Wear Your Own Skin, Let The Animals Keep Theirs!

What are animal rights? Animal rights are often denoted as animal liberation, a concept that all living creatures should be treated equally among each other, especially animals. Animal rights activists believe that no animal should be killed for food and clothing or even used as scientific experiments and entertainment.

Millenniums ago, our ancestors had to roam the vast land to hunt for prey in order to keep their families from starving. At that time, hunting wasn’t a choice, it was a need. Today the modern hunters don’t carry the burden of their family’s survival, but only the need of the amusement that it offers. These hunters aren’t worried about their children handling guns during their hunting trips, therefore the younger generations are unconsciously taught to completely disrespect the value of life by killing sinless animals. Hunters even spend billions of dollars each year on guns, ammunition, travel and other expenses, making hunting a very profitable industry.

Nowadays, there has even begun a trend of eating shark fins, monkey brains, dog’s meat, bear paws and a growing fetish of exotics animal skins and furs like tiger fur, leopard fur, crocodile skin and snake skin. For generations, the human race has slaughtered countless helpless animals, but why?

Tigers are the largest cat species in the world. They are known to be fierce and strong, so they generally have few enemies in the form of elephants, buffaloes, bears and the worst – humans. Poachers hunt tigers for their skin, fur, meat and bones. Till this day, they still continue to poison waterholes or set steel wire snares to kill tiger’s to accommodate the ever increasing requirement of these creatures parts in society. The masculinity and strength of tigers have brought us to question that it may be the connection between their physically attributes that have humans craving for them, as almost everything related to the tiger has been sold and held in high esteem and price, be it their claws, their fur or their teeth. To worsen the matter, merchants offer high prices to obtain these rare items which in turn motivate poachers to hunt down these innocent creatures. Furthermore humans have also destroyed their natural habitats by cutting down trees, polluting the atmosphere and hunting their prey like wild deer and wild boars, indirectly forcing tigers into starvation. Tigers are gradually becoming extinct and yet their body parts like their skins are still sought for by the fashion industry to be made into clothing. Do the tigers really deserve to die for our fashion fetish?

Sharks have wandered our dark seas for more than 420 million years and have now diversified into 440 species, ranging from the smallest dwarf lantern shark to the largest whale shark. Their surpassing skills as predators still fascinate and frighten humans, even though their survival is under serious threat from fishing and other human activities. Ever since ancient China, sharks have been hunted for their fins to be made into soups and traditional medicines. It is sad to say, that this practice is still exercised in our modern day society. Sharks are hunted in the deep sea and are finned on the spot. Sharks are finned alive and in numerous cases are thrown back into the sea, the finless sharks are then left to be devoured by undersea predators, or to suffocate to death as it is unable pass oxygen over its gills because they rely on all their fins to direct them through the water. Not all sharks are left to decay at the bottom of the ocean but this is a common practice by fishermen to maximize the storage space for shark fins and not shark meat, this is because a piece of shark meat is worth a fraction of the value of a shark fin; hence fishermen regard the fin as their first priority. Nonetheless, other parts of the shark are still very useful, for example, their blood has been used as an anticoagulant, their organs as fish feed, their flesh as fertilizer, their teeth as ornaments and ceremonial weapons, their liver for its oil, and their skin for shoe leather and hand grips. Shark fins have become such an obsession to humans that they’ve put sharks on the verge of extinction.

Animals are just like humans, would you hunt down a human being for its tooth? Then again, would you wear a human tooth around your neck as jewellery? The sane mind would see the damage humans are doing to these inculpable creatures. Exploiting animals that are endangered for our own profits is irresponsible and unfair to them. Rachel Carson once quoted, until we have the courage to recognize cruelty for what it is -whether the victim is human or animal -we cannot expect things to be much better in this world. We cannot have peace among men whose hearts delight in killing any living creature. By every act that glorifies or even tolerates such moronic delight in killing we set back the progress of humanity. So do your part in protecting animal rights.

References :

1. Vegan Peace Home, n.d., Hunting. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.veganpeace.com/animal_cruelty/hunting.htm

2. Kyla Hume, Kyle Kacsmarik, Neill Laidlaw, Megan Lutz, and Rebecca Singleton, n.d., Tigers. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.edu.pe.ca/southernkings/tiger.htm

3. Roy D'Silva, n.d., Endangered Tigers. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/endangered-tigers.html

4. Wikipedia, n.d., Shark. Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shark

5. SeaPics.com, n.d., Shark Finning and Shark Fishing Photos Showing This Cruel Practice. Retrieved April 30, 2011 from http://seapics.com/feature-subject/conservation-issues/shark-finning-shark-fishing-pictures-001.html

6. Bussy's California Surf Stickers, n.d. "FUR HURTS Sticker. Wear Your Own Skin.". Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.californiasurfstickers.com/servlet/the-1031/stickers,-fur-hurts-stickers,/Detail

7. Zazzle Inc, n.d. " Wear Your Own Skin Bumper Sticker ". Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://www.zazzle.com/wear_your_own_skin_bumper_sticker-128067829180960648

Friends Not Food :x

Animal rights are a highly debated topic in our daily lives. With every chicken that we devour to fill our grumbling tummy is another life taken; is it “right” for us as humans to determine the fate of these animals? I personally believe that no one has the right to hold god’s power against anyone or anything and that every person chooses his own path, even animals. Sadly, not all animals are able to decide their own fate.

For centuries, dogs have been a loyal friend to mankind. From keeping us company at the loneliest hours, to guiding the blind across the road, they’ve made such a huge difference to our lives. Nowadays, dogs are cared and loved by humans very much, people are now willing to pay a great price and cater for expensive breeds just to show their affection to dogs. As much as dogs have been a friend to us, unfortunately they’ve also become a part of our food supply. Ever since the days of war, we’ve been slaughtering man’s best friend for food to be served as stir-fried dog dishes, dog chops, grilled BBQ dog and even brewed as dog soup .

In China, people treat dog meat as a traditional delicacy which they tend to consume during winter to keep their bodies warm. There are two widely used techniques to butcher a dog. The one man technique was to hit the dog twice on the head with a wooden plank to sufficiently daze it to make it safe for him to plunge his knife into its jugular vein without getting bitten. He would then hold the dog up by the tail until it bled into unconsciousness - he would then proceed to butcher it with the dog coming in and out of consciousness. With the two man technique, one man would hold the dog up by her tail while the other pulled the neck back with a wire round the dog's neck. The first man was then able to each down, again without fear of being bitten, to sever the jugular vein. Since the dog was in no way stunned, she would struggle, howl and urinate until passing out. The watching dogs would shake and howl. The dog would then be flung onto her back and the butchering would begin - consciousness returns when she's lying flat but she'd be too weak then to even struggle much.

Buddha once quoted “When a man has pity on all living creatures then only is he noble. “ He tells us that we must care and love every living organism that we share our environment with. Dogs are a gift to mankind, they’ve given the blind sight, they’ve guided the lost back home and they’ve kept us safe while we sleep soundly in our warm beds. They’ve been through thick and thin with mankind and still stayed loyal to us no matter if we’ve beaten or tortured them. Have they ever complained and bailed on us at the time of need? Alas, we’re the one bailing on them when their brothers and sisters are butchered. Can’t you see, all we want is just justice!

References :

1. Ron Brackin, January 14, 2011, Where were you when the sky fell? . Retrieved April 30, 2011, from http://ronbrackin2.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/where-were-you-when-the-sky-fell/

2. American University, September 29, Animal Rights. Retrieved May 1, 2011, from http://www.stanford.edu/group/ccr/blog/2008/09/animal_rights.html.

My Journey, Best Place to go Part2 ! :D

Getting bored of normal tourist place in Guangzhou, China? Here's a place strongly recommended by I, Chime-Long. They are all belonging to Chime-Long groups in Guangzhou. It locates in Panyu, yin bin Road. It has Xiangjiang Safari Park, Chime-Long Night Zoo, Chime-Long International Circus, Chime-Long paradise and Crocodile Park.

Xiangjiang Safari Park, there are more than 400 species and 20000 heads of wild animals under large scale captive breeding. The official website states it is the biggest animal theme park in Asia and a " Heaven of Animals ". This is a place where you can feel the freshness and wildness of nature. There are over 70 heads of white tigers that makes it the largest white tiger breeding and exhibiting base in China. Do you know, white tigers are unique and they have a special spot in the hearts of the Chinese as an animal of rare fortune.

For those who are interested in zoos, Chime-Long, Guangzhou has the largest zoo in China, and it is amazing. Visiting the zoo will be an unforgettable moment in your lives since it allows you to see the wild animals directly without any iron barriers.

it's pretty hard to see a giraffe sitting casually in the field



The King. ROAR!

The Chime-Long International Circus was established in 2005, and claims to be the world's biggest circus. According to website reports, the current performance is entitled "The Forest Code". The show claims to show how to create a harmonious environment for humans and all the creatures of the world. When night falls, there's a world-class circus performance in all its glorious colors. It is the most breath-taking performance international circus in night zoo.

The Chime-Long hotel is an African colonial-style hotel with animal heads and animal parts adorning the walls. It is also the best theme hotel in China - " A Palace In the Forest" . A few of white tigers are even kept in the glass enclosure of the theme park hotel, adjoining the dining area for visitors' viewing and photography.

taken in front of the Chime-Long Hotel

Last, I went to Chime-Long paradise too! According to wikipedia its a major amusement park in Panyu District, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Opened on April 12, 2006, Chime-Long Paradise is the world top-level super large theme park created by Chime-Long Project with the investment of RMB 2 billion. The Tenth Ring Roller Coaster, which shares the record for most inversions with Colossus at Thorpe Park in Surrey, England. Stretching over 60 hectares, the park currently contains more than 60 attractions and has a daily capacity of 50,000 visitors. It recently built in a new rollercoaster that is nearly 61 m tall (200 ft) and reaches a maximum speed of 105 kilometres per hour (65 mph).


The top 10 attractions are 10 Inversion Roller Coaster, King of Roller Coaster - Dive Coaster, Superior Large Pendulum, Half Pipe, International Stunt Theater " Danger Island ", Flying Horse Roller Coaster For Family, Happy Amusement Park, 4D Cinema " Happy Feet ", Patrolling Travel of Flying Splash in Summer and North American Lumbering Burlesque Show.

the tenth ring roller coaster

lumbering show

" Danger Island "

Can you keep yourself away from such high-end theme park? :D It is really awesome, adorable and wonderful experience being there. Kids or adults will never get bored.

- THE END -

My Journey, Best Place to go Part1 ! (:

Have you guys ever been to Tanjung Sepat? It is a small town situated in Selangor, Malaysia. Tanjung Sepat is primarily a fishing village and is well known for its many famous seafood restaurants.

Tanjung Sepat is a really nice place for us to just relax and enjoy the scenery. I embarked on my little adventure on a glorious Saturday morning with 6 of my high school friends, Su Ann, Xiau Sheng, Chia Loon, Ho Meng, Chee Hou and not forgetting our driver for the trip - Yi Shuen!

Our first destination was the Steam Chinese Bun's Outlet, they are famous because of their salted vegetables bun and pork meat bun. At the Hai Yew Heng outlet in Tanjung Sepat, buns are so popular that a limit is imposed on customers so that every buyer gets to take some home. This steam chinese bun is Hainanese styled bun, which are large and flat and the fillings are still handmade.

After indulging ourselves with buns, we set off to one of Tanjung Sepat's famous coffee bean roasting factory. Did you know, it is said that Tanjung Sepat make the most tantalising aroma of roasted coffee beans? Joo Fa Trading is a family business owned by Mr Lim Seng Peng, who has been running the business for more than 50 years. This coffee maker roasts and sells coffee powder made from locally farmed coffee beans in the area, and specializes in black, diamond and the highly prized civet coffee bean, which made from civet cats have literally excreted.

the traditional coffee machines

the coffee seed

Next, Gano Farm. Have you ever heard of lingzhi? Lingzhi mushroom can be also called as reishi mushroom. It encompasses several fungal species of the genus Ganoderma and it has been used as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine. Compared to other kinds of mushrooms for consumption, lingzhi mushroom is much more expensive for its several medical properties that include preventing and treatment of cancer, hypertension, migraine and headache.

Last but not least, we went to one of the major tourists attractions of Tanjung Sepat - Lover's Bridge. As the name of the bridge implies, it is truly a romantic place to be with your lover. This bridge is actually made of cement in the first quarter, and it continues with old wooden platform further down. It reaches out to the sea and serves as a jetty for this fishery village. Sitting by the jetty, you'd be able to witness a splendid sunset as the water level around it is not too deep and there are few tree trunks to obscure the magnificent view. Lover Bridge is not only popular among couples to hang out, but also families and senior citizens too.

In the evening, we were all sitting by the beach enjoying each other’s company. The chilly evening breeze gently caressed my cheeks. The sun was beginning to set, I squinted into the distance and all I could see was the orange-red sun shining its last glimmer at us, slowly disappearing from view, everything seemed so perfect, simply breathtaking.

By evening, there's no more beaches to walk and the scenery was still breathtaking.





- THE END -

College Life Part2

Well, it's now the third week of college and I'm starting to get used to the life of a college student.

College life wasn't as easy as I had expected. The news that I had heard about college during high school was a lot more different than what I’m now experiencing; it’s much tougher and harder compared to high school. But then again this is a big leap! There’s bound to be major changes from high school to college right?

College life is really different from high school life. In college, you can feel the stress radiating from the people around you, whereas in high school you can still fool around as if nothing mattered more than having fun.

I remember the first lecture class of Fundamental in Management that I attended which is lectured by Ms. Rosaline. She's pretty strict but then again she can be really nice too. At the end of our very first class, she asked us to check out Blackboard 7 and print out our assignment. I was totally shocked, " What?! An assignment? This is only the first class! "

Studying in Taylor’s Lakeside Campus is really challenging, especially when you’ve got to fight for parking spaces in the morning! Apart from that, the environment and view of the lake from above is just breathtaking, just simply spectacular.

For my first semester, I’m taking 5 subjects - College Study Skills (CSS), Mass Communication (MC), Fundamental in Management (FM), Creative Communication and Portfolio Development (CCPD), Introduction to Information Technology (IIT). The lecturer of CSS is Ms. Ngim. She's a nice teacher and did I mention she's pretty too! My MC lecturer is Ms. Zee and she's a really funny teacher that loves to joke around with her students. Ms. Rosaline as I’ve mentioned above is my FM lecturer. For CCPD, I’ve got 2 lecturers, Ms. Zee and Dr. Benedict. Unfortunately, we haven’t had the chance to get to know Dr. Benedict because he's currently sick. Last but not least, our IIT lecturer - Mr. Edward. He's a shy teacher but I’m sure we’ll all get along just as well.

I’m really happy being around my new classmates, they're just so friendly and adorable just like Nicol and Alyssa! I remember Alyssa coming late into our first class and sitting beside me. She's from Seremban and is just a year older than me. She took Foundation in Business last year but turns out that she wasn't really interested in it. What really surprised me was that her past high school is the exact same one as my little brother’s current school - Highland School.

Have you guys met Nicol yet? I got to know her through my high school’s friend- Sindee. We first bumped into each other at one of the lecture halls. She's actually from Semenyih and is the same age as me! That day after our first class, we planned to have lunch together. During lunch, Alyssa and I kept talking nonstop but Nicol didn't really talk much that day because she was still shy, but nowadays the three of us just can’t seem to stop.

Although there are still some of them that I haven’t really gotten to know yet but we’ve got all the time in the world and I’m sure we’ll get along perfectly. This is college life. I have to adapt to it, I must and I will!

Alyssa, Nicol and I

College Life Part1

Hello! :D

I would like to share with you guys my college life. I've just started my college life on 31st of March. The course I'm currently enrolled in is Diploma in Communication.

College? You'd think that after having to studying for 11 years at school, you'd finally earned a little break from all of the heavy books and crazy exams, but no, the world just couldn't stop right there could it!

College is an important transition from high school to university in every person's life, hence this really made me ponder on the question, " Is this the right path for me? Is this course that I've chosen really the one for me? " but those doubts are now finally resolved as I've finally made the decision to sign up for this course and work hard to make my mark on this world we live on.

It seems like just yesterday, that I first stepped foot onto this unfamiliar territory on that very first day of college. The sun was shining brightly when I reached. I remember my heart pounding against my chest, harder and harder with every step forward that I took, the excitement growing within me was overhelming. As slowly I paced thru the humongous campus, I took deep breaths of the fresh morning air and allowed the breeze to lift my jitters. Gradually allowing myself to adapt to this foreign territory.

My first class wasn't as terrifying as I had pictured in my head the night before. On that very day, I met a lot of fresh faces from various secondary backgrounds and interests with outstanding talents and skills, who've now become my close college friends. From the concrete classrooms to the brightly lit seminar hall all the way to the top of the range computer lab, we're always stuck together as a group just like a glue.

From that day onwards, life has never been the same for me again. Timetables began to kick in and a daily routine of going to college began to form. Booklists arrived and teachers began drilling tons of information into our puny little brain cells. What was I to expect? No one said college life was going to be smooth sailing. Throughout the day we were attending classes here and there, simply hectic. We were introduced to different teachers, who would be leading us on our way to success. The teachers were really nice and helpful, occasionally they can be really fierce but I understand that it’s for our own good and you just want us to do well.

Nothing beats a peaceful day at school, just kicking back with friends and family, but everyone must have something to hold on in life, something to call it their own. This place is where I will built up my life's story, the birth place of my career and future. With a blink of an eye, it's already mid April, classes are up and everyone's buzzing with assignments, the road ahead is filled with hardships and conflicts but will I make it through? I will. Like they always say, the past is history, the present is mine and the future is always filled with possiblities. As Vincci Lombardi once quoted " Winning isn't everything, but wanted to win is "