Migaloo's Back in Our Waters

Click here for more images of Migaloo the White Whale.

This white whale was sighted near Yorkey's Knob by a group of fishermen. They saw this albino giant near Pixie Reef, about 40 minutes from Yorkey Knob. Accompanying this white whale was two huge humpbacks. He was spotted on July 15, 2006, July 24, 2007, and July 22, 2008.

Frogs with Disease-Resistance Genes May Escape Extinction

Many amphibians die off around the world, but researchers at Lincoln University in New Zealand may have found certain genes that can help frog populations resist infection to save them from extinction.

New Bird Species

This bird was found on Stratton Mountain in Vermont, and caused quite a stir for scientists. The bird is thought to be a "hybrid of two species, the trush and the veery birds."

A DNA testing will reveal if this new bird species is a result of climate change. Further reading for bird lovers can be found here.

Unicorn Lives in Italy

This one-year-old deer represents the fabled unicorn, a mythological animal, and was born in captivity. He is called, you guess it, "Unicorn", for the single horn on his head, and the director of the Center of Natural Sciences in Prato believes he has a genetic defect, since his twin has two horns.

Giant Shrimp

A giant creature was caught in the Donetsk region of Western Ukraine, and scientists think that it could be related to the shrimp species. This creature can live in any watery area, including puddles, and is almost 20 centimeters long.

South American Stork

On July 31, 2008, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries showed these jabiru storks. They have a blocky, slightly upturned black beak, and the are shown along with wood storks, egrets, and ibis. These jabiru storks are rarely seen in the North, but are plentiful in South America.

New Manta Ray Species Discovered

Scientists discovered two new types of manta ray species. The more commonly known rays are smaller, and are more commonly seen near the coasts. The larger rays avoid human contact, and have a non-poisonous barb on their tail.

The manta rays can weigh over 4,400 pounds, and their wingspans can reach almost 25 feet.

Golden Retriever Nurses Tiger Cubs

This golden retriever adopted three tiger cubs at the Safari Zoological Park, when their tiger mother abandoned them. Isabella had just finished weaning her own puppies, and Tom Harvey, an owner at the park, put the tiger cubs in her care.

The Safari Zoological Park opened in 1989, and specializes in the care of endangered species.

Tiny Tree Shrew

These tiny pen-tailed tree shrews were discovered by researchers sipping fermented palm nectar, and "show no sign of intoxication." These creatures live in the Malaysian rainforest, and the alcohol concentration that they drink for hours every night was recorded at 3.8 percent.

"Cat Angel"

This cat has two four-inch long wings, and he belongs to Granny Feng. The owner lovingly called him a "cat angel", and complained that after being sexually harassed by many female cats in her area, her cat sprouted wings within a month.

Experts believe that this phenomenon is more likely caused by a gene mutation, and the cat can live a normal life.

Fish Pedicure

This is a new trend in spa pampering, where you can have these little carps nibble at the dead skin of your hands and feet. This fish pedicure is creating a buzz in the D.C. area, and so far 5000 people have taking part in this experiment.

These fish are called garra rufa, also known as doctor fish, and were first used in Turkey.

Rosy-Lipped Batfish

This is the quote directly from the National Geographic website. I thought you should read the comparison: "Like a marine Mick Jagger, a rosy-lipped batfish pouts near Costa Rica's Cocos Island. Batfish are poor swimmers, preferring to use their strangely adapted pectoral fins like legs to crawl about the seafloor."

Venus Comb Shell

This shell is called the Venus Comb, and it is one of the most exotic shells.

With so many wonderful and strange things around the world, these 13 items seem to speak for themselves.

Bear Attacks

Image Source

The most recent case was on April 23rd, 2008. Stephan Miller was killed by his grizzly, Rocky, who was known as "one of the most gentle and affectionate animals" in Hollywood. Rocky is the star in Will Ferrell's movie Semi-Pro, and he is awaiting his faith after the death of his trainer.

Whale Attacks

Image Source

An orca whale attacked its trainer, Ken Peter at Sea World. Fortunately, the trainer only suffered a broken bone in his left foot. The orca whale is known as Kasatka, and for more than a decade they had worked together, she had attacked Peter only two times.
Two year earlier, Kasatka's father, killed his trainer during a show in Canada, at Sealand of the Pacific.

Image Source

Another trainer at the Loro Parque was attacked by an orca at a pre-show warm up in Puerto de la Cruz. She was dragged down to the bottom of the pool, and was rescued by two colleagues. The whale injured the trainer's right lung, and broke her forearm in two places.

Elephant Attacks

Arna the Stardust Circus Elephant killed trainer Ray William who has worked with her for three years. He suffered "a broken back and a ruptured aorta", and died from "severe blunt drama". It is said that if the elephant killed once, often will kill again.
In 1974, 1983, and 1987, an elephant named Abu from Ashton Circus killed three workers. Arna and her partner Gigi (who had been Abu's partner before sold to Stardust Circus), are retired at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo after the incident.
In another case, an elephant named Poabson Unnikrishnan, turned wild when a spectator touched its tusk, killing three people at Koodalmanikya Temple in Irinjalakuda, Kerala, in Southern India.

Image Source

Lion Attacks

Image Source - (This lion is not related to the story)

Three lions, Pearl (a lioness), Rudi and Sultan (males) attacked their tamer, Geoffrey Lennon, in front of an audience at a Lennon Bros Circus performance in 2001. Although the lion tamer was seriously injured, he survived the attack by the rescue effort of fellow-trainers who used fire extinguishers to tame down the lions.

Jaguar Attacks

Image Source-(This jaguar is not related to the story)

A zoo keeper at the accredited Denver Zoo was killed by a jaguar named Jorge on February 24th, 2007. It is an occupational hazard that is accepted by animal trainers, handlers, and keepers.

 

Wolf-Dogs Attack

Image Source -(This wolf-dog is not related to the story)

An owner was found dead in the cage with her nine half-wolves, and half-dogs that she was devoted in raising. The 50-year-old lady was bled to death, and the nine wolf-dogs were euthanized later.

Most Recent Attacks

Image source

On Thursday, June 26th, 2008, a golden lab mix and Australia shepherd mix, mauled and killed their owner. The 74 year-old lady, Lorraine May, was bit on the face, head, shoulders, and arms. By Saturday, the dogs were euthanized.

Monkey Attacks

Image Source

This macaque monkey, Chico, had bit three people after escaping from its owner, and was scheduled for euthanized for rabies testing. Dr. Larry Jecha made the decision to euthanized Chico when the three victims didn't want to pay for expensive rabies vaccine, and the owner failed to response.

These are just some of the sad stories in this world. Our fascination and desire to befriend with these creatures have caused them to lose their lives, as for some of their owners/trainers.

 

 

My top five best picked relationships that I have come crossed are below.

Ladder of Love

image source

If you have not read this story from the news yet, then you should. Not only that I was speechless, and thinking about them for days, I also admired their determination, devoting, and commitment to each other despite living in such seclusion.

Their love story unfold in 2006, won the greatest love story for China, and the world discovered more than 6,000 hand-carved stairs up a mountain from the love of a husband for his wife.

Holocaust Siblings

image source

The best relationship does not have to be between two lovers, it can be with brother and sister across the globe and this story is one of those.

After 66 years of not knowing whether or not the other sibling made it alive through the holocaust, the American Red Cross had reunited them. Through years of anxiety, dreaming, and hope, 73 year-old Wssewolod Galezkij, and 83 year-old Irene Famulak is finally together.

The Last Lecture

image source

His spirit is strong enough to move millions of people over the internet, and his love for his family is so incredible that Diane Sawyer of ABC did a series of interviews on his life, following by Oprah with her special show.

Randy Pausch, a phenomenal professor faces his pancreatic cancer head on. There is no need to feel sorry for him. He would not like that! His courage, his love for life, his love for family will move you to tears, and convince you to look at your own in a different way.

The Last Lecture is an overnight internet sensation, and has helped bringing magic to millions. You have to read the story, and listen to his lecture here.

Keep Randy Pausch and his family in your prayer, close to your heart!

The Kiss

image source

This is a beautiful love story that truly can touch the core of your heart also. This love is between a fireman, and a dog, and there is not much to tell, just a very short story to read if you click on the title or image source.

This picture alone is enough to touch my heart, and change my mind about the canine species.

Love at First Flight

image source

As wonderful as this story is, love can be found everywhere and with anything. In this case, the relationship begins with a black swan named Petra with a swan paddle boat. She caused quite a stir when she refused to fly south without her partner.

Petra remains faithful to the paddle boat, and waits for her mate's arrival the very next season. She is rather a celebrity herself, since the press was there to capture the moment her paddle boat was returned to the water.

Grab some tissue paper when you are ready to read some of these stories.

(Picture belonged to Nick Vujicic)

Read his Full Story

Bob Brown of ABC 20/20 brought this story to the world about two weeks ago. I was mesmerized by Nick Vujicic’s strength and passion for his work. By watching him through my television tube, I was inspired beyond words. The problems, the troubles, and the disappointments in my life suddenly seem so small as Nick’s story unfolds.

We often complaint when run into obstacles or limitations without thinking that there are people who are living with worse restrictions than us. However, after reading this story I hope we can develop a better appreciation in our life.

Watch his Interview

In this video, you will hear Nick Vujicic talking about his childhood, his prayer, and his down time when he even considered suicide.

Through his parents’ love and encouragement, Nick embraces his life and finds a greater purpose by using his voice to preach the words of God. Here is a quote from his interview: "No matter who you are, no matter what you're going through, God knows it," he said. "He is with you. He is going to pull you through."

Support His Ministry

(Picture belongs to Life Without Limbs)

Check out the Life Without Limbs website to be inspired, to get passionate, to get involved, and to give your support. You can also watch many different videos from his many engagements. You also find many tearful and heartfelt pictures from around the world where Nick Vujicic involved.

If there is one thing you must read today, read Nick’s story; and if there is one video you must watch, watch Nick’s video from the link above, or on his website.

Let this incredible man inspired you! Let this remarkable human influences your thoughts on life and give you a fresh perspective!

It has become a worldwide black market business trade, where the human bodies originated from China, and sold for $200 to $300 each. No one really knows whose bodies are on display.

Their questions are: did these people voluntarily give their bodies to science, or were these the executed prisoners? An investigation between the US and China is under way.

The exhibit is extremely successful in New York City, Las Vegas, and many other cities around the world. Although, to me it was a gruesome site just to look through the television tube; million people have come to view the bodies up close.

The exhibit includes a man with a split head and body, an open heart, a guy throwing baseball, the gut of abdomen, a lady with a fetus, you name it. They are all there, in real human form.

When I heard the explanation how people can actually learn by looking at these real human bodies on display; I can agree with the point. However, something is not settled in my stomach to think that they were once like me and you. They were alive and living at one time.

So, are you for human bodies displayed?

• What are your reasons?
• Why are you supporting these human bodies on display?
• Would you allow this to happen to yourself or your loved ones?
• How would you feel to come close to a real human body on display?
• What about the children? How will you explain it to the kids?

If you against human bodies on display:

• Is it wrong because of our belief, tradition, value, or custom?
• What can we do if this display comes to our city?
• How can we help to restore human values even after they died?
• If it was voluntarily given to medical for studying, how can we be sure of that?
• How can we stop exhibits from exploiting this issue to make money?
  

You can read the full story here. It will show many chilling human bodies on display, the place where the bodies were plasticized, and where they found the bodies. Where is our world going? What is in the future for our children, and grandchildren?

It is so easy for a teacher to pick up the phone, and calls the parents to relate the message that their child has ADD. Teachers expect a certain behavior from their students, and if the students fail in a given time frame, then they make the diagnosis themselves.
My son's third grade teacher took it in her hand to call me, and suggested that my son has attention deficit. I stopped her right on the track: "I am not putting my son on any medications, period." I do not want to beat around the bushes, and above all, she was inappropriate.

Here are my reasons:

• She called 10 minutes before my son's Christmas concert, which resulted in my late arrival, and missed my son solo introduction to the concert.
  
• She told my son that she called me, which took away his excitement for the performance, and made him anxious about the phone call.
  
• My son is 8. She is a teacher. Who has ADD now? What was she thinking in calling me before the concert? What was she thinking when telling my son about our conversation?
  
• As an educated professional, shouldn't she pick a better time to call? Did she have to scare my son before his Christmas performance?
  There is no validation for the diagnosis:
  
• My son is doing well in school.
  
• His physical, art, and music teachers' comment "a pleasure to have in class."
  
• He has numerous certificates/awards for his behavior to prove it.
  
• He was voted by other teachers and students to be in Student Council for two consecutive years.
  
• His citizenship awarded "kind, and polite little boy" had accumulated in our house from the same school for these past years.
  
• His definition on "Respect, Responsible and Dependable" was picked to put on display by the office for over a year.
  
• He is a Math wizard.
  

Looking at his general achievements, I do not think that the teacher has any rights to say that my child has attention deficit disorder. I would never put my son on medications to make my job as parents or her job as teacher easier.

I have been in my son's classroom many times. The environment for learning is very disruptive since two of the moms bring their little toddlers to class every day. They come in and out of the room like it was McDonald. There were baby bottles, stroller, and diaper bag by the entrance. It looks like a daycare more than a third grade classroom. Yet, did I say anything?

I appreciate these ladies' effort in volunteering, or working in the school, but bringing a baby who is crying, whining, running around, and making noises in school, is inappropriate.
The teacher always said: "that is ok, I don't mind" when the ladies apologized for their kids' behavior. However, she went ahead and diagnosed my son with ADD because he had a couple days off track.

Who Can Learn or Concentrate in this Environment?

Teachers should just teach. They are not doctors, or psychologist. If you are the parents and you receive a call like this, do not agree to put your child on medication. You must evaluate your child's accomplishments, and do whatever you can to help him/her develop his full potential.

Children are our future. We must protect them from wrongful diagnosis, and harmful drugs. Do not turn your child into a robot by sedate him/her.

Love is a mysterious thing, and when you heard a story that is amazing as this; you must take a moment to appreciate its phenomenon. Most of us look for perfection in the opposite sex. If it is not close to perfect, he/she has to be somewhat “normal” or at least resembling ourselves.

Meet Jeremy Bowden

(Image from Kono TV)

He is a handsome ordinary young man at 6 feet, 4 inches, and 19 years old. He lost his mother to cancer at 12, and suffered attention deficit hyperactive disorder. However, he has a reputation as a ladies’ man. In his high school year, his friendship with a special classmate become closer, and he fell in love with her.

Meet Christianne Ray

(Image from Kono TV)

She is 2 feet, 9 inches, and suffers from a rare kind of dwarfism. At 19, she became pregnant. She went through doubts, frightful moments, and confusions. After telling Jeremy that she was pregnant, they both cried for an hour, and decided to go through with it.

Meet the Couple

Jeremy is Christianne’s strength in the physical sense, because Christianne cannot walk far nor lifting anything, Jeremy has to pick her up and carries her around. Christianne is Jeremy’s emotional stability because of her jolly personality. She tells it like it is!

Meet the Family

(Picture belongs to Christianne Ray)

Her baby girl was delivered by C-Section on April 4, Kryten Elise. The baby might be a dwarf too, but will be taller than her mom. As for Jeremy, he is a proud and happy father. He said having a child calms him down a lot since he has more responsibilities now. Christianne is now known as the shortest mom in the world. Her story had gone around the globe, and many people had criticized her decision to have the baby.

I am, on the other hand, looking at this story at a different angle. I found this couple’s love story is extraordinary and worth of praise. I have heard the expression “love is blind”, but I think love is just beautiful What can be more incredible when two humans just love each other for who they are, the way they are, and do not see limitations in other’s as handicap? Let’s just celebrate their love, and Happy Valentine!