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

Cookie Traditions

Christmas always depends on traditions.

Every year I am always intent on keeping them. One of our favorite parts of decorating is Cookie Day. On Cookie Day, my mother and I watch the movie Dogma and make snickerdoodles, oatmeal scotchies, oatmeal raisins and chocolate chip cookies.

This year I decided to make a "gingerbread" house out of graham crackers and other sorts of candies.

It reminds me of what is truly important this Christmas. As I read the outside of the house a giant MU in black and gold shines... Insight bowl 2010... I'll be there. GO TIGERS!

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.

Yep. Thanksgiving post.

This is going to be a busy three days for me so I decided that I would do the "Thanksgiving" post tonight.
It is usually a time of year when food and football are around and no, I'm not one of those mushy types but we all have to be thankful for something? Today I would like to make a confession, not in my wildest dreams would I say this in front of anyone but today I would like to say that I am thankful for Pillsbury Crescent rolls. They not only bring the family together but they bring me to the table! I'm not a huge fan of turkey (the meat kind), sweet potatoes, cranberries or Waldorf salad but these rolls are the greatest little balls of dough you have ever set your eyes on.
Not only can you just eat them in baked form you can create recipes that you wouldn't have ever dreamed of: Cheese triangles, crescent pecan pies, bacon cheddar pinwheels and so much more. The possibilities are endless.
I know what you're probably saying...."What if I don't like them?" Then there is a simple solution really? Play with your food. I'm sure the dough boy would do the same thing.
There is nothing wrong with marketing such a product. Clearly they have their "stuff" together. They not only have a character mascot that is adorable and made out of dough but he goes "Woo hoo" when you push his belly button and he loves cookies. I would expect nothing less and frankly, have grown up with this lovable creature my whole life. The color scheme also works nicely with the blue and white complementing each other.
The best part about the whole crescent roll experience is that you will be able to eat in peace without gagging at aunt Gina's horror of a potato roll or uncle Billy's torched turn-overs.
So the next time you are sitting at your table and are about to say your Thanksgiving prayer everyone really try to remember what you are thankful for. And... if your going to pray, pray for a better season in football...

Monday Morning Warning

You may think of the African Elephant as a powerful, strong, majestic creature but that is not stopping this Nile Crocodile from clamping onto the tusk of this mother elephant. I thought this was an amazing picture and shows that crocs aren't just creatures of sneaking beatings of turtles and snakes they have a power unadjustable to size. This picture was taken by tourist Martin Nyfeler of Switzerland and was taken from National Geographic's story, "African Ambush," by Brian Handwerk found at croc story online.

Although, the attack might have been a mistake the elephant was able to drag the reptile away from the water and leave the scene with her calf right beside her. A good story for a Monday morning. Take on the elephant today on a Monday and get dragged out of the water...

Turtles are really taking the toll...

As I read National Geographic Daily news daily, I have realized that turtles are taking the toll compared to other animals. These Green Sea Turtles are found to be taking ridiculous amounts of run-off nitrogen from our sewers, farms, houses...etc and scientists have found led to the herpes virus.

This article by Rebecca Kessler called, "Sea Turtles Herpes Tumors Linked To Sewage," talks about "cauliflower- like tumors which can sprout on a turtle's eyes, mouth, joints and internal organs."

Some people believe that this could be due to the results of the British Petroleum Oil Spill although, no direct evidence. The website Oil Spill Wildlife Crisis article "Green Sea Turtle," by Kristin G. Sekeric, talks about one of the most endangered animals due to the oil spill, the Green Sea Turtle die premature to normal turtles due to this herpes virus.

Thought this was interesting

I follow a man named whysharksmatter on twitter and he pointed out this article about how jellyfish cells can detect cancer. jellyfish article