Snail Trails
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Although you're more likely to stamp on snails when they appear in your garden, or cover them with salt, or throw them into the pond for the frogs, you won't want to do that with these particular specimens. Partula gibba, or Polynesian tree snail, can usually be found grazing on algae somewhere in the Pacific islands, but a disastrous farming experiment has wiped out much of their population. That's the not why you'll find yourself sporting a ‘Save the Snails' T-shirt, though – these snails have another factor up their sleeves (speaking metaphorically, of course), and that factor is cuteness. The Polynesian Tree snail is absolutely miniscule in comparison to the ordinary variety. Born no larger than a pinhead, they're also a gorgeous light-gold colour, and they're dangerously close to being wiped out.
Luckily though, this is a  good-news website, and the good news in this case is that zookeepers in Winchester have been battling to keep the population alive. 123 specimens are kept in Winchester, out of the 304 existing snails – the remainder are kept at London Zoo. Snail keeper Geoff Read, who is responsible for their bio-security room, said that “because they are not cute and fluffy, people do not seem to care . . . to have a third of the world's population in one room says it all to me.”
The snails were originally wiped out when rosy wolfsnails from Florida were introduced into their habitat in order to control ordinary garden snails and prevent them from destroying crops. Instead of feasting on the intended targets, however, the wolfsnails fed on the tiny Polynesian tree snails.
But all is not lost, as the International Partula Conservation Programme has big plans for this tiny snail – so small that it can crawl along the edge of a coin or a pencil. They are hoping to reintroduce the population to its original home, the Pacific Islands, where they will be closely monitored until they are capable of fending for themselves.
Tags: Partula gibba, Endangered, Snails, Conservation, ...
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Valuing the Planet
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It's funny how little attention we pay to what we do to our planet. Though some people are, at every waking moment, aware of the impact that they have on the world around them, most of us are rarely so conscientious. We toss our un-recycled rubbish away without ever really paying attention to where it ends up (usually in a dirty, smelly landfill for the thousands of years). We cut down forests, without paying a great deal of attention to the effects this will have on the biosphere.
 It's not as if we can be blamed for our natural selfishness – humans have become a self-centred race after years of exploiting our natural habitat seemingly without consequence. This human nature tends to make us only focus on what we see directly in front of us and disregard any future costs of the actions we take at the moment.
So what do we do about it?
Luckily, there are a good number of things that can be accomplished with just a little effort. For example, there are plenty of groups all around the world whose main goal and charter is to protect the environment. Some of them focus on preserving species that are in danger of extinction. Others try and raise awareness about potential climate change (regardless of whether there actually is global warming – and there seems to be a good deal of data to support the idea that there is - there's no question that we need to take precautions). There are some organisations that take this a little too far, of course. We humans tend to get caught up in whatever we are interested in, and sometimes carry it to the extreme. But don't let the actions of a few misguided people deter you from getting involved in something that you're passionate about. If you care about the earth and are worried about what some people are doing about it, get involved.
Tags: Planet, Forests, Impact, Environment, Species
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Ordinary Everyday Heroes
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The amount of cynicism that pervades our culture is really quite impressive. Everywhere you look, you'll find stories of people swindling other people for their money, or mothers killing their children and husbands. Sometimes, it really does seem like a dog-eat-dog world. So, given all the depressing news we see everyday, it really is heart-warming to encounter stories of genuine heroes - of ordinary people doing good things for no other reason than they need to be done to make the world a better place to live in. 
Take for example the story of a man named Patrice Millet. Five years ago, he came to the startling and tragic realisation that he had a life-threatening case of bone cancer. Now, when given news like this, a lesser man might have given up, lain down, and consigned themselves to their fate. Not Millet. He organised a foundation called FONDAPS. Millet poured his money into the foundation which helps kids from the poorest slums. The foundation uses the sport of football to teach the children values and important life lessons, and aims to keep them away from the violent gangs that so many children in cities all around the world end up losing their own lives to.
Or take Diane Latiker, of Chicago, Illinois. When, in 2003, she became worried that her teenage daughter might fall victim to the scourge of street-life in the worse parts of Chicago, she got the idea of setting up a non-profit organisation that would provide a temporary home for homeless young people who otherwise might have to resort to less savoury dwellings. And since its inception, Kids Off The Block has been providing shelter to the less fortunate children and teenagers of the Chicago area and beyond. It hasn't been easy to keep her doors open, Latiker has admitted, but she's managed to keep the good work going until the present day – with no sign of stopping anytime soon.
Tags: : Culture, Patrice Millet, FONDAPS, Diane Latiker
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Ascent of Queen Rania
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When you think of royalty, a lineage of people born of noble blood is what would spring to mind – in most situations royals are usually born into their status. However, this was not the case for the Queen of Jordan; Rania. Born 41 years ago into a normal Palestinian upbringing, Queen Rania has become one of the more powerful women of the world. She is widely known for her strength in fighting for key issues which she believes in. Rania was born in Kuwait and her young life that of any ordinary Palestinian girl; the challenges and cultural practices that she was exposed to are what others experienced. In 1991, during the first Gulf war, Rania and her family were forced to flee from Kuwait; settling in Amman in Jordan. She later ended up finishing her studies and started working at the Microsoft offices in Amman. It is during this time, in 1993, that she was invited to a party organised by the sister of Prince Abdullah of Jordan. At the party, she met the prince and they had an instant connection; six months later they got married. When the father to Prince Abdullah died, his son became the heir to the throne. Rania was pronounced queen to the country shortly after. Since her inception at the age of 28, Queen Rania has found favour in the eyes of both her fellow countrymen and the world as well. Her beauty, poise and glamour have made her a favourite with photographers wherever she goes. Normally, you would expect a woman of such beauty and power to let it all get to their head. This is not the case with Queen Rania. Over the years, Rania has managed to stay grounded and concerned about the well-being of her people. She is most known and loved for her reformation efforts; both in her country and globally. Amongst the courses that are close to her heart is education; especially that of Arab girls who are denied the chances of any form of education. Queen Rania has also been instrumental in health reforms in Jordan and has managed to ensure sustained tourism in the country. Her most famous efforts have to be those of youth empowerment and cross cultural dialogue. She has been a progressive voice for Arab women and has been instrumental in helping people know that the Arab world is also just as progressive as other societies. Most of all, she has been able to show the world that one can be powerful and beautiful, but still care for the well-being of others.
Tags: Queen Rania, Prince, Arab, Reforms, Power.
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Inventing the Microwave
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The microwave is a common household item and many people across the world own one. However, look back over the last few decades and you will see that the microwave is a relatively new invention. Warming your food, making quick drinks, and defrosting food are all common things we use the microwave for. But the origin of this invention, is from the most unlikely place. The first idea of the microwave came up from a weapon program after World War II. Percy LeBaron Spencer is the man who can be accredited as being the father of the microwave. During his work on a magnetron, Percy was able to detect an interesting occurrence. The chocolate in his pocket had melted during his experiment with the weapon. Spencer did not figure this as being the work of his body temperature and thus was fascinated. You should, however, be thankful for Percy Spencer’s way of thinking. Other than pursuing a war path with his new invention, he experimented by making eggs explode and also by cooking popcorn. This led to his work on his magnetron; experimenting on it as a means of cooking food, and not as a destructive weapon. The experiments were geared at reducing the size of the magnetron and making it more usable as a means to cook food. When he was finally able to perfect it, making it consumer friendly, the initial magnetron weighed around 750 pounds. The machine also stood at six feet. This was basically a walk-in food cooking machine. Over the years since Percy Spencer’s creation, more changes have been made and more scientists have been able to work on the magnetron. As it grew smaller and became better for home use, it acquired the name ‘microwave’. Initially only capable of warming food, the microwave has now been improved to enable food to be cooked. New versions of microwave are now able to grill food, and even bake. The size has also reduced a lot from its original 6 feet, to a more convenient size which can easily be carried and used, both in the home and in the office.
Tags: Spencer, Machine, Experiment, Microwave, Cooking
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Hope via Social Media
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A lot of people condemn the internet, saying that it affects our lives negatively. But one recent trend, found on the internet, has proven to be more beneficial than a lot of similar efforts in the past – social media. The general public, especially teenagers, are nowadays faced with so much trauma and tension in their lives. They face problems to do with oppression, their sexuality, and bullying, just to name a few, and in extreme cases this can drive people to consider suicide. However, the ‘it gets better’ movement has been an instrumental means in reducing the number of attempted suicide cases caused by these problems. The movement is about bringing a message of hope and giving strength to those who feel that they are at the end of their lives. The movement focuses on people who have also experienced distressing issues, but have survived them and come out victorious. If you think you are in a dark place where you cannot overcome or see a better day, the message of the movement is that ‘it gets better’. The internet has created this social media group that enables people to share their past experiences. It enables people to give one another encouragement and offers counselling which is free. This is said to be more effective than other sources of therapy. In the social age where people are concerned about image and their standing in society; the ‘it gets better’ movement is aimed at enabling people to be proud of who they are and what they are going through. The movement has been instrumental in letting people who are faced with problems know they can overcome them and come out of the experience on top. Other than the ‘it gets better’ movement, other social media groups, via the internet, also provide a great source of inspiration for people today. The many social networking sites present a place where people can interact and share their experiences with others globally. This helps in giving other people messages of hope and letting them know that whatever situation they are in, many others have gone through the same and survived. If you use social networks, chances are you have a better social outlook than someone who has not had the experience.
Tags: Movement, Hope, Internet, Problems, People
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Saving Our Ecosystem
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The Eco Summit 2012 is being organised to take place in the later stages of the year. The summit aims to bring together a meeting of the most knowledgeable minds from across the globe with the hope of tackling issues surrounding our ecosystem. This is a breath of fresh air to much of the population who are worried by the many threats to the ecosystem. You constantly hear news about how the environment has degraded over time. The Eco Summit is looking to find a solution to the problem. Prior to the Eco summit, there are several ways in which we can help save the ecosystem. Many people are already doing things that assist our environment. If you feel that you could perhaps do a little bit more, here are some ways to help: • Protecting Endangered Species There are many animals and plants that are diminishing in numbers due to human activity and global warming. These animals are valuable to our eco system, and they are being taken into protective zones to ensure their survival. • Taking Restoration Actions Restoration action is being undertaken all over the globe. Governments are restricting the poaching of animals and cutting back of vegetation. This helps to protect the environment and endangered species. Other restoration plans includes the building of watersheds and other facilities geared towards saving the environment. • Spreading Knowledge about the Environment Many organisations have taken it upon themselves to spread news about how to save the environment and minimise the negative effects on the eco system. An example of this is the Economical Society of America (ESA). This knowledge will enable people to know exactly what they can be doing to help. • Environmental Projects Many organisations have become more involved in projects that are geared towards saving the ecosystem. They give funds and dedicate time for their employees to deliver ecosystem saving projects. An example of such is tree planting. More organisations are joining in this trend as the idea of saving the ecosystem is being embraced by more people globally.
Tags: Ecosystem, Saving, Environment, Animals, Projects
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World Peace
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In today’s society, it is hard for you to go a day without hearing or seeing negative news. There is fighting and revolution in different parts of the world, as well as terrorists’ attacks, murders, neighbourhood assaults and much more. When you flick on the television or open a paper you can be sure that nearly every news item will contain some sad news. Wouldn’t it be nice to go one day without hearing any negative news in the world? We should begin to shape our world and try to and find peace in the future. After all, for world peace to be a reality, it has to start with the individual. Approaches to world peace: Acceptance People will need to change their personal attitudes towards the different ideologies in the world. Most of the issues that destroy any peace come from the lack of acceptance and understanding that we have for other people. The conflicts that arise are usually to do with politics, religion, and other ideologies. If the world was to practice acceptance of other’s ideologies, then perhaps people will learn to respect each other. This would hopefully lead to peace and understanding. Compassion Buddhists refer to compassion as the fabric that holds world peace together. If you think about it, they do have a point. If you are compassionate towards your neighbours, there is no way you would cause them harm in any way. If everyone in the world could learn to have compassion, then the idea of world peace could be achieved. Compassion can help to develop tolerance in people; regardless of their ideas. Imagine waking up with only good news reports around the world. Individual power Finally, you need to believe in the power that each individual possesses. A good example of individual power would be Mother Teresa. She was a humble woman who managed to spread a message of world peace in the simplest form possible. With no wealth or power on her side, Mother Teresa was able to practice acceptance and compassion and delivered this message to the world. So by following in her footsteps, people will be able to affect world peace; or at least, spread the message to the masses. Perhaps people should expect less from our leaders and other prominent people when it comes to bringing about change. World peace can start with us all as individuals.
Tags: Peace, Conflcits, Ideologies, Change, Compassion
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The Winds of Change
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As human beings, we are - at least partly - creatures of habit. Most of us have our little routines and rituals that we perform every day, without the slightest thought as to being stuck in a rut. However, no matter the degree of routine that we happen to crave, we also have the shameless need for change. Most of us will do anything possible to gain a little excitement, even if that excitement is something as comparatively routine as moving or getting a brand new job. However, from time to time people succumb to the need for more drastic change. But are these changes good or bad? Well, that will largely depend on the person. For many, the need for change is a profound one, running into the deepest parts of the mind. This desire for change can, however, be expressed in different ways. One person might run off from his or her family in order to seek this. Another might simply remodel their home, making their living space a transformed place. But again, the change will depend on the person that desires it. For many people, new jobs or homes simply won’t cut it. For others, these changes might take a more drastic form. So, should this change be sought above all else? Although change can have a beneficial effect on you, that same transformation might have an inverse effect on someone else. It really boils down to a personal level and you need to gauge your own ability to change. If you are an extreme kind person, then that change might need to be regulated. If you are naturally calm, then less thorough oversight will be necessary. But it is always worth considering the long-lasting consequences on not just yourself but your family and friends.
Tags: Moving, Change, Job, Qualification, Transformation
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The Importance of Earth
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Though we often take our planet for granted, it is undeniable that this is a rather wonderful little planet we happen to live on. The balance that is maintained between beauty and utility is a rather astounding one, as well. Though our Earth is supremely suited for our living needs, it still retains a good deal of the aesthetic qualities that also make it a pleasant place to live. Of course, we don’t always appreciate that beauty– at least, you would not think so from the way we treat it, from time to time. Of course, we have done some rather harmful things to our world. Between strip-mining mountains and demolishing rainforests, we seem to have a good deal of things in our “let us do terrible things to our planet” bag. It is necessary to take advantage of certain resources. We all know that, but we have a particular level of ineptitude in our methods of using these resources. We do not really tend to be too forward-thinking in our methods, and consequently mess things up rather severely. This is why it is so important to keep track of our activities in these endeavours – we humans do not really do well when left to ourselves. Perhaps most important of all, there are a lot of things that we, as individuals, can do to help our planet to keep itself up and running. We can use solar panels in order to lessen our energy consumption cost. We can green-proof our homes, to make sure that the energy we do use doesn’t go to waste. We can avoid using vehicles that produce harmful emissions. We can make sure that our rubbish does not just fill up in a landfill somewhere by recycling our waste. It is important that people are conscious of the planet and, if everybody does their bit, we can continue enjoying it together to its fullest.
Tags: Earth, Planet, Rainforests, Recycling, Solar
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