History Doomed to be Repeated?

Traditions are important to many parts of the world. Without history there would be no progress. There would be no Statue of Liberty, no knowledge of our round Earth and no Wrigley Field. Of all our traditions from history however, how would we do without slavery? Perhaps you would prefer the tradition of holding women back from voting? Maybe the Dark Ages of flagellation and burning books would be more enjoyable?

When reading an article by ABC's Blog titled, "Hunting For the Truth," by Tony Barrell, from April 15, 2009, I found something remarkable. The Japanese have tried to make whaling and whale meat a tradition from the years in the past.

"The 1911 riot is analysed by Hiroyuki Watanabe, research fellow at Kyoto university, who says his compatriots had little long term experience of the cetacean, cooked or otherwise, until industrial scale whaling was introduced into Japan. Watanabe did his research in 2002 but it has just been published and updated in an English version. He says he is neither pro nor anti-whaling, but suggests we stop thinking that Japanese 'tradition' justifies it," said Barrell.

Not only are some of the Japanese people able to whale over 800 a year for "scientific research" said Barrell but most of the meat caught is given away to schools, unwanted.

"If you accept the idea that a 'tradition' has to have been part of a culture for many generations, or centuries, then whales have never been a "traditional" food for the majority of Japanese. Nor has whaling as we know it been a 'traditional' activity," said Barrell.

As the whaling laws become more strict some countries want to keep their traditions. In the United States a popular phrase of, "save the whales," has survived. Popular television shows such as Whale Wars which is promoting their new season, "The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society's ongoing struggle to end Japanese whaling will continue on Season 4 of Whale Wars premiering Summer 2011."

How do we let other countries know that the only way to save the fish, to produce food, to keep the ocean alive, to keep our industries flowing is to protect the ocean?

picture from foxnews.com

Animal Health in Kansas City

While visiting in Kansas City this weekend I noticed that there is a growing industry for animal health care. Not only are laboratories and veterinarians growing around this area but also pharmaceutical companies and there is a communication industry revolving around this. One of the most impressive companies I have found being represented by Fleishman- Hillard and Grey Group Healthcare is Bayer Animal & Human Healthcare. This company has been helping animals since 1919 and has updated information about animal veterinary research.

I have interest in their company because they are a company that cares about animals, yet, cares about humans also. This seems appropriate and logical in the animal field.

I also enjoy their company because they believe in research. Research not only helps humans but animals as well and has created a rich field in the economy.

Kansas City has offered a large area for biotechnology, animal expertise, pharmacology and communications for animals.

I believe in the future this company will be important to know in current events.

I also believe that if there was a way to help animals without having euthanize them we would all be happier people. Animals don't live as long as humans but they are still part of our families. I know my animals are as well as the ones I work with at the vet (Animal Clinic Suburban, P.C.). This is why I am so passionate about animal health care and am hopeful to indulge in this industry in the future.

Is it bad that this story touched me?

Friday night and I don't feel like being pushed around a crowded bar or staying at my apartment alone so I ask my dad, who is also solo, if he would like to have a movie night after I get off work. He agrees and I meet him after work. When I get to the house I see that he has not arrived home yet so I call to find that he has cleaned out the movie store with many possible intriguing flicks. The first I see that he has gotten especially for me is the National Geographic special, "Great White."

I have always loved animals, especially working at a vet with domestic dogs and cats but one animal intrigues me more than any other--the great white shark. Although, I believe I should have become a vet or a marine biologist I picked something else to concentrate my school on--Public Relations. I am trying to figure out how I could possibly fit this into my dream job. Any sharks need representation?...

Well at least they have a bad reputation. However, with that reputation I found that this story was actually touching. It made me sympathize with a great white and with the name Nicole and the distance she traveled it was pretty easy to find this animal amazing.


The journey begins off the Coast of Holbaai, South Africa in 2003 by a team supported by The Wildlife Conservation Society in association with Marine and Coastal Management, the White Shark Trust, the Universities of Cape Town and Pretoria and the South African Museum. They tagged a shark that the team tracked for 99 days where the 12.5 foot great white Nicole made a journey of 11,000 kms from her original site to the western coast of Australia.
The film illustrates the difficulties a migratory shark has to go through. The depths that the shark faced which were about 300ft were cold and caused the shark's warm-blooded body to suffer. Killer Whales also kill sharks in the cold waters on Nicole's path. Nicole even went through Australian hurricane season but soared so low beneath the surface that she surpassed the elements. Nicole even passed the deadly fishermen who leave deadly nets and hunger for the ancient shark fin soup. The film talked about the way sharks used electromagnetism to find their way on their long 99 day journey.
This story is fascinating to me and I believe is one way for us to really think about sharks. They aren't just killing machines they are animals with purpose. They are survivors and one of the most ancient creatures on planet Earth. Plus... I love them.

To learn more about Nicole and National Geographic's shark endeavors check out:
http://www.whitesharktrust.com/migration.html