My dear sis, do you lack faith in humankind? Do you truly believe that man will destroy his planet? That man alone has dominion over the earth? That if push came to shove money-grubbing corporations and/or corrupt governments would triumph over the rest of the world's population? That greed alone could run so rampant that it would obliterate all other human traits which are life-giving? That our children are helpless to deal with their world?

These are the questions I ask of myself. In all instances the reply is, "NO." Fear not, dear sis.

How's about this then bro?.........

Hunt is on to find new markets for whale meat

Leftovers … supply exceeds demand.

By Deborah Cameron Herald Correspondent in Tokyo

May 11, 2006

IT WILL be a whale of a sale, as advertising slogan writers might put it. Japan has announced a new marketing push for its most unwanted export: whale meat.

A new company, with a sales target of 1000 tonnes per year, started work a few days ago. But finding someone, anyone, to buy it will be a challenge.

Domestic demand is at a historic low. Japan's stockpile of frozen whale meat was a record 4800 tonnes last August, unofficial reports say. And that was before the most recent season when more than 850 minke whales, each weighing about 10 tonnes, were caught in the Southern Ocean.

The decision by Japan's whale research body, the Institute of Cetacean Research, to set up a company to find new markets comes a month after the country's second-largest seafood company, Nissui, said that it would abandon its whale meat canning business.

Promoters of whale cuisine say that the meat is low in calories and high in protein, and have tried to persuade schools to add it to lunch menus, with some success in rural areas. In cities though, the idea has not taken off. It is now being suggested for trial in hospitals.

Whale meat, when it appears on restaurant menus, most often comes in bite-sized pieces, often of sashimi, measured in grams. With mammals that weigh at least one tonne and often 60 tonnes, that makes for a lot of leftovers.

Japan says that it does not have a commercial whaling program and that what is sold at Tokyo's famous fish market is a sensible use of the byproduct of scientific research into whale biology and migration. Opponents say that killing whales for research is unnecessary and that Japan is using a loophole to circumvent a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling.

Pro-whaling representatives say that Japan is also maintaining an ancient culture of whale meat eating, though this is contested by some historians, who say that the practice became widely established only after World War II, when the defeated nation, facing mass hunger and hardship, survived on whale rations. The creature became a rallying symbol and a part of national identity, they say.

Well, sis, sounds like the Japanese whaling industry is having their troubles with a declining market. For the whales that certainly appears to be a good thing. Domestic demand is at a historic low. The country's second largest seafood company is suspending their whale canning operation. The article conveys good news, doesn't it?

Well, sis, sounds like the Japanese whaling industry is having their troubles with a declining market. For the whales that certainly appears to be a good thing. Domestic demand is at a historic low. The country's second largest seafood company is suspending their whale canning operation. The article conveys good news, doesn't it?

You ARE a positive thinker....let's hope the downturn continues! Thanks for the [thumbs] up!

You ARE a positive thinker....let's hope the downturn continues! Thanks for the [thumbs] up!

I don't have any other choice. At least not if I want to be happy. There's much in the world that is working very, very well. Acknowledging that paints the world in much more pleasant shades.

Anytime you want to smile, dear sis, you know where to find me.

Recycle your condoms.

Recycle your condoms.

For sleeping with the same- or 'recycled' girls?

LaoPo

Well how about this one then.....?

Study: Exxon Valdez Oil Lingers in Alaska

By DAN JOLING, Associated Press Writer

Wed May 17, 5:12 AM ET

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Oil spilled by the Exxon Valdez 17 years ago extends farther into Alaska's tidal waters than previously thought and could be causing long-term harm to wildlife, a study concludes.

Research chemist Jeffrey Short and colleagues at the National Marine Fisheries Service in Juneau concluded that oil was found between the high- and low-tide lines where predators such as sea otters and sea ducks may encounter it while disturbing sediment in search of prey.

"This study shows that it is very plausible that exposure to Exxon Valdez oil is having a material impact on many shore-dwelling animals and is contributing to their slow recovery in some parts of Prince William Sound," Short said in a statement.

The study is to be published in the June 15 edition of Environmental Science & Technology, the journal of the American Chemical Society.

Exxon Mobil Corp. spokesman Mark Boudreaux said that more than 350 studies done by independent academics have not found significant, lingering impact on species as a result of the spill.

"We believe that the sound has recovered, is healthy and is thriving," he said.

Short and his colleagues focused their research on Knight Island about 40 miles southwest of the spill site and squarely in the path of the heavy ooze that flowed from the damaged oil tanker.

They found Exxon Valdez oil buried in sand and silt that only becomes dry during the lowest tides and is prime feeding ground for sea otters, ducks and other wildlife.

The Exxon Valdez ran aground March 24, 1989, spilling 11 million gallons and soiling more than 1,200 miles of rocky beach. The spill was the largest in U.S. history.

Exxon estimated it paid $3 billion in cleanup costs, government settlements, fines and compensation.

In a 1991 civil settlement, the company agreed to pay $900 million over a 10-year period ending in 2001. However, a "reopener" provision created a window in which the state and federal governments could claim up to an additional $100 million.

Dozens of people have spoken at emotional hearings this year, urging officials to file a claim for additional damages before the June 1 deadline to apply.

"We find the timing interesting, that the study has been released for peer review two weeks before the deadline for the decision to notify Exxon Mobil of an intention to request a reopener of the settlement," Boudreaux said.

Ah, sis, you could spend every minute of every hour of every day of your life focused on all of the <deleted> in the world. And what will that do for you, hmm? You are surrounded by endless beauty and wonderful things, too. Do you want to live a happy life? Then look for that which pleases you and with a gentle and wise breath blow the rest away.

So thereforeth dear brothers, in concentrating on my own personal happiness - I should not care about the earth we walk upon? Sad day that will be...!

Your personal happiness creates well-being for yourself . . . and that automatically adds to the well-being of the rest of the world. Your suffering creates the opposite . . . and from that place you truly have nothing worthwhile to give.

Of course caring about the world is a wonderful thing and it's well-being should be in the interest of all of us. To seek your own personal happiness doesn't mean that you've run out of love for other things. There's no limit to the love you have to give. But hate will never bring love. Nor anything else that's "good."

Hope that makes sense, sis.

Man-made ecological disasters are regretable and unwanted, but, they pale into comparison with what mother nature can do herself.

The Krakatoa erruption in 1883 and the accompanying tsunami wiped out whole ecosystems. Blocks of coral reef weighing 600 tons were thrown onto land.

There is a good chance that the western portion of Grand Canaria is going to slide into the sea and cause a mega-tsunami that will be over 500 mtrs high when it hits the east coast of the Americas.

250 million years ago mother nature wiped out 95% of all the species that inhabited the planet.

65 million years ago an asteroid hit the Yucatan peninsular and wiped out the dinosaurs (if it didn't happen, humans wouldn't be here).

There will be further natural disasters that will be so cataclysmic, they defy the imagination. Not a case of if, but when.

Never forget, the earth is an unfeeling mother.

Your personal happiness creates well-being for yourself . . . and that automatically adds to the well-being of the rest of the world. Your suffering creates the opposite . . . and from that place you truly have nothing worthwhile to give.

Of course caring about the world is a wonderful thing and it's well-being should be in the interest of all of us. To seek your own personal happiness doesn't mean that you've run out of love for other things. There's no limit to the love you have to give. But hate will never bring love. Nor anything else that's "good."

Hope that makes sense, sis.

Well said Tip. Couldn't have done it better.....or?

Sir Burr: you're right, but the difference between the disaster Khall mentioned (Exxon Valdez) and yours, is the difference between man-made and nature-caused disasters.

The first we (mankind) can prevent, the second we can't.

There is a difference.

LaoPo

Man-made ecological disasters are regretable and unwanted, but, they pale into comparison with what mother nature can do herself.

The Krakatoa erruption in 1883 and the accompanying tsunami wiped out whole ecosystems. Blocks of coral reef weighing 600 tons were thrown onto land.

There is a good chance that the western portion of Grand Canaria is going to slide into the sea and cause a mega-tsunami that will be over 500 mtrs high when it hits the east coast of the Americas.

250 million years ago mother nature wiped out 95% of all the species that inhabited the planet.

65 million years ago an asteroid hit the Yucatan peninsular and wiped out the dinosaurs (if it didn't happen, humans wouldn't be here).

There will be further natural disasters that will be so cataclysmic, they defy the imagination. Not a case of if, but when.

Never forget, the earth is an unfeeling mother.

Good point about natural disasters, Sir Burr. I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance. Perhaps a balance we don't quite comprehend yet. It's understood now, for instance, that natural forest fires are healthy for the ecosystem. Death, dying and even the extinction of species are issues that are, I believe, not only very little understood but even more importantly completely misundertood. All is well.

Man-made ecological disasters are regretable and unwanted, but, they pale into comparison with what mother nature can do herself.

The Krakatoa erruption in 1883 and the accompanying tsunami wiped out whole ecosystems. Blocks of coral reef weighing 600 tons were thrown onto land.

There is a good chance that the western portion of Grand Canaria is going to slide into the sea and cause a mega-tsunami that will be over 500 mtrs high when it hits the east coast of the Americas.

250 million years ago mother nature wiped out 95% of all the species that inhabited the planet.

65 million years ago an asteroid hit the Yucatan peninsular and wiped out the dinosaurs (if it didn't happen, humans wouldn't be here).

There will be further natural disasters that will be so cataclysmic, they defy the imagination. Not a case of if, but when.

Never forget, the earth is an unfeeling mother.

Good point about natural disasters, Sir Burr. I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance. Perhaps a balance we don't quite comprehend yet. It's understood now, for instance, that natural forest fires are healthy for the ecosystem. Death, dying and even the extinction of species are issues that are, I believe, not only very little understood but even more importantly completely misundertood. All is well.

An asteroid can hardly be 'the Earth's way' of coping with anything, can it though? Personally I am a little suspicious at the claims that 'Earth' does this and that, to me it sounds too much like a person who can not accept that there is no invisible hand, just cause and effect.

I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance.

You're guilty of anthropomorphism. The Earth is just a big hunk of rock with no feelings, no design. It is not sentient.

An asteroid can hardly be 'the Earth's way' of coping with anything, can it though? Personally I am a little suspicious at the claims that 'Earth' does this and that, to me it sounds too much like a person who can not accept that there is no invisible hand, just cause and effect.

I can agree with cause and effect - to an extent. One missing ingredient, I believe, is intention. Without it all existence becomes utterly mindless. Now how would intention factor into the equation to change the picture of things?

I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance.

You're guilty of anthropomorphism. The Earth is just a big hunk of rock with no feelings, no design. It is not sentient.

. . . not really!

There's a theory out there (and I'm sure it would be considered to be literally out there by most) that all energy is aware. Imperceptible to us, but aware nonetheless. I would not be so foolish to imply that all awareness has human characteristics. That's something that we, as humans, are fond of doing since our type of awareness is the only type with which we are familiar. We project that unto everything else that we consider to be alive - God, or whatever equivalent, and animals.

But it's indisputable that other types of awareness exist. A tree, for instance, is alive. It obviously experiences a reality quite different from ours. Is it like us? Of course not. Does it have awareness? Certainly. Can we understand what that awareness is like? Doubtful. Is a tree a sentient being? In terms of emotion? Perhaps not. In terms of possessing it's own form of perception? Obviously so. Do we limit our definition of what constitutes awareness? I think so.

I believe that we, as humans, limit ourselves knowledge-wise largely because we foolishly, erroneously believe that what we do know is absolutely, indisputably correct. How often have we proved ourselves wrong there?

Man-made ecological disasters are regretable and unwanted, but, they pale into comparison with what mother nature can do herself.

The Krakatoa erruption in 1883 and the accompanying tsunami wiped out whole ecosystems. Blocks of coral reef weighing 600 tons were thrown onto land.

There is a good chance that the western portion of Grand Canaria is going to slide into the sea and cause a mega-tsunami that will be over 500 mtrs high when it hits the east coast of the Americas.

250 million years ago mother nature wiped out 95% of all the species that inhabited the planet.

65 million years ago an asteroid hit the Yucatan peninsular and wiped out the dinosaurs (if it didn't happen, humans wouldn't be here).

There will be further natural disasters that will be so cataclysmic, they defy the imagination. Not a case of if, but when.

Never forget, the earth is an unfeeling mother.

Good point about natural disasters, Sir Burr. I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance. Perhaps a balance we don't quite comprehend yet. It's understood now, for instance, that natural forest fires are healthy for the ecosystem. Death, dying and even the extinction of species are issues that are, I believe, not only very little understood but even more importantly completely misundertood. All is well.

No, it's not. All is not well. Natural attrition is a fact of life - survival of the fittest and all. However, global human populations have grown from 2.5 billion to 6.5 billion in 45 years. How can the rest of the natural world compete with that?

Here's an example: on a secluded island with natural forest intact, a luxury resort begins construction. Seven hundred Issan workers are imported to the island for 2 yrs to labour at the site. They hunt the wildlife - never before exposed to human intervention - nightly. After a year, the wildlife is extremely scarce. This is NOT natural, it's a tragedy and just a tiny piece of the pie that is quickly being consumed.

It bothers me greatly and it bothers many children I know. They, after all, will inherit the mess!

Man-made ecological disasters are regretable and unwanted, but, they pale into comparison with what mother nature can do herself.

The Krakatoa erruption in 1883 and the accompanying tsunami wiped out whole ecosystems. Blocks of coral reef weighing 600 tons were thrown onto land.

There is a good chance that the western portion of Grand Canaria is going to slide into the sea and cause a mega-tsunami that will be over 500 mtrs high when it hits the east coast of the Americas.

250 million years ago mother nature wiped out 95% of all the species that inhabited the planet.

65 million years ago an asteroid hit the Yucatan peninsular and wiped out the dinosaurs (if it didn't happen, humans wouldn't be here).

There will be further natural disasters that will be so cataclysmic, they defy the imagination. Not a case of if, but when.

Never forget, the earth is an unfeeling mother.

Good point about natural disasters, Sir Burr. I beg to differ on the "unfeeling mother" aspect. I believe natural disasters are the earth's way of keeping itself in balance. Perhaps a balance we don't quite comprehend yet. It's understood now, for instance, that natural forest fires are healthy for the ecosystem. Death, dying and even the extinction of species are issues that are, I believe, not only very little understood but even more importantly completely misundertood. All is well.

No, it's not. All is not well. Natural attrition is a fact of life - survival of the fittest and all. However, global human populations have grown from 2.5 billion to 6.5 billion in 45 years. How can the rest of the natural world compete with that?

Here's an example: on a secluded island with natural forest intact, a luxury resort begins construction. Seven hundred Issan workers are imported to the island for 2 yrs to labour at the site. They hunt the wildlife - never before exposed to human intervention - nightly. After a year, the wildlife is extremely scarce. This is NOT natural, it's a tragedy and just a tiny piece of the pie that is quickly being consumed.

It bothers me greatly and it bothers many children I know. They, after all, will inherit the mess!

I second that!

On Samui the Issan workers hunt and kill all the squirrels they can find and eat them. The squirrels were a natural enemy of a certain type of bugs, living in palmtrees. Now the bugs have no more enemies....................

....and the palmtrees are dieing on a large scale...

LaoPo

Yes, the world - and our children and their children and their children's children - are doomed!

Sarcasm meets cynicism.

Not much more I can say here to ease your suffering. Enjoy your happiness as best you can.

Yes, the world - and our children and their children and their children's children - are doomed!

Sarcasm meets cynicism.

Not much more I can say here to ease your suffering. Enjoy your happiness as best you can.

Bro' ... are you a Baby Boomer by and chance?

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

I am not a boomer. I come from one of the most lost generations ever!

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

I am not a boomer. I come from one of the most lost generations ever!

Lost Child comments are MOST welcome on this thread!

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

I am not a boomer. I come from one of the most lost generations ever!

Lost Child comments are MOST welcome on this thread!

You will become one, if you don't hit the sheets now......you NEED your rest you know!

LaoPo

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

I am not a boomer. I come from one of the most lost generations ever!

Lost Child comments are MOST welcome on this thread!

You will become one, if you don't hit the sheets now......you NEED your rest you know!

LaoPo

who me? G'night y'all!

Yes, the world - and our children and their children and their children's children - are doomed!

Sarcasm meets cynicism.

Not much more I can say here to ease your suffering. Enjoy your happiness as best you can.

Bro' ... are you a Baby Boomer by and chance?

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

Forgive me for smiling, dear sis. To know that all is well is a matter of perspective. And that perspective is based on knowledge. It is more worthwhile to attempt an understanding of well-being than it is to continually focus on all of the ills of the world and of mankind. But that is your choice to make, dear sis, and one that I cannot make for you.

All I can say is that there is no hope, no favourable outcome, where love and happiness have been abandoned by your heart. The proof is for you to find for yourself.

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

Happy medium that needs to be made - don't think its as simple as choosing one side or the other.

Yes, the world - and our children and their children and their children's children - are doomed!

Sarcasm meets cynicism.

Not much more I can say here to ease your suffering. Enjoy your happiness as best you can.

Bro' ... are you a Baby Boomer by and chance?

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

Forgive me for smiling, dear sis. To know that all is well is a matter of perspective. And that perspective is based on knowledge. It is more worthwhile to attempt an understanding of well-being than it is to continually focus on all of the ills of the world and of mankind. But that is your choice to make, dear sis, and one that I cannot make for you.

All I can say is that there is no hope, no favourable outcome, where love and happiness have been abandoned by your heart. The proof is for you to find for yourself.

You wanna share what you're on bro' honey? I spent the the first 40 years of my lfe being "happy, happy, joy, joy" - just like you! I knew where my heart was. In recent times, though, I guess I "think too mut".... the planetary glamour has tarnished somewhat... where do you live btw (dear bro)?

You wanna share what you're on bro' honey? I spent the the first 40 years of my lfe being "happy, happy, joy, joy" - just like you! I knew where my heart was. In recent times, though, I guess I "think too mut".... the planetary glamour has tarnished somewhat... where do you live btw (dear bro)?

It's not that people think too much but more importantly what they think about. Is it so odd that someone can know well-being? And of course it's only natural that those that don't will deny those that do both their knowledge and their sanity.

I live in BKK. Does that have any bearing?

Yes, the world - and our children and their children and their children's children - are doomed!

Sarcasm meets cynicism.

Not much more I can say here to ease your suffering. Enjoy your happiness as best you can.

Bro' ... are you a Baby Boomer by and chance?

Actually... am beginning to think that MOST of you guys are Baby Boomers and don't give a <removed> about the next generation - 'cos ur'll retired and comfortable. Bored outta your brains too probably.. but hey, don't wanna be seen hangin' out with those "green" folks...........

Forgive me for smiling, dear sis. To know that all is well is a matter of perspective. And that perspective is based on knowledge. It is more worthwhile to attempt an understanding of well-being than it is to continually focus on all of the ills of the world and of mankind. But that is your choice to make, dear sis, and one that I cannot make for you.

All I can say is that there is no hope, no favourable outcome, where love and happiness have been abandoned by your heart. The proof is for you to find for yourself.

You wanna share what you're on bro' honey? I spent the the first 40 years of my lfe being "happy, happy, joy, joy"Like powdered toast! - just like you! I knew where my heart was. In recent times, though, I guess I "think too mut".... the planetary glamour has tarnished somewhat... where do you live btw (dear bro)?