A trip to the Zoo

In the spirit of adventure and for something new to do, I talked my family into taking a trip to the city zoo.

What was supposed to be a fun family trip to Lincoln Park Zoo, turned into somewhat of a downer.

The enthusiasm for exotic animal watching that I came to the zoo with was not the way I left the zoo at the end of the zoo trip. I left saddened, as if a part of me had died. OK, so I exaggerate just a little.

As I watched the otters and seals swimming so playfully in their cozy tanks, it hit me that these wild animals are held captive in tanks when their real homes do not limit them to such confines. I guess I am no stranger to that caged feeling.

Now, it's not like the concept of a zoo is new to me. No folks, I have lived a little and know about how animals in the zoo works.

One of the first wild creatures to catch my attention was the lion. A royal, tenacious and masculine, King-of-the-Jungle, leader of the pride, with a fierce lion mane lion. As if there are other kinds. The King of the jungle behind bars seemed so against mother nature. A beautiful creature he was and inhabited a cage with what looked like his lioness and a little one that must have been their cub. I was magnetized by his regal beauty.

This zoo trip left me with nothing but greater admiration for the animal kingdom but a bitter distaste for human beings and the world I live in.

We went wandering into the Primate home and spent a good while observing a family of gorillas, behind a tightly secure glass case of course. I have never felt the feelings I felt after watching the apes interact or shall I saw mostly ignore the audience of at least 50 sets of eyes upon them. I was in amazement at how these animals live this way and saddened by the human condition at the same time.

The gorilla home was packed today. Children of all ages watched and some pointed at the naked animals on display as if they were...well, animals. I did not see a single protest against the unfair treatment of animals at this city attraction.

So disheartening. How do I go about this?

I am fully aware that zoo's raise funds and awareness which in turn provide safer habitats for endangered and wild species. However, I am appalled at why we humans cage animals and bird into confinements for our interest and display. My issue is not just with zoo's but with the captivity and displacement of wild animals in general.

If animals spoke English, they would certainly demand fair treatment and justice and to be returned to their natural habitat. Why should animals be forced into a life of imprisonment for crimes they never committed?

A letter to Her Majesty

Just learned that one can address their concerns, comments, grievances, or whatever thier hearts desire to Her Majesty, the queen itself by email or post.
Write to the Queen

I learned this as I was watching a Royal Family documentary and felt it necessary to write to the Queen's royal staffers. Maybe they will pass along this message.

Dear Your Majesty,

I acknowledge your honor and the charity work that you do, however, as an outside observer, I have a bone to pick with you.

I question your integrity as I watch you adorn the Kohinoor diamond and I am confused about your principles. I do not understand how you could allow yourself to accept coronation jewels that your ancestors and relatives robbed from India. How can you uphold the honor of being a queen while adorning stolen jewels?

You should be ashamed of yourself Queen, the head of the British Monarchy.

The characteristics of a queen include an individual of the highest caliber and morals. You, however, do not represent those things to me and the many others who are aware of the history behind the royal jewels.

It is a shame that you wear stolen jewelry. An honorable queen would reject jewels that were obtained under such pretense and declare before the world that she is returning valuables that do not belong to the Royal Family.

I encourage you to do the right thing Your Majesty and then, maybe then, the image you present to the world would more closely match the principles you should uphold.

With Regards,

CK

4th Picture Fun

I was 4th picture tagged by Bianca. Not bad, all fun!
Bianca, I'm so glad it was an acceptable photo. Yes, you know.

The object of the picture tag is to:

Choose the 4th folder where you store your pictures on your computer.

Select the 4th picture in the folder

Explain the picture

Tag 4 people to do the same

NO CHEATING! (cropping, editing, etc!)

The crab on sand picture was the 4th photo I took on Day 1 of this all girls trip to Playa Del Carmen. Ah, sweet sandy memories. :)

Good times! Sorry, I can't tag 4 people because I don't think there are that many visitors on my blogspot.

So This is Christmas

There is snow on the ground.

Coco Mademoiselle

The song to this commercial is catchy! It's Joss Stone singing L.O.V.E. and I find myself humming to it at odd times.
Keira Knightley is one stunning British babe although she can't afford to skip any more meals.

Human Kind

I smiled at this lady at a party where I saw many new faces. I wanted to do more. Maybe take the time to befriend her.

I did not, assuming my intent could be misperceived on the receiving end. I did not want her to mistake my friendliness as an offering of pity.

But I did want to know about her. How she got to this place and what had made her become this way. How does she make it through a day? What must her secret life be like. I wanted to know, yet it did not matter. I just wanted her to feel her self-worth.

She made me feel the rage against this world.

Environmentally Friendly Way to Enjoy Fire

Duraflame claims that significantly fewer pollutants are emitted than a comparable wood fire when burning one of their firelogs. I know you're all asking; how is that possible?

They light faster and burn more completely than firewood and less material is burned when using a firelog.

Further, their firelogs use 80% fewer resources to produce a cozy 3-4 hour fire than burning firewood and made with all renewable resources.

Not only is the fire warm and toasty, I am helping out the environment and my air quality. I like these logs for its resourcefulness and ease to light but I don't see them selling wood fires out of business.

Fires made from wood are very nice and have their own sight, sound and smell to delight in. Also, you really can't beat the convenience and availability of firewood in the great outdoors.

Christmas Wrapping the Eco Way

It's a simple idea really. Maybe I too could have come up with. Instead of throwing away remnant cloth, use it to wrap gifts.

Take cloth, wrap around gift, tie cloth ends together and viola! Gift is wrapped and has an added touch of elegance and uniqueness.

Check out this website for other great recycling tips, facts and cool info. Recycle Now.

Great UK based website! I had no idea you could recyle hearing aids and other common household items like TVs, garden wastes and engine oil.!