanding, and [see] more and more clearly the internal relations of things by the action of cause and effect [we cease[ to fuss and fume and worry and grieve, and [remain] poised, steadfast, serene.[We], having learned how to govern himself, [know] how to adapt [ourself] to others... The more tranquil a [we become], the greater is [our] success, [our] influence, [our] power"</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to achieve all we desire.</span></span></div></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your actions and the actions of others (at least those who matter to you) matter! You may not see it now, it may be a passing cloud, but think about what you say and do. There are repercussions for your actions, severe ones at times. It's important to find a balance and maintain poise of character. I'm all for more love and more compassion.</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Keep your hand firmly upon the helm of thought. In the bark of your soul reclines the commanding Master; He does but sleep: wake Him. Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!" -James Allen</span></b></span></div></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-84994328374110953692011-04-16T22:46:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:14:42.656-07:00SecretsSecrets lurk beneath the surface, hide in dimensions, lie awaiting discovery in the crevices of our soul, in the black holes of the universe. Sometimes secrets are necessary. At times they lend your character mystery, even if that secret isn't extraordinary. Sometimes secrets are kept that could harm a person you love, and, thus, they are stored away to protect both parties from an unnecessary circumstance.<br />
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It is not always that secrets should be kept, especially if it goes so far as to breach the sanctity of a bond. In the realm of trust, the heart is given with the understanding that it shall be respected. While observing the nature of relationships from afar and near, I've noticed the insidious form secrets take when kept for selfish reasons. Countless scenarios stream pass my mind of those secrets that I've seen slowly lead to the atrophy of even the most seemingly beautiful relationship, be it platonic, romantic, or familial.<br />
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By selfish, I mean fostering the knowledge of a secret that would wholly disrespect the person for whom you care deeply. Such knowledge is damaging because you are aware of certain boundaries that should not be crossed ( established earlier in the relationship through conversation or is understood through common sense), because, if crossed, it will cause that person pain that will never fully heal. Sometimes, in such a scenario, it is best to be forthright and honest, because such secrets, or withheld truths, can, at times, become lies. Such lies will cut far deeper than the truth and could thoroughly decimate the most precious of bonds.<br />
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If you truly love someone, as a good friend, a lover, or blood relative, then let not falsehood adulterate the commitment you've made to that person. One of the most beautiful aspects unique to humanity is their ability to love. It is saddening, and almost frightening, how capable we are of hurting those we love, because they are at their most vulnerable. When we seek to hurt them, we strike far deeper, because we know exactly where and how to strike. I have the solemn hope that we would take better care in how we treat one another.<br />
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When you love someone, be true.<br />
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<a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/"><img alt="Creative Commons License" style="border-width:0" src="http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by-nc-nd/3.0/88x31.png" /></a><br /><span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-17930400420796727912011-04-15T16:55:00.000-07:002011-06-18T23:16:23.167-07:00Star and Noir: Two Special Cats<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02FzfI1Q_eDs5on9qt1iM5rnsiY-0Rjw3E35Y_luZXF40O_kmDtcAYaoLCh90_BFb_VtzfKS_m0FXrBbwR2peMAZqa_W7OYLmJCcp3bPllz_wbN4W6IbalhELtBC7fPYM7vEfR3VCLwmu/s1600/IMG_3332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02FzfI1Q_eDs5on9qt1iM5rnsiY-0Rjw3E35Y_luZXF40O_kmDtcAYaoLCh90_BFb_VtzfKS_m0FXrBbwR2peMAZqa_W7OYLmJCcp3bPllz_wbN4W6IbalhELtBC7fPYM7vEfR3VCLwmu/s320/IMG_3332.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp-gtIMo1RcqCQndd-awB1WnrFd7_SGxEyvpKXMqerTerBGG0B_MDk11fx8jnob4f2df1D_dBqtwvwe9tCvkAGvdefjLsbRjxQN21FXln3XdX3UrnGGm9wg-q4CBWORmwyr-SjngbXNE9/s1600/IMG_4551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKp-gtIMo1RcqCQndd-awB1WnrFd7_SGxEyvpKXMqerTerBGG0B_MDk11fx8jnob4f2df1D_dBqtwvwe9tCvkAGvdefjLsbRjxQN21FXln3XdX3UrnGGm9wg-q4CBWORmwyr-SjngbXNE9/s320/IMG_4551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAu_qQ4cJGl4akSX9-pIbvMg1VRZx6B6pxQE1Eb2e-GOxNdEdzE_uHX0Pi372e02iC21J2u9dQW8JGPaqXpo-_GXmYOxkzIU_a1RfiE0l7wAEkS_udRtKqttKtn5lJDZm6TnI0fzvzdgR/s1600/IMG_4553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAu_qQ4cJGl4akSX9-pIbvMg1VRZx6B6pxQE1Eb2e-GOxNdEdzE_uHX0Pi372e02iC21J2u9dQW8JGPaqXpo-_GXmYOxkzIU_a1RfiE0l7wAEkS_udRtKqttKtn5lJDZm6TnI0fzvzdgR/s320/IMG_4553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Noir and Star. When Noir died, apparently he was missing an eye. In the picture I took a couple days before he died, the shadows make him look like he has only one eye...</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What's a relationship without trust, right? Trust takes time, patience, and care to build. Once built, it's sturdy and worth holding on to, and yet the slightest deception can lead to it's downfall. I simply want to share a rather intriguing story regarding two very special cats, Star and Noir, who allowed me more insight into the nature of trust.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_0fP3T_oq-Tgzg3KBPUO13b6s9joxxuJ8I8szrhiWXRRKCZDGvVZfnQ1yXEWU6k8CmbA-fQ9k6NKpJhXdBeUp4mugheDTfKmIeSIjX2tMIHRsJn37vV91YWeypAtBjadXxs3jNngH1YX/s1600/IMG_4580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD_0fP3T_oq-Tgzg3KBPUO13b6s9joxxuJ8I8szrhiWXRRKCZDGvVZfnQ1yXEWU6k8CmbA-fQ9k6NKpJhXdBeUp4mugheDTfKmIeSIjX2tMIHRsJn37vV91YWeypAtBjadXxs3jNngH1YX/s320/IMG_4580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother (Pregnen) with kitten (Halo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In my temporary home, up in the hills, I've encountered numerous stray cats. At first I simply acknowledged their existence. That was the extent of our relationship. I already have a beautiful blue-point himalayan persian, 14 years old (or is he 15? He's just old), healthy as can be, and the reason for my allergies. Sterling has his own room that I rarely visited, until I started to become more than mere acquaintances with the stray cats. Over time as I fed and observed them, I learned their different personalities. Suddenly they just weren't flea-ridden cowards that scurried off the moment they heard a sound (mind you, I don't detest cats. I think they're cute. I just find their paranoia funny), they were uniquely fascinating. Animals have stories, too.<br />
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During the rainy season all the cats huddled close to keep warm. Noir and his brother and sister, Oreo and Spry, snuggled, all curled up, on the wooden bench outside. They formed a furry bundle safe from the cold raindrops and sharp wind. As kittens, they played, jumped about and ran around in a game that resembled tag, but with a twist. The musketeers ate, slept, and played together.<br />
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Noir was especially close to Spry. When I poured food into their bowls, he would walk out from his hiding place, look back, and meow. Spry upon hearing him would emerge and join him to eat, then they lay side by side. Their bond grew when a car knocked down Oreo. <br />
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But it wasn't long before Spry, the beautiful calico, too, was knocked down. Noir was left with no one to give him warmth. As I poured the food into the bowls, he would look at the spot where she usually came from, and meow. Eventually he realized he was alone. He sought the affection of the other cats. He would rub against Gorda or Tuxedo, or meow to any cat near him. Many fluffled their tails, arched their backs, and slashed out at him. Others simply hissed at him and ignored his meows, which strangely sounded more like cries. Soon Pretty Face, a gold cat with a tail striped with white, started harassinng him, not letting him near the food,and hissing at him.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrZlb68f_1aon37nJm4XKlq2bVGK1L8TbTFD2jlia1LfzgVYlnSxwdzldzSsSDRP2DjNS_LUGlFP1gH1xKFlHTXgA30bMAdBR26MZfc31dB7sTCfel1MKpWrgyQyEGM552-RGAvVIHafX/s1600/IMG_4593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrZlb68f_1aon37nJm4XKlq2bVGK1L8TbTFD2jlia1LfzgVYlnSxwdzldzSsSDRP2DjNS_LUGlFP1gH1xKFlHTXgA30bMAdBR26MZfc31dB7sTCfel1MKpWrgyQyEGM552-RGAvVIHafX/s320/IMG_4593.jpg" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shy little Marshmallow</td></tr>
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One rainy windy day when he looked up at Gorda and Tuxedo curled up on the bench, he meowed to them. They ignored him, and he went to a corner, where he stayed, all wet and alone. It wasn't long before he moved himself farther and farther away from our house and hid somewhere up the road in the bushes. As I walked the dogs, he would run down the road meowing to me. It's as if he knew he was safe when we were around. I remember calling my mother out of the house so she would greet him and take him to the food. All the while he meowed. <br />
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Seeing how he constantly surveyed his surroundings as he ate, I sat outside with him. He meowed to me and ate peacefully. I took pictures of him. In some of the pictures he appeared to have only one eye. Strange and sad, I thought. Eventually I grew accustomed to sitting outside and watching him eat. Even after he finished, I still sat outside for a bit. His melodious meow never stopped. He seemed to enjoy my company. He would try to come near me, meow, and then move back again. He meowed a lot. His meow sounded desperate and sorrowful. I've never encountered a cat who meowed that frequently. <br />
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One night my mother and I decided to take Koko for a walk. It was pitch black so we carried a flashlight. <br />
Walking up the hill I jumped at a sudden noise, a meow, and at a flash of black. It was Noir. He had waited for us. I sat by him as he ate and stayed outside a little longer with him. As he ate, I tried to touch him, but he drew back. I tried again, and he didn't draw back nearly as much. Soon he ate unconcerned about whether or not I touched him, though sometimes he would look up. <br />
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<em>He would make a good house cat. He needs someone to love him.</em><br />
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<em>If only I could get him used to the human touch. Then he would never be alone.</em> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTNmPZrq-SdFdCw9cgyXjyHv1FkzvHKfUiTigpSRnDD7NsNd2yEPi-ZfAXZW_lOGXZbC5PjBsC79FyQnH_64Ge9y6vpZecBCFDMKzEamHOKuRiX_AN3zYgw1MPNHn4UWKqsrr8eKA4db_/s1600/IMG_4560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTNmPZrq-SdFdCw9cgyXjyHv1FkzvHKfUiTigpSRnDD7NsNd2yEPi-ZfAXZW_lOGXZbC5PjBsC79FyQnH_64Ge9y6vpZecBCFDMKzEamHOKuRiX_AN3zYgw1MPNHn4UWKqsrr8eKA4db_/s320/IMG_4560.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The next morning my mother told me she went to find Noir, knowing that he would be hiding in the bushes. Pretty Face had finally managed to force Noir far away from us. She told my step-father, "Look there he is." She pointed up the road. There he was. A shadow upon the gravel. <br />
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But he wasn't moving. The gravelled road was splattered with his blood. He was missing an eye. Just like my picture.<br />
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After my step-father buried Noir, I could not stop pondering over the tragic life Noir led. Furthermore, if I hadn't observed them I would never have cared about the relationships cats build with each other. They have their own society, though clearly not as intricate or evolved as human society. I couldn't get his meow out of my head. None of the other cats' demise affected me as much as his. I felt a strange bond with him that I had never felt with my own persian. I started spending more time with Sterling thanks to Noir, even if it means getting Benadryl wasted. <br />
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Then I met Star. Star has a dark gray stripped coat with patches of orange. She grew up with Pengui, Tiger, and Patches. Pretty Face, the territorial monster, drove Pengui away, and eventually Tiger and Patches moved farther away, to the front of the house. We place bowls of cat food at the front of the house and in the back. Eventually Star, too, was left alone. <br />
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She didn't meow as much as Noir, actually she didn't quite know how to meow. Her meows sounded more like a choked back scream, and sometimes when she opened her mouth to meow, no sound came. She lounged around and preoccupied herself with exploring, sleeping, or eating. If Pretty Face came around, she hid, but was never fearful enough to desert the area. Sometimes she drank pool water. In time, she grew accustomed to me bringing out food and would greet me at the door. <br />
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<em>Could I do for her what I failed to do for Noir? </em><br />
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I went back inside and got a piece of ham. I threw it her way. She ran, but not too far, before she turned around and smelled the honeyed-ham. It took a long time, days actually, before she eventually took it from my hand. But soon she knew I was not a threat. Now she's not afraid to be petted. She meows (yes, she meows now!) as if demanding her piece of ham. She's not even afraid of our yorkies (but who would be, really?) She'll jump on the lounge chair and sniff my hands for ham and start purring, her little paws kneading the soft cushion. She'll raise a paw almost as if to put it on my lap, but withdraw and continue kneading the cushions. Her claws remain withdrawn once near me. I think I've made a new friend. Maybe she's a ham-addict now, but at least she's not alone. She shows affection to all the cats, even if they show her none. I learned that if I train them to stay near, then they won't stray as far and will live longer. So far from all that have been trained, none have died. :)<br />
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Jedi, a striped cat, now follows in the steps of Star. He is far from affectionate, but he comes when called, will come near you, will eat from your hand, and so on. However, he has a habit of slashing out at times, but now he keeps his claws withdrawn. Gemini is not as shy either, and Marshmallow is coming out of her shell as well. They love the Temptation treats, except Marshmallow. Jedi sometimes gets moody and prefers ham, haha.<br />
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The Village of Cats:<br />
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<u>Gorda:</u> the obese and surprisingly atheltic cat. Absolutely no other cat can mess with her.<br />
<u>Spry:</u> A beautiful calico who unforunately got hit by a car. A fate that befell her two brothers, Oreo and Noir (R.I.P.)<br />
<u>Oreo:</u> Black and white and a bit awkward looking. He got hit by a car (R.I.P.)<br />
<u>Tuxedo</u>: my crackhead. He was always on the run and terrified of the other cats. He was very friendly and always meowing his lungs out for food. (R.I.P)<br />
<u>Negrito</u>: A cat black as night. He would climb the palm tree next to the house and jump on the roof. There would be a loud clatter that's terrifying if you're inside the house. It was a relief to know that all that noise wasn't someone trying to break into the house but Negrito. He, however, had a difficult time figuring out how to get back down. (R.I.P).<br />
<u>Mami:</u> She's rather ugly and looks aged. She can be very aggressive. Loves treats.<br />
<u>Pregnen:</u> She's the slut of all the cats. Always pregnant. A good mother to her kittens, though. Very pretty cat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVeGnG_NZSt0bVW9Noslj8MrYZirX2Z2bJlJ2PgU1HceFuGXW12gaOd5Bje4uTsg493_Bjpyys_jIXqryflxAdAvKHXefnP-NWjhZ-WH4FVWpWK1VI1ucuH0hygGuuse_ULxtf0XkvKuE/s1600/IMG_4497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVeGnG_NZSt0bVW9Noslj8MrYZirX2Z2bJlJ2PgU1HceFuGXW12gaOd5Bje4uTsg493_Bjpyys_jIXqryflxAdAvKHXefnP-NWjhZ-WH4FVWpWK1VI1ucuH0hygGuuse_ULxtf0XkvKuE/s320/IMG_4497.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jedi, the bad boy<br />
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</tbody></table><u>Pengui-</u> The penguin. Very friendly until Pretty Face-- the bully--ran him off. (R.I.P.)<br />
<u>Pretty Face</u>- The village bully. Chased away almost all the cats. He's calmed down finally after getting a beating from Mustachio. He's also afraid of Gorda (she is fat enough to squash him)<br />
<u>Mustachio:</u> Black and white, looks like he has a mustache. Don't know too much about him.<br />
<u>Sylvester:</u> Weird looking cat. Hence the name. One eye is bigger than the other and his face looks like a cartoon.<br />
<u>Patches:</u> Pretty paranoid calico. Another crackhead. She always hangs out with her brother, Tiger.<br />
<u>Tiger:</u> Patches' brother. He's always arching his back and tries to act all fierce.. Tiger, I'm sorry to break it to you, but you're not a real tiger.<br />
<u>Gemini</u>: Mostly white but his face is both black and white...split down the middle that way<br />
<u>Jedi:</u> The next cat I'm training. He's brave and curious.<br />
<u>Star</u>: A very smart cat. Gray fur. Tiger stripes. Hint of orange.<br />
<u>Marshmallow:</u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Mostly white, but with more black patches than Gemini</span><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-3695696652415702252011-04-12T19:34:00.000-07:002011-05-21T22:58:11.480-07:00Earthquakes and Tsunamis 101If you would like to assist Japan then click on the following link: http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html<br />
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The devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Northern Japan on March 11, 2011 led me to enlighten myself on the nature of these natural disasters. The 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred near the island of Honshu and is known as the fifth largest ever recorded in Japan. The combined forces killed thousands, moved planes, trains, and cars, overtook homes, killed power sources, leaving Japan in a state of utter despair. To top it all off, as rescuers scurried about digging through rubble in the desperate and courageous attempt to help those buried beneath, the nuclear power reactor explodes, leaking high levels of radiation.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmag_uLF57i0mZRglnJSizG6achJQN08UsqCaFmFowrlZIOh54xXKVbIUVEDLLcZo644UvxUJj-anula18lP8F4wskVKG8UTpHQvDkFu-sCT7ZUySgThEF3Nj2tcE_OvuBwyN0rE8CPt3/s1600/earthquake-magnitude-110407-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmag_uLF57i0mZRglnJSizG6achJQN08UsqCaFmFowrlZIOh54xXKVbIUVEDLLcZo644UvxUJj-anula18lP8F4wskVKG8UTpHQvDkFu-sCT7ZUySgThEF3Nj2tcE_OvuBwyN0rE8CPt3/s400/earthquake-magnitude-110407-02.jpg" width="365" /></a></div>The reason Japan is earthquake and tsunami prone is due to their location, since it lies along the edge of four tectonic plates. Once the oceanic plates rub together it releases a tremendous amount of energy/force in the form of an earthquake. Being so near the water as well, a tsunami may quickly follow an earthquake, as was the case in this event. According to Kyodo News, about 151,000 are in shelters and 14,000 are missing.<br />
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<b>Earthquake 101</b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> For the most part, an earthquake occurs when tectonic plates grind against each other. Tectonic plates, or masses of rock that look like puzzle pieces, are constantly in motion due to the heat found in the earth's core. At times they rub together which impedes their motion. When this happens, it causes stress, and, thus, releases energy in the form of seismic waves.</span></b><br />
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<b>Tsunami 101</b><br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="slug=tsunami-101&img=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/media/tsunami-101/tsunami-101_480x360.jpg&vtitle=Tsunamis%20101&caption=%3Cp%3EFind%20out%20how%20a%20tsunami%20is%20born%20...%20and%20how%20it%20destroys.%3C/p%3E&permalink=http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/environment/environment-natural-disasters/tsunamis/tsunami-101.html&share=true" height="321" name="flashObj" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash" seamlesstabbing="false" src="http://images.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/sites/video/swf/ngplayer_syndicated.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="460"></embed><br />
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Disturbances, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, lead to a deformation of the seafloor that upsets the equilibrium of the water. Once this happens, it produces powerful shockwaves that travel up to 600 miles per hour (about as fast as a jet). It's not as noticeable in the deep ocean, but as it nears shallow water, the waves can rise up to 100 feet.<br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-70553206195634961392011-04-04T21:00:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:22:16.033-07:00The Vicissitudes of LifeHow do you harness the many vicissitudes of life? Change is ever imminent and an expectation that leave many ill-equipped.Yet such knowledge is easily forgotten in moments of bliss. Then suddenly the change, whether for better or worse, approaches. Although in life we garner many lessons, the hardest is accepting that nothing lasts forever. That dark tangible truth lurks in the crevices of your mind. It manifests itself in the tone of our voices, as agitation, frustration, anger, in deceit, in the deterioration of trust, in disbelief, in shock, and the list goes on and changes, fitting into the context of the situation.<br />
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Now comes the ultimate question, will love prevail? Because love conquers all, right? Love for your work, your spouse, family. Or is the question, will YOU prevail? For so long love has been perceived as unconquerable, and yet, at times it's almost intolerable. When obstacles come your way that seem insurmountable, if it's not love that wins, or you, what does? Is it your drive?Well, it's knowing what you want, and striving for it. After all, what is life if you have nothing to live for? If so, no matter what the change, fight for what you believe in, but only if it is good for you. No matter the dissension, the discord, the pain that seems perpetual, sleepless nights, the stress from piles of work ( throw in whatever scenario that suits your situation), the key is knowing when to let go and when to find your strength.<br />
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Now, I've been asked, "Why is letting go so hard?" It's strange because many apply this question to romantic relationships, and yet I see it so often encountered in all segments of society, of life. Letting go is usually hard because of all the time, energy, and heart you invested in that project, in that dream, in that belief of what you wanted, in that relationship, in that job, in that promise. It is hard because of memories that make the past seem present, almost alive, and tangible. Memories of a loved one who passed, memories of an ex-lover, memories of fun times, or memories of all the plans you dreamed up and suddenly can't be anymore. Sometimes you don't let go because you're afraid of the pain that letting go will bring. But if it isn't good for you, then you're hurting yourself in ways you can't imagine. Deep inside you know the answer. It's all a matter of making that final decision and sticking with it. Change is sometimes what you need. It's a learning experience, it's happiness, it's sadness, it's all part of the adventure. Learn to adapt to it. Sometimes we just need to learn to accept it, to believe more, to have a little more faith.<br />
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Note: My boyfriend wants an octopus and a chameleon. He also thinks I should rename my blog to "Memoirs of a Badass," haha. That's why I keep him around, he makes me laugh.<br />
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<span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-22467400464935611252011-03-29T13:52:00.000-07:002011-05-18T21:24:11.216-07:00Stewards of the Earth<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="446" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xPx5r35Aymc" title="YouTube video player" width="326"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>It's about time I wrote a little about the environment. Check out the video above. It's truly an inspirational speech. Severn Suzuki is known as the girl who silenced the world for six minutes when she gave a speech in 1992 at</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; line-height: 21px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">UN Earth Summit in Brazil. If you want to read the speech instead, follow this link:http://ssjothiratnam.com/?p=747</span></i></span></span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i>I wrote this a couple years ago based on a book and some articles I had to read for a class. My writing style has changed since then as have some of views on this matter. In truth, I'm optimistic that an alternative energy source will be found (shale gas, water, solar energy...). Still, check it out.</i></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; line-height: 21px;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the book </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Long Emergency</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> by James Howard Kunstler, the short-term benefits of our economy’s insatiable hunger for more is nearing its end, since there will be nothing left to consume. Greed and ignorance have blinded our country from the consequences of our actions. It has motivated people to exhaust the earth’s natural resources faster than it can be replenished. The technological advancements and seemingly never-ending discoveries have disillusioned the population, leading them to believe that continual innovations will rescue them from any crisis, such as Peak Oil. Pollution and the extinction of about 30,000 species a year have been attributed, in part, to the lack of attention we pay to our actions. The only savior to prevent the crash of this “flying civilization” (Reference from <i>Ishmael</i>) is caring enough to appreciate and understand biodiversity, the ecosystem, and working in unity with one another to ensure a future for ourselves, our animals and trees, and future generations. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: .5in;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Fuel allowed for the comfortable lifestyle society has come to know and love. Unfortunately, that fuel is running out. Modernization drank away half of the world’s easily accessible oil supply. The economic growth resulting from oil placed an enchantment over the population. They believe that their luxuries could never end. However, according to </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Long Emergency</span></u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “consumer culture will die” because they are dependent on cheap oil. The remaining oil will not only be more expensive to extract but will require more energy than is worth expending. Any other form of alternative fuel, such as natural gas and coal, are not sufficient enough to run even "a substantial fraction of the systems we run on.” Cars will eventually be reserved for the upper class, and other forms of transportation will be obsolete. Society will become more localized and more dedicated to conserving their resources, especially when the process of food production will be altered since food producing industries cannot run without oil. As bleak and disconcerting as this sounds,</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> "</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Goods News for a Change"</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by David Suzuki (an environmental activist, academic and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation) and Holly Dressel (best-selling author of <i>Good News for a Change</i> and <i>From Naked Ape to Superspecies</i>). provide enlightening news to overcome corporate externalities.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> A sustainable, comfortable way of life is attainable through working in harmony with nature. The continual ruin of our forests grows as the traditional, natural methods are forgotten, while everything is practically run by remote control without realizing that it is exhausting the soil. In our current society, business comes first. Many are ignorant of the depletion of aquifers and water tables, basically the depletion of our finite resources. Cities, such as Germany, have proven that it is possible to live as luxurious a life as we do now, while protecting the environment by having such things as water-conserving toilets and gas meters to moderate how much energy we use.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #390b25;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Few realize the extent of damage human activities inflict upon the environment. The </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">World Scientists Warning to Humanity</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> is a bit extreme, but the overall tone stresses the importance of moderating our “current practices.” If humanity complies with the “What We Must Do” section suggested by the appeal, then we can understand how to “adequately manage our resources." The in depth description of the “critical stresses,” such as stratosphere, ozone depletion, exploitation of ground water, deforestation, and so on provide the reader with a better more informed perspective of the type of stresses we cause the environment. In agreement with the</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Hiedelberg Appeal </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">by Michel Salomon “the greatest evil which stalk our Earth are our ignorance and oppression." Overall, both suggest that we need to change “our stewardship of the earth” in order to progress, develop, and in order to “overcome major problems, starvation, and worldwide disease” resulting from our ignorance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Check them out:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">World Scientists Warning to Humanity: http://www.ucsusa.org/about/1992-world-scientists.html</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heidelberg Appeal by Michel Salomon: http://www.his.com/~sepp/policy%20declarations/heidelberg_appeal.html</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also check out David Suzuki's award-winning tv show<i>, The Nature of Things</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a preview:</span></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h0Wh8H8-edk" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-43749142791323052822011-03-25T17:56:00.001-07:002011-05-18T21:24:58.115-07:00Trust is taking a leap of faith and hoping that someone will catch you<h2 style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 6px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So I always try my best to be honest, because I've felt the harmful rays of lies. However, I could never very well articulate the destructiveness of lies as well as the article below. </span></span></h2><h2 style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 24px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 14px; margin-top: 6px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130;">TRUTHING & TRUSTING<br />
An honest look at the effects of dishonesty</span></h2><table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><tbody>
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</tbody></table><h4 style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-top: 0px;">By Stan Dale</h4><div class="intro" style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Stan Dale, DHS, author and founder of the Human Awareness Institute, started the Love, Intimacy & Sexuality workshops in 1968, and nearly 75,000 people have since attended. For more information on Stan Dale and HAI, please see the listings in <a href="http://www.openexchange.org/go/SEM/hai.html">Seminars</a>.</div></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrUFkYF7HJo-iMiy0MqhYz295_CKNWRYTd4WEi-CgRE0ScKCGJwuvgF8ZsLXw6F5CsTLX-7XVj6l05F6ExIW-IZgEX9Ys3d05NRCvKlu9LbAbVUqWGDmfVH3Ig5SQoA4cnZ8VC-5tPOfP/s1600/trusting_leap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrUFkYF7HJo-iMiy0MqhYz295_CKNWRYTd4WEi-CgRE0ScKCGJwuvgF8ZsLXw6F5CsTLX-7XVj6l05F6ExIW-IZgEX9Ys3d05NRCvKlu9LbAbVUqWGDmfVH3Ig5SQoA4cnZ8VC-5tPOfP/s320/trusting_leap.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trust is taking a leap of faith and hoping that someone will catch you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Whether we're aware of it or not, we communicate 24 hours a day. Even in dreams we communicate. Even when we aren't saying anything we communicate. Our relationships are strengthened or destroyed by communication — there is virtually nothing else involved in a personal relationship except communication of one form or another. Trust is the only reliable foundation on which a relationship can be built and honesty is the cornerstone.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b>"When we lie, we destroy relationships..."</b></i><br />
Throughout my life as a husband, lover, father, friend and therapist, I have experienced and observed the destructive power of dishonest communication. When we lie, we destroy relationships - both the one we have with ourselves and those we have with others. Lying is counter communication. It erodes the very foundation of a relationship. It is a time bomb that will eventually destroy the relationship.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Telling a lie weakens the already weak self-esteem of the liar. The person to whom the lie is told (whether or not s/he ever finds out the truth) feels the effect of the lie. Why? Because lies are negative communications. Many relationships are falling apart because trust (if it ever existed) is being eroded; one more lie, one more time bomb planted.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Dishonesty is a protective device. Lies are protective devices. We think we are protecting the other person when we lie, but in reality we are protecting ourselves. Lies are told because the person lying believes that s/he has no other choice. S/he is too afraid to tell the truth. When we lie, we set the time bomb ticking, and the explosion will rip through the delicate fabric we attempt to weave between ourselves and someone else.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b>"There is no real love Without trust."</b></i><br />
We're being two-faced if we say, "I love you" and then lie to that same person. There is no real love without trust. If we don't trust the person we say we love, how can we ever be vulnerable? How can we ever be intimate? And, if we can't be vulnerable and intimate, what do we have but a lie?</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">One day, ka-BOOM! Why? Because communication finally broke down beyond the point of repair.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">There are two basic lies — the overt and the covert. The overt lie is usually spoken. It's a falsehood. Even a little white one.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The covert lie is more subtle and the most often used. Its telltale signs can sometimes be observed in body language — such a darting, downcast, or side-glancing eyes; twitching of some part of an extremity; false smiles; a deadpan face; etc.. In other words, the covert lie is usually something that needs to be said, but isn't. It is often more damaging than the bold-faced lie because the other person may never perceive that something is wrong. Reading body language takes quite a bit of practice. If covert lying can be detected, the time bomb can be defused before it explodes.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Envision a gorge. The only thing connecting the two land masses is a bridge hand built by those who dared to risk. Isn't that the process two people take when they try to establish a friendship? Two entities wish to connect. They put out furtive feelers, then become slightly bolder the more they think they can trust each other.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Each communication, no matter how conveyed, is one more plank in that bridge. The more honestly we communicate, the more we get to know one another and the stronger the bridge becomes. The more we know each other, the sooner we lower the barriers of self protection. We often approach others as if we were knights in armor. Slowly we shake hands "checking for weapons" as in the days of old. Then, slower yet, we raise the visor to "see" the other person.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i><b>"Intimacy is total vulnerability."</b></i><br />
Why are we so protective? Probably because intimacy is frightening to us. It may be the single most frightening thing we face. The effect of being totally intimate is being totally naked — emotionally, psychically, and possibly even physically. Being intimate is letting every part of me connect or touch with every part of you.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Intimacy is total vulnerability. Now I am totally defenseless. Every time we lie, hiding our "nakedness," we are telling the other person, "I don't trust you" and further weakening the painstakingly built bridge between the two people. We are so afraid of hurting others and of being hurt that we do the very thing that is guaranteed to destroy what we cherish. The paradox of being totally naked, vulnerable and intimate is that we are also totally potent. In reality, we cannot hurt or be hurt unless we choose it.</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Being naked, vulnerable and intimate with someone else is first to say that we are totally naked, vulnerable and intimate with ourselves. Do we trust ourselves or not? That is the ultimate question. Do we trust that we can handle whatever comes our way or will we run scared, hiding in the tunnel of darkness that is laden with ignorance and fear?</div><div style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The decision, of course, is up to each one of us.</div><br />
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<span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-50292825117893584522011-03-24T12:28:00.001-07:002011-05-21T09:47:41.828-07:00The Maternal Brain: Its Effect on Behavior<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1tXgKlX5yJhse2M3j4zA9YV5KaewXpJGj7ONEVCo3CXd87OGdzeqXddQosof-Krh_wWS4xfKM_JKqRkKWyz4HUcdI8Fr3OKp83twY1RNA-Pvju8u6aPy3pYcBtMKqFEZ_1U61i6HMXBz/s1600/brosis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1tXgKlX5yJhse2M3j4zA9YV5KaewXpJGj7ONEVCo3CXd87OGdzeqXddQosof-Krh_wWS4xfKM_JKqRkKWyz4HUcdI8Fr3OKp83twY1RNA-Pvju8u6aPy3pYcBtMKqFEZ_1U61i6HMXBz/s320/brosis.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother licking my sister's head</td></tr>
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</span></div></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Saw an interesting presentation and decided to write about what I learned. <o:p></o:p><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">Dr. Fred Punzo discussed the physiological and behavioral changes females undergo during procreation in his captivating presentation, “The Maternal Brain: Its Effect on Behavior.” He showed the transition in the psychological orientation from virgin females to pregnant females and explained the factors leading to this transformation in women. His research indicated that pregnant women gained enhanced skills and senses during this process as a result of the hormonal fluctuations that occur during pregnancy. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"> Certain pregnancy hormones affect the processes in the brain differently in a pregnant female. The ovary secretes the female sex hormone, estrogen which affects the hypothalamus of the brain resulting in the release of neurotransmitters. Estrogen stimulates two processes: neurogenesis and synaptogensis. It also increases the size of the medical preoptic area (MPOA) and hippocampus. An increase in the hippocampus boosts spatial learning and short term memory in pregnant females. Oxytocin and prolactin are two additional major pregnancy hormones that affect the behavior in vertebrates. Oxytocin is a mammalian hormone that causes the uterine muscles to contract, strengthens immune system, and raises stress resistance. Prolactin<span lang="EN"> is a peptide hormone that triggers the creation of oviduct jelly. The differences in behavior between pregnant females and virgin females were shown with pet scans of their brains. Punzo showed us an image of two brains belonging to a pregnant female and virgin female. The virgin female’s brain did not light up as much as the pregnant female’s. It proved that the activity of the brain, for both females, was different when processing olfactory information. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> Pregnant females develop a multitude of maternal behaviors as a result of the breeding process. These females are capable of grasping information more rapidly as opposed to virgin females. They are better at multitasking. Their olfactory sense, level of attentiveness, meticulousness regarding a particular task, and auditory stimuli are supposedly enhanced. Compared to rats and certain invertebrates like the wolf spider, pregnant females have similar behaviors. They feel a heightened need to protect their child and to make sure their child has a home and other necessities. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN"> Dr. Fred Punzo concluded that hormonal interactions that occur during a female’s pregnancy control their behavior in ways that surpasses the abilities of a virgin female and enhances their cognitive abilities.</span><o:p></o:p></div><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-21144841175053672632011-03-08T09:18:00.000-08:002011-05-21T22:57:45.961-07:00You only have one life to live, live it rightHow often have we said goodbye to something or someone that we love? Suddenly, it seems that it is far too late to lay our souls and hearts bare. How often have we allowed resentment to barricade kind words? What does it take for us to realize that vengeance never pays? What is there to gain from hurting others? Of throwing daggered words so fierce you hurt one far deeper than they hurt you? When is it ok to let anger blind reason that we make a very fatal mistake?<br />
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Must we wait for loss? Must we wait to listen to heavy sighs and stifling silence, the sniffles in the corner of the room? The piercing wails of irretrievable love? Until we hear the soul-hurt cries that bring relentless tears?<br />
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Many times in life we have heard that life is too short for petty arguments, too precious to be wasted, and yet, in the busy successions of mundane tasks, it's quite easy to forget. In reality, you may be a kind soul, respectful to all that cross your path, and sadly encounter those who take advantage of you, or push you to your limit. Sometimes we forget, in anger, to focus on the moment, because emotions ARE powerful enough to distract us from what truly is important. Of course, there are materialistic desires we want and believe we need. In short, we lose focus, we forget, we get distracted...until, that is, something brings you back to earth.<br />
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Still, in life, it's important to pause and take into account who and what is important. It's essential to transcend negative emotions and find a more positive approach to the situation. You won't regret it. Don't let your last words be filled with anger or hurtful intent. Be kind, respectful, and mindful of your impact on others. Don't be so consumed with materialism that you forget what truly is important: your family and your friends ( to name a couple).<br />
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Don't let the condescending words of others push you to anger, or make you feel inferior. Remember, in the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." It doesn't matter what school you attend, what car your drive, what job you have, so long as YOU are happy. So long as you have touched someone's life. So long as you have loved and loved deeply. Appreciate those around you and value their presence, before it's too late.<br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-62738261118251986382011-02-16T20:50:00.000-08:002011-05-21T22:57:24.096-07:00Progeria: Angels sent to teach humanity to love a little deeper<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq8IzfVBO_JVqCHO6NxqGtxUIy_xZfki5fpJ_AKgUSaBRKpa6WfSGxSX5dlLi3BLduNxEntHx6zOenKvpHmXJBuvMQdVXt5QGEgwIa9J4CwfOwnIcjD_ddprO4-evXHSwb_csgpb9Rk-t/s1600/Progeria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq8IzfVBO_JVqCHO6NxqGtxUIy_xZfki5fpJ_AKgUSaBRKpa6WfSGxSX5dlLi3BLduNxEntHx6zOenKvpHmXJBuvMQdVXt5QGEgwIa9J4CwfOwnIcjD_ddprO4-evXHSwb_csgpb9Rk-t/s320/Progeria.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two adorable girls diagnosed with Progeria</td></tr>
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</div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note: At the end of this entry I list the contact information for the Progeria Research Foundation if you want to help. There's no greater feeling than making a difference in someone's life. It's an even greater reward to make someone else happy. </span></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Progeria is a debilitating, fatal, genetic disease that cause children to age early, suffer from strokes, heart attacks and other symptoms atypical of old age.The average lifespan for children diagonosed with Progeria is 13 years. According to the Progeria Research Foundation, as of December 2010 it affects 78 children worldwide. Children suffering from progeria lose their hair, teeth, develop fragile bones, tight skin, stiff joints, have difficulty breathing, and some may have arthritis and osteoporosis. Despite their daily struggles and no cure, these children possess a passion <span style="color: black;">and joy for life unequaled. They carry with them a spirit that transcends the most emphatic trifles and have touched people from all walks of life. Their strength and heartwarming disposition have inspired many to persist in their dreams. Their lives are a testimony that, indeed, your attitude impacts the way you live. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I first became interested in Progeria when I encountered a little boy dressed in a suit at Miami Airport in 2005. However, this little boy lookd more like an old man, but was adorable. My mother told me that she believed the child had Progeria. "Pro...what?" I had never heard of it before. After research, the reason for my ignorance became clear. Progeria is an extremely rare disease, and therefore difficult to treat. The progeria gene was only discovered in 2003. Immediately I decided that for my Senior Seminar in highschool, I would try my best to raise money for little Lindsay and present on her. Since then my mother donates yearly.</span><br />
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</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you take the time to watch their videos, hear their laughter, watch the way they tackle life, you'll suddenly pause and realize that your complaints are petty, that you can indeed fight a little harder. These kids never give up. While fighting their battles, the people around them fall in love with them. I wonder, what would the world be like if we had their spirit? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em>Old Age at 3, the story of Zachary Moore</em> is by far one of the most awe-inspiring soul-felt books I've ever encountered. Written by his father, Keith Moore, we meet little Zachary, often called an angel, whose zest for life was an inspiration to others. He was born prematurely and as the months passed, he developed symptoms uncommon of a healthy child. His parents tirelessly searched and prayed for a diagnosis. Their researched unveiled numerous diseases that a child could have, and it was then that they realized what a miracle a healthy child is considering "the unhealthy percentage of children." As for little Zachary, at six months he developed symptoms typical of Progeria, although his case was more severe. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Daily his parents gave him physical therapy (at least five times a day) and tried their best to relieve his pain. They invested their energy into making Zachary as happy as possible. He was their gift, and a gift to the world, and they cherished each day with him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">There was much to learn from Zachary. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zachary's father recalls how daily, after he came home from work, Zach greeted him, yelling "Dadda!!!" with such glee. He writes:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">If he is doing something he literally drops it and moves away to let me know he is ready for me and nothing else will get in the way. What a great feeling it is each day to come home to him... All relationships should be that way, but unfortunately that is not the case. There are high percentages of times when we cannot drop things and devote complete attention to our relationships. What we can do is prioritize what we should be devoting our attention to. Are two hours of television more important than our kids and spouse each evening?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b>How well do you prioritize your day? What is truly important to you</b></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><b>? </b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">Zachary approached life undaunted and made the most of it. His physical limitations never stopped him from trying, and he did not not allow excuses to detain him. Indeed, as Mr. Moore write, " </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">We need to not focus on our limitations... Sometimes the worst situations present the best opportunities for growth." Quite honestly, his words bespeak an inconstestbable truth. How often have we fallen into self-pity, told ourselves that we weren't strong enough, smart enough, good enough? How often have we allowed our fears to imprison us? It's best to forge ahead and give it a shot. You might fail, you might face rejection, but your strength comes from moving forward with lessons garnered.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zachary's life may have been cut short (January 23, 2006), but he made a difference in the lives of others. How many can say that at two and three years old they gave people the strength to continue? stopped a man from committing suicide? inspired prisoners to maybe change their ways (some had up his picture on their cell wall) inspired others to love more? Take for instance this beautiful passage and note the powerful mpact Zachary had on others:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Everywhere we go some person comes up and tells Zach they love him. Sometimes they tell him with those exact words and sometimes with their actions. It is a wonderful thing for Zachary and that person. Wouldn’t it be great if everybody treated children or even adults with that attitude? The attitude that they deeply care about this person and want to tell them or show them they love them because they may not get another chance. Do you treat your children this way? How about the rest of your family, friends, or even people you meet? It is a wonderful thing to see and be with Zachary and witness this everyday.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">What if we could be a little more like Zachary?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><strong><u>How can I make a difference?</u></strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Visit <a href="http://www.progeriaresearch.org/">http://www.progeriaresearch.org</a> to learn more about Progeria, donate and/or get involved.</span></span><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-60865082856230002882011-02-15T15:59:00.000-08:002012-12-08T07:54:50.504-08:00It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy;-- it is disposition alone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy;-- it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other, and seven days are more than enough for others. " -Marianne on Willoughby in Jane Austen's</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em> Sense and </em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Sensibility</i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My cousin Alex's sand artwork</td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I met my ex-boyfriend we exchanged many letters expressing our feelings for each other and delving into details of our days. Our phone conversations journeyed to the edge of the universe, touched on the intricacies of love, involved animals and their various propensities, fumbled upon funny stories about ourselves, and never once did our lips run dry of words. In truth, our topics knew no end or depth. How had I managed to meet someone who connected with me on many different levels? Despite the long distance, at the time, we still managed to learn of one another's sensitivies and subtleties. Even in the end, we remained friends, understanding that life has a way of tossing obstacles our way so that we can grow, and sometimes that growth means recognizing that you both served a purpose by being in each other's lives.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Love starts off, for most, as unexpected, then a giddy feeling in the pit of your stomach, beat of your heart, and a slight tingle here and there. Fanciful thoughts seem to sprout from nowhere as you imagine you and your targetted beloved holding hands, enjoying a dinner, movie, ice cream, and other minor adventures. Through your conversations, once you detect the slightest hint of interest in someone who you're clearly interested in, that's it, you're enraptured, but simply won't admit it. At least that's how it happened for me. Afterwards, we exchanged long heartfelt humurous letters, enjoyed conversations that saw the break of day (literally), played various online computer games while on web-cam, and simply enjoyed each other's company. Suddenly, we were "in love," (haha). Our relationship was by no means perfect, but all that mattered was that at certain moments we made each other happy. I remember him saying that one of the best feelings was seeing me smile and knowing he was the reason that smile was there. I understand him, because it feels great the moment I walk out my door to see a huge grin spread across his face. We make each other happy, what more could we ask for?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Several years ago, I attempted to describe love (forgive the rather hyperbolic language at times. Just try and get the gist of it):</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">I cannot tell you what love is, nor would any description do it justice, but I can tell you what I think love is.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">One of the most beautiful gifts given to mankind is love. The person I am is the fruit of the lessons learned from my family and friends. They have imprinted themselves permanently in me, becoming the beat to my heart, the rhythm to my walk, the comforting hug, the gentle kiss, the child-like smile, the pleasant thoughts, the forgiving nod, and every other mannerism that is me. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Love is the fuel, that energy that no one can live without. Once discovered it is priceless. It gives us an irreplaceable oomph, that optimistic “I Can Fly” feeling. Love is all the virtuousness done without a single thought. It is the ability to trust someone with your life, with your secrets, with your past, with the mistakes you have made and having faith that they will not ever betray you. It is those tiny pastel colored butterflies swirling around and dancing within you, being playful, innocent, and cute. Even when those fluttery butterflies decide to go on vacation, love becomes fiery arguments, a waterfall of tears, and an earthquake of fears and regrets that helps us to grow. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Love is learning to absorb the harmful rays of words, to realize that they were said out of anger, to forgive and finally to forget. You forget because you realize that time is valuable, that tomorrow may not come, and that we are flawed, vulnerable human beings. Love is taking the time to reflect, listen, and share. It is not being afraid to walk around with your heart out on your hand but the freedom to be open. Love is the sight to see the perfection and uniqueness so intricately stored within each and every one of us, and then letting your feelings of appreciation shine.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Love is a hearing the sound of a person’s voice who makes your heart skip a beat or two. It is that irresistible desire to want and pick up a phone to see how your loved one is. Those grimy thoughts of white lies and other forms of dishonesty that so crudely stains humanity, fade, blockaded by the purity of love. It is the willingness to sacrifice yourself because they mean more than the ground you walk on, because they are the reason you walk on that ground each day. It is that jittery, bounciness of happiness, surging through, jumping up and down, that propels us to want to do the most ludicrous of things. Love is warmly clasping a hand and never wanting to let go, or that gentle kiss that sings “You mean more to me than you could ever know,” or the tear droplets with the message of “I miss you,” or that tight teddy bear hug that says, “Don’t leave me,” or the dancing sparkle of the eyes resonating with, “You’re amazing.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">Love is happiness and the unity to stay together no matter what tribulations decide to come your way, because without your loved ones, there is no life, no giddiness, no will, no respect, no wants, just an unfortunate unwelcomed void of solitude and sadness.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
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<span property="dct:title" xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com/" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL" xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" rel="license">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-65117621799694404052011-02-08T17:00:00.000-08:002011-05-18T21:27:39.257-07:00What's Essential is Invisible to the EyeDr. Leo Busgalia<br />
“What is essential is invisible to the eye,” quoted Dr. Leo Busgalia from <em>The Little Prince</em>. The essentiality he is referring to are the qualities within us which makes us unique and limitlessly interesting. He believes that everyone has the capability to love; however very few of us realize that potential, or even know who we are and what love is. As the cliché goes, we “look for love in all the wrong places,” when, through it all, love is within us. Busgalia points out that humanity searches for answers outside, where the light is, and we fail and fear to explore the dark, the dark uncertainties that make up a vital part of who we are. <br />
We build up insecurities and attempt to fulfill the requirements and roles outlined for us by society. All the while, we fail to realize that these laws were put in place because we are trying to find the one right way to live, to differentiate between good and bad, and to invent the perfect lifestyle. As we do so, we move further away from nature, an essential part of us, and label ourselves as superior. Our society is practically running by remote control. It is so technologically plagued that we are destroying ourselves and our world by forgetting ourselves ( a slight exaggeration, but you get the gist).<br />
No one looks inward anymore. He suggested that we take the opportunity to collect all the holy books and read them, and then reflect on them because we will be amazed by the “commonalities” they share. We constrain ourselves with roles and labels, when we should be painting the world with our colors and beauty. He tells us that beauty lies within us, and it is what there is to love. We worry extensively about insignificant details, about what brand of shampoo we use or toothpaste, and about clothing. It is a waste of a time that could have been used to meditate on a journey of self-discovery. We worry about our body, which he says is “metaphysical and weightless.” It carries “what’s essential, but it itself is not essential.” <br />
Throughout life, we search and search for an answer, hoping that out there somewhere, the millions of questions bubbling within each of us will be answered by some philosopher or some random person with a PHD. But “nobody has your answers.” The way to live is through simplicity. To forgive those who hurt you, be kind to your enemies, to know who you are not the “you other people tell you you are.” The moment we find that serenity within us, we’ll understand what he meant by “only with the heart can one see rightly,” the magic and the wonder people forget they are. If we are lucky enough to find ourselves, then we can give the best of who we are, and share with others that beauty. We will know, through sharing, that when we cry and laugh, we are not alone. We will know that love is living, giving, hurting, unity, despair and hope, and that “to live in life is to live in love, and to live in love is to live in life.”<br />
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<span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-13406096853271564692011-02-05T23:00:00.001-08:002011-05-18T21:28:44.075-07:00Nietzsche: He who has a why to live for can bear with almost any how<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbwpsY88sywkBGq5Fwyv75538n1XhtOSJCD2Z7jsbuua4TOIiWM2ftmEhSu7hARCa1JZn5iM0f5_Tto1ZkAZArtiulNK6QFEBjLPXhCijeaZMopMCKepoe5NHC4Yv3Iii6YCLXPP_Tl6O/s1600/believe2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZbwpsY88sywkBGq5Fwyv75538n1XhtOSJCD2Z7jsbuua4TOIiWM2ftmEhSu7hARCa1JZn5iM0f5_Tto1ZkAZArtiulNK6QFEBjLPXhCijeaZMopMCKepoe5NHC4Yv3Iii6YCLXPP_Tl6O/s320/believe2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="highlight">"Everywhere man is confronted with fate, with the chance of achieving something through his own suffering" - Viktor E. Frankel</span><br />
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Human suffering is relative. Even the most stoic individual has a breaking point, even if they choose to hide it. What do you do when you hit rock bottom? Maybe your dreams were crushed and set to flames, a loved one dies, you're drowning in debt, you're trapped in unrequited love's insufferable grasp, your boyfriend/girlfriend cheats and lies to you, your computer crashes and gone are all your essays and pictures, you're ignored or rejected in some way, demoted at your job, maybe you lost your job, everything just went wrong in one day or for the last couple of months things have been flying downhill. What do you do when you feel as though your prayers aren't answered? When you realize that your tears aren't shooting stars? What do you do when you turn to a friend and not even they really understand? How many times have you heard, "it will be okay," and yet know that those words have done nothing to purge you of the terrible gut-wrenching aches overwhelming your being. You're at your most vulnerable, now what? It's through challenges you discover your potential.<br />
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Viktor E. Frankl, a holocaust survivor and a psychiatrist who studied both neurology and psychology, uses his harrowing holocaust experience and his skills as a psychiatrist to help others find meaning in life through his book, " Man's Search for Meaning." He discusses logotherapy,which he founded, and which centers on finding a purpose in life to continue living, and the power of optimism. He "[considers] it a dangerous misconception of mental hygiene to assume that what man needs in the first place is equilibrium or, as it is called in biology, "homeostasis," i.e., a tensionless state. What man actually needs is not a tensionless state but rather the striving and struggling for a worthwhile goal, a freely chosen task. What he needs is not the discharge of tension at any cost but the call of a potential meaning waiting to be fulfilled by him." Sounds rather strange, right? No one actually wants tension, but at times tension offers an opportunity for growth.<br />
<div>Today I read a novel telling true sad stories about various Chinese women. A daughter crushed in an earthquake and dies fourteen days later in her mother's arms. Waiting for the love of your life for 45 years only to discover he remarried because someone told him you were dead during the Cultural Revolution where both of you were separated. Discovering that during an earthquake your son's legs were crushed and your daughter was gang raped. Falling in love and discovering that that man is cheating on you and when you confront him and the woman, he beats you and humiliates you. Growing up with the knowledge that your father raped you as a little girl. There are countless of horrifying stories, and maybe you might think that yours just can't compare.<br />
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In any case, there's a time where the world feels like it's crumbling around you and all you really want to do, despite the admonitions from your friends and relatives, is curl up into a ball and cry (maybe you just wish to fall asleep unhindered by the pain plaguing your being) that's when you have to stop, release the emotions from your system. Then stop yourself before you go too far and contemplate jumping off a cliff or sinking into the claws of death.<br />
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Dr. Frankel makes a valid point when he states that "s<span class="highlight">uffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death. Without suffering and death human life cannot be complete. The way in which a man accepts his fate and all the suffering it entails, the way in which he takes up his cross, gives him ample opportunity-even under the most difficult circumstances-to add a deeper meaning to his life." It's important during times of suffering to never lose hope. Indeed, "</span><span class="highlight"><span class="highlight">What does Spinoza say in his Ethics? -'Affectus, qui passio est, desinit esse passio simulatque eius claram et distinctam formamus ideam." Emotion, which is suffering, ceases to be suffering as soon as we form a clear and precise picture of it. The prisoner who had lost faith in the future-his future-was doomed. With his loss of belief in the future, he also lost his spiritual hold; he let himself decline and became subject to mental and physical decay."</span></span><br />
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<span class="highlight"><span class="highlight">Dr. Frankel expounds on this later when he tells a tale of a man who lost hope and died of typhus:</span></span><br />
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<em><span class="highlight"><span class="highlight"><span class="highlight">Those who know how close the connection is between the state of mind of a man-his courage and hope, or lack of them-and the state of immunity of his body will understand that the sudden loss of hope and courage can have a deadly effect. The ultimate cause of my friend's death was that the expected liberation did not come and he was severely disappointed. This suddenly lowered his body's resistance against the latent typhus infection. His faith in the future and his will to live had become paralyzed and his body fell victim to illness-and thus the voice of his dream was right after all</span></span></span></em></div><div><br />
What if I can't sleep? What do I do? CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE AND KEEP OCCUPIED</div><div>Drink some tea. Read a book. Start telling yourself a story where you're somewhere else, somebody else, where everything is okay. Start planning your next step forward. Stop replaying the events that caused you so much pain. Instead view your suffering as your strenght and utilize it in a manner that will help you achieve future goals. Give your life meaning. Frankel states that "a<span class="highlight">ccording to logotherapy, we can discover this meaning in life in three different ways: (I) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering." Maybe it's easier said than done, but the most rewarding experiences are difficult to achieve.</span><br />
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At some point, you have to accept what happened and move forward. Just don't over think, don't abuse your already tired mind and heart. Sometimes depression saps away all your energy and desire to do more. Try to do something. And if you're alone, not wanting to let the world know your troubles, talk to yourself, take a break, and write down your goals. I know sometimes it's hard to force yourself to go to work the next morning when you're bone tired from crying, but it's getting up that gives you the strength to move forward. It sure doesn't feel that way, but the greatest satisfaction and achievements stem from moments where you push yourself when you're at the bottom. Frankel points out<span class="highlight">.that "what...matters is to bear witness to the uniquely human potential at its best, which is to transform a personal tragedy into a triumph, to turn one's predicament into a human achievement." </span><br />
Have you ever ran uphill? And as you run, the hill slopes higher and higher, steeper and steeper. Your legs burn. You're panting. You have no water. You're probably complaining about how much it sucks. It's getting harder and harder to push yourself forward. In the end, your legs are stronger, your heart healthier, your stamina far higher than before. Sure, you wanted to collapse, give up, lose hope. But after you make it, you realize it was better to give it all your energy.</div><div><br />
I got lost once and was forced to keep walking uphill until the sun set. I couldn't stop, because if I stopped I would never find someone to help me. I had no food and no water. It was a tiring and terrifying experience where I walked and ran miles and miles uphill, surrounded by tall bushes, and the sounds of frogs and crickets. I trudged through mud and walked past cow dung. My hope sank when I saw the sun begin to set, and then set. But several hours later everything was okay.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>You will be okay too. Just keep on pushing forward. Find the best way to deal with your grief. Remember, your suffering, your experience is unique to you:<br />
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"Was Du erlebst, kann keine Macht der Welt Dir rauben." (What you have experienced, no power on earth can take from you.) Not only our experiences, but all we have done, whatever great thoughts we may have had, and all we have suffered, all this is not lost, though it is past; we have brought it into being. Having been is also a kind of being, and perhaps the surest kind." <br />
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Don't lose faith...</div><br />
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<span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-51394761623572263492011-02-04T14:55:00.002-08:002011-05-21T22:56:35.169-07:00The Greater Good<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">In the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Skull Mantra</i> by Eliot Pattison, Shan gives advice to Yeshe that demonstrates the general essence of happiness and could possibly explain the Dalai Lama’s perpetual happy state. He tells Yeshe that “it is a mistake to think of courage as something you show to others. True courage is only something you show to yourself” (271). While Shan is referring solely to courage, the concept applies to any feeling. The keyword in his statement is “think” because it truly is a mistake to think of emotions as having a sense of obligation. Others may sense and see your emotions, but there is no need or desire to show it; it simply happens and you just are. Still, many wonder what is the source of happiness and if it is possible to attain this state.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">I remember, once, sitting back trying to give happiness a definition. I laughed. My reasoning, I realized, was defective because I was trying to constrain an abstract concept, a feeling that we label as happiness but never had a label for before words existed. And for that matter, I could invent as many words as I believed needed to fully explain it. Likewise, any definition I thus applied would be fitting. So happiness is amtacularlous. Amtacularous: An amazing, spectacular feeling akin to a miracle and found in the reatastical gorium. I feel free to pronounce it how ever I feel; whether I sound French or Spanish or Arabic matters not since I invented the word. All the thoughts coursing through my mind were nothing but obstructions leading me to construct happiness. Happiness, as with all feelings, is best understood and felt without the lock imposed upon us by finite thoughts. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">Whether it exists depends heavily on your perception of what happiness is; everyone, being different and sharing a plethora of varying views, will perceive it in a diversity of ways. For example, if many see perfection as the key to happiness then it is undeniable that they will feel a great deal of daily dissatisfaction, unless they have a unique definition of perfection that defers from the norm. As for me, while I was sick, I realized where a portion of my happiness stems.When ill, I lose clarity of thought and the freedom to function properly; therefore, I found that the key, for me, was freedom in many forms. If one cannot think, eat, sleep and breathe, then it seems that the purpose of living becomes null and void. Nevertheless, there remains an approach through which, even in the most despicable state (there are exceptions, always), peacefulness and happiness can be found.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;">If happiness is based on how one perceives a situation, then<u> some</u> situations can bring about, if not happiness, peace. In order to do so, one must be willing to see the positive side of any situation and willing to make the most of the worst possible scenario. In other words, one must rise above the many obstacles in life. In Eugen Herrigel’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zen in the Art of </i>Archery, Eugen, when discussing the art of the swordsman, mentions that “the swordmaster is fearless….He no longer knows what fear of life and terror of death are. He lives….happily enough in the world’ (78). Furthermore, the master’s counsel, in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Zen in the Art of </i>Archery, reveals the way to happiness when he says that “you must free yourself from the buffetings of pleasure and pain, and learn to rise above them in easy equanimity” (60). Happiness is not only a choice, it might be the freedom from fear, worry, and ignorance which is the cause of suffering. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"> For the most part, it is you who are in charge and you who affect your state of being. Your perception dictates how you feel and therefore influences how you approach life. The Dalai Lama enjoys the present moment, accepts that bad and good things happen, but most importantly he detaches himself from the negative feelings that may arise. He acknowledges that certain episodes may cause sadness but I feel that he sees a beauty in life, that through his own happiness he can make others happy, and in turn become happier himself. It seems he has a greater purpose, one for the greater good. There is no doubt that that must be extremely fulfilling.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: .5in;"><br />
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</div>Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4317681843075485796.post-23004824924988172122011-02-03T06:55:00.000-08:002011-05-18T21:28:20.777-07:00You're not suffering alone...<object height="326" width="446"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/SunithaKrishnan_2009I-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/SunithaKrishnan-2009I.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=704&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=sunitha_krishnan_tedindia;year=2009;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;theme=a_taste_of_tedindia;event=TEDIndia+2009;&preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" bgColor="#ffffff" width="446" height="326" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talks/dynamic/SunithaKrishnan_2009I-medium.flv&su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/SunithaKrishnan-2009I.embed_thumbnail.jpg&vw=432&vh=240&ap=0&ti=704&introDuration=15330&adDuration=4000&postAdDuration=830&adKeys=talk=sunitha_krishnan_tedindia;year=2009;theme=rethinking_poverty;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;theme=a_taste_of_tedindia;event=TEDIndia+2009;"></embed></object><br />
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Check out this video about the multimillion-dollar industry, the sex trade. The speaker is Sunitha Krishna who is fighting against the sex trade, and rescued thousands of girls. Help make a difference.<br />
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Once in awhile I'll sign into Facebook to be flooded with people's rantings about how awful their life is because they found out that their boyfriend/girlfriend has dumped them for someone else, or long dramatic soliloquies (I think Facebook caught on and that's why statuses cannot exceed 420 characters, should be less though) about how lonely, unloved, and neglected they are and yes, people, the world is surely going to end because nothing is going right for me. I have nothing against people exercising their rights to pour their souls out to the world, after all it may just be their much needed outlet, and we need one sometimes, even if it takes the form of Facebook. However, what bothers me is the insignificance of their complaints in comparison to the many abominations circulating the world. It's for this reason I chose to recommend several books that delve into some of humanity's most heinous crimes.<br />
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Slavery continues in the Sudan, villages raided and burned down, little girls raped and sold into domestic slavery and permanently separated from their loved ones (Read <em>Slave: My True Story</em> by Damien Lewis and Mende Nazer). Move right along to the degradations women (for instance in Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand) endure as they're sold into prostitution, at times by their own family. Their daily existence consists of being beaten to the point of death, being raped by toothless smelly men, fearing the onset of AIDS and other sexual diseases, and other atrocities. Mind you, some of these girls haven't reached puberty yet. ( Read <em>The Road of Lost Innocence</em> by Somaly Mam). How about little girls--in places like Yemen--at the age of 10, sometimes younger, being forced to marry a man 20 or 30 years older, taken away from their family, unable to escape because they'll dishonor their families, left to uphold ancient traditions even if it means nightly rapes and beatings from their husband, when all these little girls want to do is go outside and play? Nujood Ali was ten years old when she was married and divorced in 2008. (Read <em>Nujood Ali, age 10 and divorced</em>). What about those children that live in a household that should be full of warmth and love, and instead are threatened with knives, thrown into a bath of bleach, maybe prostituted off, drugged, for the selfish gains of others (Read <em>Invisible Tears</em> by Abigail Lawrence). Even on my island, the year has barely begun and we have had four homicides. Then recently the case continues circulating the gruesome murder of Zahra Baker, a beautiful ten-year-old, disabled girl who battled cancer, wore a prosthetic leg, and was not only killed but dismembered. Pause for a minute and change your focus. Why not make a difference in someone's life?<br />
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Then there are those who do not complain despite blindness, autism, and other disabilities. Instead, somehow, they manage to channel a greater force and become a musical savant, like Rex (Read <i>Rex</i> by Catheleen Lewis).<br />
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</div><div> In comparison to the nefarious acts taking place around the world, count your blessings and make the most of your situation. At times emotions cloud your mind and, thus, your ability to think clearly. It takes a very disciplined individual to be able to control a meltdown, and sometimes, honestly, you need that breakdown to release a battalion of emotions. Sometimes you tell yourself, "I know people have it worse, but I just can't ignore my feelings. This hurts." And yet at times you have to stop and realize that your bickering isn't going to bring about an apocalypse. Life will go on. Just keep moving forward. Relax, read something funny, and get a grip of your emotions, or read inspiring stories...just DO something instead of wallowing in self pity.<br />
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Want to make a difference, raise awareness, or learn more? I won't list every possible link. But here's just a couple to get you started:<br />
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<a href="http://www.somaly.org/slavery">http://www.somaly.org/slavery</a> - Learn about Modern-day slavery and prostitution and what you can do to help.<br />
<a href="http://www.mendenazer.org/en/content/author-mende-nazer">http://www.mendenazer.org/en/content/author-mende-nazer</a> -more on Modern-day slavery<br />
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<span xmlns:dct="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" property="dct:title">Sand-Dollared Cataract</span> by <a xmlns:cc="http://creativecommons.org/ns#" href="http://fia-lee.blogspot.com" property="cc:attributionName" rel="cc:attributionURL">Sofia Mitchell</a> is licensed under a <a rel="license" href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License</a>.Fiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00568782900773272271noreply@blogger.com0