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Sometimes I feel ashamed to be a human. All of the cruelty and harshness that we inflict, not only on each other, but on vulnerable animals too. I am not one of those people who value animals lives above humanity, but surely we should value every living creature. I acknowledge that there are times when culling, and even hunting, is necessary, but the senseless slaughtering of beasts for fun or for illogical unproven so-called medicinal purposes - come on! Particularly when the creature is already an endangered species. Soon there wont be any more of the fake medicine anyway.
Rhino horn is made up of keratin, the word you often see somewhere on your shampoo bottle. Keratin is basically very compacted hair. Animal hooves and your fingernails are the same thing. So, for goodness sake, or for the rhinos sake, if you are that desperate for the medicine, bite your bloody nails! And as for the game rangers and veterinarians who are in on the scam, shame on you! And that is being exceptionally polite. Money is not worth the price of extinction.
Africa has most of the few rhinos that are still alive and the rise in poaching has escalated in the last year to frightening degrees. The poaching has also become highly sophisticated. What can we do to help save the rhino? Money always helps so donate to the WWF Rhino Campaign. Make people aware of the plight of the rhinos and spread the cause. Educate your children regarding conservation. I'm sure that you can come up with more ideas.
Let's be humane and do something!
picture by doug_wertman
Lead SA has come up with another interesting initiative for South Africa. We have been challenged to drive our vehicles during the day with our headlights on. Apparently, research shows that when we drive with our lights on during daylight hours as well as night, accident statistics decrease. The lights make us more noticeable and we are seen more clearly by other drivers and pedestrians. The lights also make our vision clearer, particularly our peripheral vision.
In a country with such high traffic accident stats, we should surely do anything in our power to make the roads safer. I put my lights on today, and although I saw many other drivers with their headlights burning, there were still many more who had no lights shining. It is something to remember. During my second trip of the day I only remembered halfway to my destination that my lights were off. I am fortunate enough to have a car that beeps at me when I leave my headlights on, as there could be a problem if I wasn't reminded to turn my lights off at the end of the drive.
So, how about it? Wake up tomorrow morning, leap into your faithful carrier and turn on those lights. You will find yourself smiling at every other driver who has their lights on, as if you all belong to some secret superhero club.
As I was driving to work yesterday I drove past West Park Cemetery and saw a row of gorgeous trees in full bloom. Beautiful blossoms in white, pink and cerise seemed to have popped out overnight.
My first reaction was to smile, then after clicking away with my iPhone, I realised that we are now truly experiencing the wonders of spring. Amazing weather, flowers everywhere and no more winter wear. I love this time of the year.
My second thought was that there was so much beauty in a place of death. As tragic as death may be, life continues and beauty still finds a place.
So look around as you live your day and find the beauty in unexpected places.
As I drove past this sign today I had to wonder if it would be found in many other countries of the world, and if so, would it be in a First World country. Oh, I love the surprises and serendipities of South Africa.
Despite country-wide strikes, there is always place for a positive outlook in South Africa. With the country supporting the Springboks against the All Blacks in today's rugby match at Soccer City in Soweto, it would be easy to be negative due to the Springboks last few matches.
However, instead we have turned the occasion into the opportunity to break a world record. Every South African spectator has been challenged to take a South African flag to the match as they are trying to break the world record for the most flags being waved in a stadium at the same time. Apparently there is also an initiative where they are trying to break the record for the most Elvis personators at a sports match.
Another positive for South Africa is that despite the crippling strikes to our state hospitals, Lead SA challenged the country to volunteer their services at hospitals during the strike and there has been an overwhelming response with volunteers coming forth from all sectors of society, including our health minister.
Stay upbeat South Africa and have a positive outlook!
I know that this is a reallly bad quality photo, but I was driving in the rush-hour traffic trying to snap him with my iPhone while he was cycling furiously along the side of Main Road, Bryanston. I still could not resist posting the pic because this wonderful man is the epitome of South African "Gees".
Talk about still flying the flag, this guy should win the award for it. Everyone who drove past him landed up smiling. I think he is the coolest South African I have seen since the World Cup.
Lead SA is a new initiative encouraging every South African to make a difference by making small changes to their lives to make South Africa a better, crime-free nation. Similar to Nelson Mandela Day, where South Africans gave 67 minutes of their time to serve those less fortunate than ourselves in some way, Lead SA is motivating us to live daily for a better SA.
Small things like volunteering for an NGO regularly, driving at the speed limit, treating people with dignity and not talking on your cellphone while driving will all make a difference.
I have decided to search for the strengths in everyone I come across rather than judging their weaknesses. What are you going to do to stand up and make a difference?
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