Stop animal exploits in fairs and circus

This weekend was my home town's annual fair. In the past there has been a circus and exotic animals such as a brother and sister black panther pair, ring tail lemurs, tortoises, kangaroos, etc... Though I wish these animals could have more space to roam, they all seemed in good health and there were lots of opportunity to educate the masses about these animals. So when I heard that a group of tigers and a lion was going to be at the fair I was excited. How wrong I was!

There was about nine tigers maybe more since I didn't count and one lion. All were housed in cramp cages with just enough room to lye down and turn around in. Then the presenters were nothing less than cheap Las Vegas rip offs waiving sticks at the animals and making them stand up on their back legs. Then to make matters worse, the lion was forced to stand upon a tripod of sorts while the tigers walked underneath the graceful lion to the tune of the old nursery rhyme song London Bridge.

This event was nothing less than emotional torture. Sure, these beautiful creatures looked in good physical condition but having to do such stupid tricks is degrading. I support animals being in sanctuaries and zoos because their homes are being taking away and are murdered daily by poachers. I also support animals traveling in fairs as educational ambassadors but NOT AS ACTORS IN A CHEAP TRICKS SHOW. Instead of doing what these idiots did, they could have housed the tigers and lion in a large enclosure equipped with a variety of stimulating landscape such as ropes, trees, caves, water pool etc... Then while people count their blessings for being able to simply observe, educators could be at hand to explain the big cats' current plight at survival and being a severely endangered animal. Instead, over one hundred people huddled around and clapped as the animals performed stupid pet tricks.

Which leads me to the following conclusion about animal welfare - as long as people come, animals will always continue to be exploited.

And my solution to this is simple, stop the exploitation of animals in circus and fair environments. Instead, provide suitable habitats to stimulate their senses and let them teach us humans as ambassadors of nature. It really is that simple.

domestic violence double standard

I was watching one of those court tv shows today. This lady was being sued by her ex for a loan and as a defense argued that the ex used to beat her. At first I was all for the lady but later the story came out that she would attack the ex first usually by slapping him in the face. The judge went off on the guy about having no right to put his hands on any woman but never said anything to the lady. This is my problem. Domestic violence should not be limited to man beating woman. It should encompass both. No person has any right to put his or her hands on any other person period. The judge should have yelled at the lady too for slapping the man. She had no right to do so just like the guy had no right too. Right now there still is a double standard here and until the issue of no one having a right to touch another is addressed can domestic violence finally be controlled and eventually eliminated.

Is the NFL losing touch with its fans

Yes, I admit it. I am spoiled. My father has been driving me to and from work so I can save money by avoiding parking. In exchange for his services, I let him drive my car and listen to a morning talk show by this guy named Mike and Boomer Esiason. In the past few days, the topic of interest besides the end of the baseball season has been football - the only sport I really follow. Apparently, teams such as the Giants are coming up with programs that cost an exorbitant amount of money to buy and/or keep season tickets. This has something to do with obtaining a personal license for the season tickets which gives you rights to a set of seats; remember you also have to buy the season tickets (sounds like double dipping). I also learned that even if you have season tickets, you still have to buy the game day tickets. About a month ago I went onto ticket master to see if I can buy tix for my dad and I. The cheapest tix I could find (a pair) would've cost me over $500 bucks. I think the prices charged for going to a football game is disgusting. Teams are losing site of the fans which has helped make football just as important to our society as baseball. Unfortunately, like any other corporation, the only goal at hand is the almighty dollar. Eventually, at this rate, no regular American who wants to go to a game with his or her father will be able to. The stadiums will be empty and the only ones watching the game live will be pigeons. In which case I am sure management will come up with a way to charge them too.

p.s. go bears!!!

What is the difference between blogger and journalist

Can anyone explain to me the difference between blogger and journalist?

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: A blog is a "web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer." A blogger is the author of the blog in question. On the other hand, a journalist is "a person engaged in journalism; especially (a.) writer or editor for a news medium (b.) a writer who aims at a mass audience."

In addition, journalism is described as the following: "1 a: the collection and editing of news for presentation through the media b: the public press c: an academic study concerned with the collection and editing of news or the management of a news medium 2 a: writing designed for publication in a newspaper or magazine b: writing characterized by a direct presentation of facts or description of events without an attempt at interpretation c: writing designed to appeal to current popular taste or public interest."

As you can see, journalists tend to write about news events and facts without interpretations, but is this really the case. As we saw from the 2008 election, the news media were disgustingly bias in favor of Obama. They interpreted their coverage based on personal opinions and wanted professional gains. Bloggers also write about facts uncovered by the news media. They just tend to throw in their own two cents. Does this make them any less than a journalist? In addition, like journalists and the media which strive to reach the masses, bloggers write on sites which have equal opportunity to reach the masses. They are open to the public 24/7 via the world wide web.

A couple of months ago I decided to apply for a slot at an online news agency. Actually, anyone can basically write for them just like a blog site. The only difference is you have to fill out an application, submit a writing sample of what you would write about and agree to a criminal background check. Blogger does not do that. Maybe they should (LOL). But it was not like a job interview and I was granted permission to write for them. You basically get 1 cent per view. My hits have been great compared to all my other sites. In just two months I had over 1000 hits. It took me two years to achieve that on Earth Chatter. Anyways, over the last four days, massive debates have been going on in the google group site due to a recalculation of compensation. This resulted in journalists putting down other writers with no journalist background. These people think they are better. Are they? I think not. Despite what these journalists think, the only difference between bloggers and journalists in my opinion is venue. We bloggers write on free sites open to the public. Journalists traditionally go through newspapers and publishers. However, the outcome is the same. We all write! Sure journalists write just about the news while we have the flexibility to write about whatever. But I think we are all the same. What do you think?

Too many opinions

A few months ago I joined the Examiner, which is an online news agency. I had to submit an application and writing sample proving myself to be a reliable independent contractor on the issue I choose - environmental issues. I tried to raise the bar from my normal blogging habits which included researching more issues and trying to write just a little better than normal. I have really enjoyed myself and still am. However, the comments started coming in which I am not use to receiving and was surprised that almost all were negative. People were resorting to calling me uninformed and unprofessional, etc... They even said I was stating untruths. I am not implying that this has never happened. My post prior to this one contained a comment implying the same. I was just not prepared for the the higher level of emotion these commentors had.

This gave me a thought. Everyone is entitled to their opinions; I will always believe this. But there seems to be a little problem emerging. More and more people are becoming less open minded. For example, an individual who believes whole heartedly in man made global warming immediately concludes that an individual believing that global warming is natural is stupid and uninformed. There is no acceptance that for every opinion, there is an anti-opinion so to speak. This frame of mind is damaging to progressive debates on important issues such as the environment, health care, etc... Therefore, unless people can stop believing that they are always right, absolutely nothing will be resolved.

So, what do you think?

Animal rights terrorist attacks rising in the USA

The occurrence of terrorist attacks upon scientists and their families are increasing at an alarming rate. The scientists being targeted are those conducting research on animals. The groups conducting the violent attacks are animal rights activist groups such as the Animal Liberation Front. Click here to read the article published on www.foxnews.com.

I am a supporter of animal rights and the need to further strengthen laws protecting animals from torture and abuse. However, I condemn groups the resort to violence to get their message across. Over the past year and six months, there have been 39 violent attacks. Luckily, no one has been killed but it is just a matter of time before someone's father, mother, son, or daughter dies. Groups that are committing these crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Though I support their message, no one has the right to resort to violence even if the message is worthy.

Is MPG worth risking public safety?

Ever since I read the articles and heard the news about the Obama Administration's plan to increase fuel efficiency for all cars to around 35 MPG, I couldn't help but think about the safety factor. In order to meet the MPG regulations that are planned, manufacturers will have to make cars smaller and lighter. Take the smart car for example. It is capable of 33 MPG and does have basic safety features such as air bags and ABS. But what bothers me is that small fuel efficient cars are not practical for families with 2 or 3 kids and a dog.

Families will always need modes of transportation such as vans. Companies will need tractor trailer 18 wheel trucks. People looking to impress others will buy large cars. So long as there are still cars and trucks on the road other than the smart car and the like, there is going to be a huge risk to public safety. Unless every car in the country was replaced with similar small cars, the likelihood of deaths per accident is too scary to ignore. The only advantage I could think of is that instead of dying a painful death in a hospital, you will probably die instantly.

Don't get me wrong, I do not condemn policies increasing MPG efficiency. I am just concerned that the administration is not fully considering the public safety issue of promoting small less than safe cars. What is your opinion?

Asus eee 1000 HE review

For the past five months or so I've been researching the numerous choices existing in lap top computers. I wanted a computer that wouldn't replace my desk top but rather supplement it. I wanted a small lightweight system that would allow be to blog, surf the net, and update my sites while camping and enjoying the summer weather. It didn't take long to discover the net book. After reading consumer reviews, editor reviews and comparing system capacities I decided on the Asus eee 1000 HE. Is it possible to fall in love with a computer?

I am typing this on my eee net book and all I can really say is it exceeds my expectations. Page downloads are quick. The 10 inch screen resolution is clear and easy to read. The battery life has been averaging around 7 hours. And despite some product reviews I read, you are able to multi-task on this little computer. I've been able to open up 5 browsers (I use Firefox) and the word processing application at the same time. The only negative I have to mention is the touch pad. It is very sensitive and takes a while getting use to. The keys also take some getting use to but is a small price to pay considering all the positives.

Finally, I purchased through Amazon. I did have a problem with them because their shipping techniques stink. The computer was sent with no bubble wrap type protection and was DOA. However, both Asus and Amazon offered great customer service and a new computer was sent out the very same day. But despite this set back which was not the computer but Amazon, I would recommend the Asus eee 1000 HE to anyone looking for a secondary computer.

Fat People Do Not Cause Global Warming!

How dare these so called scientists on global warming conclude that fat people are the cause for our plant's heat wave. Not so long ago, these scientist were saying that cow farts were to blame. Now they moved their attention on us over weight people. The article I read states that we are destroying our planet because we tend to walk less and ride cars more. And because we might eat more than thinner individuals, our average consumption is higher. On an individual health issue, I understand these points. The more we eat, the more waste we may create. But to put the blame on us for global warming - come on!!! What have these scientists been smoking!!!

Have you noticed that every time a news outlet releases an article possibly debunking global warming, scientists come up with a new angle to scare the populous that we are all going to burn. Before I saw this article blaming fat people, I read how Antarctica is in fact growing, not melting. Yes, parts of the ice shelf is disappearing in the Eastern region, but the Western area is growing. Here is the real fact: there is no real concrete proof global warming is happening because of humans! Sure there's a wealth of evidence showing the deterioration of land thanks to human encroachment which results in the endangerment of wildlife. But the whole idea of global warming is a theory just like aliens. And scientists will continue to scare the hell out of us so long as it gets them noticed...and guess what, it is working!

Haunting in Connecticut

Today I went to see Haunting in Connecticut with my nephew. If you want to see a very good movie with great photography and acting which makes you jump and in my case scream once or twice, this is a must see. Within 15 minutes, you will find your mind race as you try to guess what's going to happen next. By 30 minutes, your heart will thump in your chest and maybe skip a beat here and there. This was a great time. My only regret is I didn't have a boyfriend to cuddle up to and my nephew probably won't ever let me live down my scream (LOL).

Letter to Obama - America Arrogant?

How dare you declare to the European Nations that America is arrogant. And to make matters worse, you have the audacity to apologize for the past eight years and even went so far as to say how embarrassed you are for President Bush's reign.

I know you are not reading this Mr. President but I feel the need to remind you that it took President Bush eight years to create a trillion dollar deficit. In just over three months you created over 3 trillion! And like it or not, President Bush kept this country safe for eight years. Yes there are a lot of things that could have been done differently. But in the end, Bush always put the country first. He did not feel the need to kiss Europe's back side and try and make everyone like us. Maybe you could start doing the same as our American President instead of trying to make yourself the most popular politician on Earth...

Life On Mars...why watch imitators?

Life On Mars was an awesome sci fi/drama tv show in England starring John Simm and Philip Glenister. After showing a successful following on BBC America, an attempt was made to make an American version which (thankfully) was canceled. The last show was aired last night. I never got into it. Not for lack of trying; the show was just lacking in so many ways including script and originality. My Aunt who lives next door however loved it and I decided to watch the last episode with her. Oh my god! It was so stupid. Even my Aunt agreed. I'm not going to waste my time or yours explaining the plot. It was another example of how Hollywood and TV executives are producing sub-par entertainment because of the obsession of making remakes or copying what was already created. It also provides evidence to the following philosophy: Why watch the imitators when you can watch the originators!

GPS devices are no good...

The other day I was reading an article about a man in Great Britain who nearly drove his car off a cliff. The man's defense to his reckless driving was his GPS device. He claims he was following the voice commands which lead him to the edge of the cliff.

I work in a customer service environment and everyday I have people calling from their cell phones asking me for our physical address. You can tell that they are plugging this information into their GPS. More times than I'd like to admit, the person would argue with me that the address was not accepted into their device. In less time than these conversations usually last, I could have given precise directions.

I am convinced that GPS devices are simply no good! Sure they are valuable in case of emergencies but not for everyday life. People are depending on a device which must be updated regularly to get to where they are going. They will get the same directional results simply by calling for directions and using some common sense. In addition, driving while following the GPS directions can be very dangerous just like talking on a cell phone or fixing your hair. It provides yet another distraction which can lead to fatal consequences. In a nutshell, we are allowing ourselves to be controlled by technology because we are looking for the easy way out.