Yes, I'm still alive

I must apologise for the lack of posts lately. With things winding up in my current job before I take the new one in Kirstenbosch, I just haven't had time. So I shouldn't be surprised that I've lost all my readers... But I'll keep posting when I can.

new post!

It's been almost 3 weeks since the last post, so I thought I should do something about it. I think you should charge over here and pummel my opponents into the ground.

Half man, half mouse

Refering to my post below, I think it's an interesting idea: a human's brain inside a mouse! Quoting from the article:
'Professor Henry T. Greely, director of the Center for Law and the Biosciences and leader of the committee that considered the proposal, ..., (said), "We concluded that if we see any signs of human brain structures . . . or if the mouse shows human-like behaviors, like improved memory or problem-solving, it's time to stop."'

Can you imagine that?! For the first time, humankind will finally be able to get the perspective of being another animal!

But really I wonder why they want to do this? According to this article it's to investigate brain diseases like Alzeimers, schizophrenia, etc.. I still don't if I like the idea. I know people and families suffer with these dreadful diseases but we don't test on people. Why not? because we say that human's have some inalieble human rights. Why don't animals have rights? I think any form of testing should be voluntary. Since animals can't give their permission perhaps they shouldn't be used.

Mixing mice and men

Shock-horror when I discovered this article while following links from the site recommended in my previous post saying that they are going to implant human brain cells into a developing mouse's brain. They also discuss other animal testing such as pigs trying artificial corneas and monkeys get gene manipulations as if it were the most fun thing in the world! Sometimes I just don't like scientists! Their desire to discover things before anyone else, change the world and people's minds, which is often and mostly driven by the Ego, far outweighs the suffering that they may cause. grr....

Everyday myths derailed

I found a cool link to this science site where every day myths like the fact that we use only 10 % of our brains or that bubblegum takes 7 years to digest if swallowed or that the Great Wall of China is the only manmade object visible from space by astronauts.

It's strange...

how people can feel so much sympathy and love for cats, dogs and other animals that we adopt, whether they be tortoises, parrots or rabbits, yet happily eat cows, sheep, pigs and chickens. A lot of people really connect with domestic animals, they observe and appreciate their unique personalities, quirks and especially the companionship they give. These people believe that their pets do think and feel, and they really dislike seeing an animal being badly treated. I think it's wonderful to see the connection that can be built between humans and animals, but I also find it so odd that we (it was me too until recently) do not make the link between us and farm animals. Somehow these animals don't feel or think, and are not capable of building relationships or appreciating their lives. If that's what we think then yes it's fine for us to eat them. We need not think more about it.

I suppose we can also justify eating meat by saying it's the natural order of things. Lions eat buck and it's not pretty (I cringe at nature documentaries showing the hunt and kill). This is where I find myself struggling with what seems to be conflicting viewpoints, as someone who believes in nature and evolution (only) and places humans firmly amongst other living creatures, yet believing that human beings can strive for such high ideals and ethics through being aware and having the power to make truly liberated decisions (can we really? more confusion!).

The latter also seems to imply that yes we are ultimately better and above other animals? Well, I don't think it should be a question of superiority but simply one of difference. Each animal is uniquely and beautifully adapted to fit into its environment. A cat is not somehow deficient because it can't do maths, it is supremely athletic and agile, has lightening reflexes, insatiable curiousity, great eye-sight and hearing. How is it deficient for what it's meant to do? It's perfect. So how are we better? Especially when we don't use our natural abilities (like thinking, reflecting, compassion and caring).

There are a lot of things that are natural. It's suggested that rape, racism, war are natural, but that doesn't mean that those are principals we should strive for. I think on some reflection and especially, when we build understanding and empathy for others, we would wish to build a society that is not violent, but peaceful in all ways.

New Job at Kirstenbosch!

Well, I have finally made a decision regarding my future and what I want to do. That's why I have accepted a job offer (for much less money) to work for Cape Nature as a GIS Technician on project for Fine Scale Biodiversity Planning. I'm very lucky to be based at the spectacular Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens . Now who wouldn't die to have an office environment looking up onto the mountains and the lush forests down it's slope. I feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity to direct my career into biodiversity conservation at such a beautiful place.